Death of a Centerfold

source: Death of a Centerfold

Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story

I loved it all the way up to the tragic, horrible end! If not for the terrible-real-life ending, this movie had all the makings of a fairytale! I just LOVE the way these old TV movies were made- with lots of warmth and romanticism, right down to the sexy sax muzak. Just lovely! There was hope up until the very last minute, that Dorothy would reconsider and just not see Paul anymore, but alas. This shows that not all fairytales have happy endings. But up until then, what a great movie with a terrific cast! Jamie Lee Curtis, while not quite right for the part, did a terrific job, and I recommend this to all fellow JLC fans. Also of note is "The Brady Bunch" dad, Robert Reed; what a treat seeing him too. Fab film from the golden age of made-for-TV movies! There was also a theatrically released film about Dorothy made a couple years later, called "Star 80" directed by "Cabaret"'s Bob Fosse, which would make a great double-feature with this one. R. I. P. Dear Dorothy Stratten.

Why did they change Bogdonavitch to someone named David Palmer? This version made little sense. Star 80 is the far better film.

Usually, in Hollywood biopics, they will cast actors that are more attractive than their real-life counterparts. No so this time, which makes the obsession of the boyfriend difficult to believe.

I have to say that this version is interesting, with the casting of Jamie Lee Curtis (the "Scream Queen"), one of my favorite actresses as Dorothy, although she doesn't bear much of a resemblance. Although I think that Bob Fosse's "STAR 80" is better, this version has something good going for it - the inner strength that Dorothy discovers, but she is still unable to save herself. (Maybe the fact that a woman directed it had some influence). Bruce Weitz is overbearing as Snider, but he seems a bit too old. Remember, Paul Snider was 29 when he died. This film's version of events leading up to the crime doesn't quite feel right, but no matter. It's a cut above a lot of other TV movies. But if you want something closer to the real story, watch "STAR 80". This one will do, though.