Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel (2009)

Uncover the riveting narrative of Hugh Hefner, the audacious mastermind behind the Playboy empire, in the documentary "Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel". This film takes you on an intimate journey through Hefner's life, tracing his footsteps from the hallowed halls of Northwestern University to the glitzy heights of the Playboy kingdom. The young and ambitious Hefner ignited the spark of his empire with a single men's magazine, bolstered by a photo of rising starlet Marilyn Monroe, catapulting an instant hit that quickly sold 52,000 copies. Witness as the magazine's circulation soars to 5 million by 1955, marking a seismic shift in the cultural landscape. Hefner, however, was more than a mere publisher. He was a passionate advocate for social causes, challenging the repressive sexual laws of the United States and standing strong with the civil rights movement, despite being smeared as a smut merchant and accused of objectifying women. His television show, Playboy After Dark, broke barriers by featuring left-wing entertainers and providing a platform for African-Americans who had previously been denied a television outlet. For more than two decades, his Playboy clubs were the epitome of glamour, the pulsating heart of the cultural zeitgeist. This documentary interweaves rare footage and captivating interviews with an illustrious roster of 20th Century American pop culture icons. It provides an entertaining and insightful snapshot of Hefner's life, illuminating his relentless battles with government, the religious right, and militant feminists. Despite the controversies and criticisms, his magazine continues to champion the Playboy Philosophy, challenging societal norms and power structures. "Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel" is a brilliant exploration of an extraordinary man's life, a trailblazer who reshaped societal expectations of sexuality and freedom, leaving an indelible mark on the world. Watch as the Playboy empire unfolds, revealing the man, the myth, the legend - Hugh Hefner.

Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel is a documentary movie featuring Pat Boone and directed by Brigitte Berman.

It is possible to buy Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel on Microsoft Store.