American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story

During the mid-1950s, Hugh Hefner and Playboy gain national success, giving Hefner an opportunity to speak out about social issues while enjoying the perks of being Mr. Playboy.

Mouse over thumbnail for slideshow

Or scroll and see one by one:

#2

Uh, Hef?

#3

What do you think of the studio?

#4

and we were able to take advantage of that.

#5

That was very influential.

#6

the photographs felt more lifelike.

#7

Don't get mad at me for calling bullshit.

#8 #9

and quickly became synonymous with our brand.

#10 #11

Demand for the magazine was rising every month,

#12 #13

I get in half a day that way with the staff

#14

But with the magazine taking up all of my time,

#15

And that was true for decades.

#16

might be tuned in to one program.

#17

because it was the very early days of the magazine.

#18

doing a really successful job

#19

Truthfully, without any reservation, yes.

#20

He said, in between segments of the show,

#21

people are going to have something to say about you.

#22

the possibilities of livin' the life.

#23

... and I even added a new accessory to my image, a pipe.

#24

In 1959, I was even asked to appear

#25

There was already a fascination with Playboy as a phenomenon.

#26 #27 #28 #29

The show was going to be a huge undertaking,

#30

and a tiny budget,

#31 #32

and the FBI to intervene

#33

Nat King Cole stays and so does everyone else.

#34

and Hefner's intentional ability to break that barrier

#35

on a brand-new television show,

#36

Nat, what a surprise! Great.

#37

It's great having you with us, Ella.

#38

to become bigger than just a magazine.

#39

and I wanted you to hear it from me first.

#40

He feels it.

#41 #42

was pretty special, even by those standards.

#43

We were dissimilar. And what I wanted,

#44

would be the answer to my romantic dreams,

#45

I bought a bachelor pad.

#46

It has woodwork in it and a size and magnificence

#47

Hef had the finest wine, but he doesn't drink.

#48

and you got into this pillowed room

#49

and in December of 1961,

#50