HOLLYWOOD BABYLON

The Down and Dirty Side of the Dream Makers

1972 · 01:27:00 · X · Drama · IMDB TMDB

A faux cautionary documentary that portrays several notorious celebrity sex scandals from the golden age of Hollywood through film clips and often humorous softcore reenactments.

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Quick Answer

What is Hollywood Babylon about?

Hollywood Babylon is a 1972 American drama directed by Van Guylder. This faux documentary dramatizes notorious celebrity sex scandals from the golden age of Hollywood through film clips and satirical softcore reenactments.

The SassyFlix Take

Hollywood Babylon doesn't just air Hollywood's dirty laundry, it parades it through a series of tongue-in-cheek, X-rated vignettes—silent film style. With real and rumored scandals from Tinseltown's early days, it’s a meta-movie for those who like their history with a side of scandal and softcore.

From the Vault

Proof that Hollywood’s skeletons look even cheekier in silent, X-rated reenactments.

Why Cult

Star Scandal Vignettes

The film reenacts infamous celebrity scandals—both real and rumored—featuring figures like Charlie Chaplin, Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle, and Marlene Dietrich.

Faux Documentary Style

Presented as a mock cautionary documentary, it blends narration with playful, semi-serious commentary on old Hollywood’s secrets.

Silent Film Softcore

Despite its 1972 release, this X-rated drama is a silent film, channeling early Hollywood aesthetics while delivering softcore reenactments.

Kenneth Anger Connection

Based on Kenneth Anger’s infamous book, the film dramatizes both documented and rumored scandals, blurring fact and legend.

Synopsis

A faux cautionary documentary based on Kenneth Anger's book Hollywood Babylon that portrays several notorious celebrity sex scandals from the golden age of Hollywood through film clips and often humorous softcore reenactments. Like the book, the movie covers both real and rumored scandals. The movie consists of sexploitational vignettes narrated by the semi-serious narrator. Some of the real life people portrayed in the movie are not named directly but its heavily implied who they're suppose to be. The movie focuses on Olive Thomas, Wallace "Wally" Reid, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Marion Davies and the Thomas H. Ince incident, Charlie Chaplin and Lita Grey, Rudolph Valentino, Marlene Dietrich's bisexuality, Erich von Stroheim, and Clara Bow.

Details & Specs

Director: Van Guylder
Writers: L.K. Farbella, Kenneth Anger
Release: 1972
Runtime: 1h 27m
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Genres: Drama

Themes & Keywords

Female Nudity Independent Film Murder Nudity Softcore Lesbian Sex Male Rear Nudity Lesbianism Suicide Female Female Kiss Bondage Public Nudity Adultery Whipping Cheating Wife Voice Over Narration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hollywood Babylon about? +

When was Hollywood Babylon released? +

Hollywood Babylon was released in 1972.

Who directed Hollywood Babylon? +

Hollywood Babylon was directed by Van Guylder.

How long is Hollywood Babylon? +

Hollywood Babylon has a runtime of 87 minutes.

Is Hollywood Babylon a silent film? +

Yes, Hollywood Babylon is a silent film.

What genre is Hollywood Babylon? +

Hollywood Babylon is classified as a drama.