Brigitte Berman’s documentary Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel mixes nostalgia,  information and surprise in a fascinating peek at the life of a legendary young man who made things happen beyond his wildest dreams.

After interesting opening remarks by rock-band Kiss’s Gene Simmons, the film spotlights Hefner’s young life when he found his parents’ marriage thoroughly boring and too Puritan. By the time he was married with kids, he also found his own life dull and decided to start a magazine for men. After finding a calendar with a striking nude pose of Marilyn Monroe, Hefner negotiated the rights to use the photo as the centerfold for the first issue of Playboy in 1953. More than surprised that the issue became a major success, Hefner dug in to make changes. He decided to personally edit and craft every issue, which he’s continued to do.

Divorced and ready to go where no man went before, Hefner certainly shook up the sexual revolution. In the early years the magazine was read by every who’s who, famous or not. Earning accolades about its beautiful girls, compliments also included raves about its great content and interviews with noted personalities such as: Ray Bradbury; Tony Bennett; Jim Brown -- Social Activist/Retired NFL Player; Susan Brownmiller -- Feminist/Author; Attorney/Author Vince Bugliosi; and Reverend Malcolm Boyd -- Author. Even Pat Boone, who throughout much of the documentary expounds on the sinful nature of Hefner and his magazine, said when the magazine first came out, he was drawn to it.

After satisfying his creative drives, Hefner began to use Playboy as a voice for his views on social and political issues. He boldly took on topics of abortion rights, censorship, First Amendment rights and most importantly for its time -- racial equality. Many of these are detailed in the documentary.

Most people not around in the late 50s probably don’t know that Hefner also created Playboy’s Penthouse, a TV series filmed in Chicago. These shows appeared as a party with Playmates and VIP guests, who would listen to a band, dance a little and talk about current topics. It ran until 1961. After moving to Los Angeles, Hefner started another TV show in 1969, Playboy After Dark. Some of the VIPS appearing on the shows included Lenny Bruce, Pete Seeger, Country Joe and the Fish, Sammy Davis, Jr., Nat King Cole, Bob Newhart and Ella Fitzgerald.

While some of the Playmates went on to make names for themselves, others chose different career choices and even a smaller number actually moved into the famous Playboy Mansion in L.A. (I have been there, and it is quite alluring.) Actress/Author/Activist Jenny McCarthy, 1994 Playmate of the Year, said about her stint as a Playboy Bunny, “Playboy really changed my life because not only did it help me get famous, but more importantly, it made me feel proud to be a woman.” 

Several segments present opposing viewpoints. For example, feminist Susan Brownmiller refers to Hefner as the devil and maintains he uses women and degrades them.

One surprising element of the film involves information about Hefner (or some astute assistant) keeping large volumes of every magazine and news clip of his life. Even Hefner seems mesmerized as he turns one page after another of these volumes.

Also appearing and commenting in the film are Joan Baez, Tony Bennett, Pat Boone, Jim Brown, James Caan, Tony Curtis, Dick Gregory, Jesse Jackson, George Lucas, Pete Seeger,  Shannon Tweed, Ruth Westheimer, and Mike Wallace. Wallace interviewed Hefner several times over a decade and admitted he told Hefner -- in their first interview -- his idea of Playboy would never succeed.

Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel teeters between a “look at me” pat on the back by Hefner and a fascinating well-done story that reveals far more about Hefner than most of us knew. Hefner’s business aplomb is outstanding; his courage to face adversity admirable; and his life with all of those beauties, for many males I’m sure -- enviable.  

(Released by Phase 4 Films and rated “R” for graphic nudity and sexual content.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.