Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story

Death of a Centerfold: The Dorothy Stratten Story tells a tragic real-life tale with seriousness and sympathy, but it's limited by its made-for-TV roots. Centered on the brief life and murder of rising Playboy model Dorothy Stratten, the film attempts to explore themes of control, fame, and vulnerability. Jamie Lee Curtis delivers a commendable performance, bringing quiet strength to the role, and the film's intentions feel sincere. Unfortunately, its impact is softened by a formulaic script and flat production.

As a dramatization, it leans heavily into the melodrama at times, occasionally sacrificing nuance in favor of tension. Some character portrayals, particularly of Paul Snider, border on caricature, even though the film clearly wants to be a cautionary story about obsession and exploitation. There are moments that land emotionally, but others feel rushed or underdeveloped, especially considering the complexity of the real people involved.

Despite its flaws, the film still resonates in moments-largely thanks to Curtis, who makes Dorothy more than just a headline. It's not a great biopic, but it's a passable one that at least tries to give its subject a voice. For viewers interested in true stories from Hollywood's darker corners, Death of a Centerfold may be worth watching, but it doesn't quite do full justice to the story it's telling.

I remember years ago one day at my grandmother's and aunts house watching this TV movie one day on a snow day being off from school I believe many many years ago on TBS, and I just recently watched it again on DVD and it's a pretty good TV movie. Made in 1981 it tells the rise and fall of the late 1970's early 1980's model turned playmate Dorothy Stratten and it's rightfully called "Death of a Centerfold" The Stratten Story as this young woman would meet a violent end. The film starts in Victoria British Columbia with a young Dorothy Stratten(in a young and sexy performance from Jamie Lee Curtis)who works in a local ice creme shop and lives with her aunt. And all of a sudden it all changes for her when one day a con man and wheel dealer named Paul Snider enters the shop and offers her a deal to model. And this would put Dorothy on a path of fame and fortune out to L.A. for a rich life to live and later Stratten becomes "Playboy's Playmate of the Month". Only sadly all of this is taken away in a fit of brutal jealous rage from Paul as even his sense of obligation of marrying Dorothy was not enough for Paul. As if Paul(Bruce Weitz) couldn't have her and enjoy Dorothy's success then nobody else could either! Overall this TV film is a tragedy of a life cut short showing that fame can come with a price.

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.

Jamie Lee Curtis is not only a terrible actress, but also devoid of charm and attractiveness. She was terribly miscast. She inherited none of her parent's charisma or looks, let alone talent.

This terrible TV movie is an insult to poor Dorothy. It is painful to watch.

Curtis should stick to cheap horror movies, which she has done for the most part. Now her career is reduced to be a lookalike stand in for Anderson Cooper.

Star 80 is a far superior film, though I don't think either one do Dorothy Justice. Both are basically exploiting the lady's tragic end.

Rest in peace Dorothy. You deserved so much better.

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