FILM RADAR: Undying respect for Hugh Hefner

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Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

Undying respect for Hugh Hefner

For as long as I can remember, Hugh Hefner and Playboy magazine have been ever present in popular culture. When I first flipped through an issue for myself, I felt that the magazine was promoting an image of the female body that 99% of us can’t possibly live up to. I felt annoyed, but not much more than that. However, the more I have learned about Hugh Hefner, the more I have come to really admire him and his passion for movies. When I went to my first “Festival of Film Preservation” at UCLA a few years back, I was stunned to see that Hugh Hefner had paid for a considerable amount of these projects. I know that Hefner has also funded several documentaries produced by Timeline films on Clara Bow, Louise Brooks and Marion Davies. I’ve also admired his dedication to the LA Conservancy. Every year, he sponsors the silent film night at the Last Remaining Seats series. He even attends each year with an entourage of playmates and security guards. Then I read a story about him today in the LA Times, which made me love him all the more. I can totally relate to Hefner’s lonely childhood and to his escape into a darkened theatre to see the movies. His bookshelves are full of Hollywood history books???? Mine too! After reading this article, I seriously wish I knew this man. I wish I could throw on a pair of pajamas and go over to his mansion to watch an old movie with him. I have far more in common with Mr. Hefner than I ever could have imagined.

Written by Karie (site owner) on 01/03 at 06:57 AM