American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story Season 1 Episode 1 Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe

American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story is a docudrama TV series that chronicles the life and legacy of Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine. Season 1 of the show has 10 episodes that delve into various aspects of Hefner's personal and professional life, including his upbringing, his social and cultural impact, his romantic relationships, and his business strategies.

The first episode of season 1 is titled "Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe," and it explores Hefner's early years and his fascination with Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood's biggest stars of the 1950s. The episode introduces us to the young Hugh Hefner, a boy from a conservative middle-class family who grew up in Chicago during the Great Depression. We see how Hefner's parents influenced his upbringing, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a respect for education.

However, Hefner's interests and ambitions soon diverged from his parents' expectations. As a teenager, he became enamored with comics, movies, and jazz music, and he was eager to explore the world beyond his sheltered suburban environment. He attended the University of Illinois and earned a degree in psychology, but he quickly realized that he wanted to pursue a career in publishing and media.

The episode then shifts its focus to Marilyn Monroe, the iconic actress who captured Hefner's imagination and became his lifelong obsession. We learn about Monroe's early life and career, including her troubled upbringing, her modeling gigs, and her breakthrough role in the 1950 film "The Asphalt Jungle." We see how Monroe's beauty and charisma made her a sensation in Hollywood and a symbol of female sexuality and empowerment.

Hefner's infatuation with Monroe was more than just admiring a beautiful woman, though. He saw in her a reflection of his own desires and aspirations, as well as a symbol of the cultural changes that were occurring in America at the time. Monroe's image and persona embodied the allure of glamour, liberty, and hedonism that Hefner yearned to embrace and promote in his own work.

As Hefner worked odd jobs in the publishing industry and tried to launch his own magazine, he held onto his fascination with Monroe and incorporated her image and stories into his early publications. He also took a personal interest in Monroe's life and career, collecting memorabilia and keeping tabs on her whereabouts and relationships.

The episode ends with Monroe's tragic death in 1962, which shook Hefner and many others who admired her. We see how Hefner used his media platforms to pay tribute to Monroe and celebrate her legacy, while also using her story to enhance his own brand and message.

Overall, "Before the Bunny: Marilyn Monroe" sets the stage for the rest of American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story, as it introduces us to the complex and contradictory figure of Hugh Hefner and showcases his evolving relationship with one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. The episode is engaging, informative, and stylishly produced, with a mix of archival footage, interviews, and scripted scenes that bring the narrative to life. Whether you are a fan of Hefner or critical of his legacy, this episode and the rest of the series offer a fascinating look at a man and a magazine that shaped American culture in profound ways.