Rue McClanahan takes a walk on the wild side in this black-and-white L.A. exploitation drama.
HOLLYWOOD AFTER DARK
See the shocking truth of the girls who come for fame... but stay for the shame!
A young girl comes to Hollywood to try to break into the movies, but winds up being taken advantage of by sleazy producers, and is forced to become a stripper.
Rue had to survive Hollywood’s underbelly before she could retire in Miami.
Before she was a Golden Girl, Rue McClanahan was navigating Hollywood’s grimiest gutters in this black-and-white slice of sleaze. Expect casting couches, stripteases, and existential despair—all on a shoestring budget that barely covers the pasties. It’s a cult sexploitation curio where broken dreams meet armed robbery.
— SassyFlix Programmer
Hollywood After Dark is a 1961 American drama film directed by John Hayes about a naive aspiring actress who is exploited by sleazy producers and forced into stripping, while her junkyard-owner lover plans a robbery to help her escape Hollywood’s seedier side.
- Director
- John Hayes
- Writer
- John Hayes
- Release
- 1961
- Runtime
- 1h 14m
- Genres
- Drama
- Also Known As
- Walk the Angry Beach, The Unholy Choice
Synopsis
Why Cult
Catch Rue McClanahan in a raw early role as a fame-seeking ingénue, years before her TV stardom.
The film doesn’t shy from seedy Hollywood tropes: sleazy producers, stripping, and the dark side of ambition.
A junkyard poet hatches a heist to rescue his lover from the underbelly of Los Angeles nightlife.
A prime example of early '60s grindhouse and sexploitation cinema, complete with topless dancing and existential angst.
Questions from the Vault
What is Hollywood After Dark about? +
Hollywood After Dark follows a naive actress who, lured by dreams of stardom, is exploited by Hollywood producers and forced to strip, while her lover plans a robbery to help her escape.
When was Hollywood After Dark released? +
Hollywood After Dark was released in 1961.
Who directed Hollywood After Dark? +
Hollywood After Dark was directed by John Hayes.
How long is Hollywood After Dark? +
Hollywood After Dark has a runtime of 74 minutes.
What genre is Hollywood After Dark? +
Hollywood After Dark is a drama film.
Where can I watch Hollywood After Dark? +
Hollywood After Dark is available to stream on SassyFlix.