A Virgin in Hollywood (1953)
A Virgin in Hollywood is a 1953 exploitation-style film that blends satire, soft-core elements, and a pseudo-documentary approach to expose the “darker” side of the entertainment industry. Directed by Klaytan W. Kirby, the film stars Dorothy Abbott in her only leading role, portraying a small-town newspaper reporter sent to investigate the scandalous undercurrents of Hollywood.
Plot Summary
Abbott’s character, based on author Darla Sloan, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind Hollywood’s glitz and glamour. What she finds is a world of burlesque dancers, shady modeling gigs, and eccentric personalities. Her journey leads her to a real-life location known as The Hacienda, a once-popular photo ranch used by cheesecake photographers in the 1950s.
Cast Highlights
- Dorothy Abbott as the intrepid reporter
- Thad Swift, Phil Rhodes, and Carol Brewster in supporting roles
- Features a lineup of burlesque performers and models, including Arline Hunter, who would later become Playboy’s Miss August 1954
- Includes several “bad burlesque comics” and dancers, adding to the film’s campy tone
Trivia & Cultural Context
- The film was based on a book by Darla Sloan and shot in part at The Hacienda, a real location known for risqué photo shoots
- Abbott’s voice-over narration was widely criticized for its monotone delivery, despite her previous appearances on Dragnet
- Though marketed as a comedy/music film, it’s often categorized as soft-core exploitation, reflecting the era’s fascination with Hollywood scandal
- The film was later featured in discussions of cheesecake photography and 1950s burlesque culture, making it a curious artifact of its time
