The Last Picture Show: Banned Controversial Nude Scene

The Last Picture Show: Banned Controversial Nude Scene

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Controversial Nude Scene
3. Casting Cybill Shepherd
4. Behind the Scenes Drama
5. The Ban in Texas
6. Ben Johnson's Initial Reaction
7. Ben Johnson's Academy Award Win
8. The Film's Success and Awards
9. Peter Bogdanovich's Career
10. Peter and Cybill's Relationship

Introduction The Last Picture Show is a 1971 Texas-set high school drama that gained popularity for its frank depictions of sex and small-town scandal. Despite its success, the film also sparked controversy, leading to its ban in certain areas. This article delves into the controversy surrounding the film's nude scene involving Cybill Shepherd and explores the behind-the-scenes drama, casting choices, and subsequent impact on the careers of those involved.

The Controversial Nude Scene

The Last Picture Show featured a scene where the character Jacy, played by Cybill Shepherd, removes her top by the pool. While Shepherd was 21 years old during filming, the character was portrayed as a high school student, which added to the controversy. The film's mature themes and the inclusion of the nude scene stirred public ire, particularly in small-town America where the film was set. However, the scene also garnered positive Attention and became iconic in its own right.

Casting Cybill Shepherd

Cybill Shepherd caught the attention of director Peter Bogdanovich's then-wife, Polly Platt, thanks to her rising career as a model. Platt believed that Shepherd would be perfect for the role of Jacy in the film adaptation of Larry McMurty's Novel, The Last Picture Show. However, it led to a series of personal complications, as Bogdanovich and Shepherd began an affair on set, which ultimately led to the end of Bogdanovich's marriage to Platt. This behind-the-scenes drama added an extra layer of intrigue to the film.

Behind the Scenes Drama

The romantic involvement between Peter Bogdanovich and Cybill Shepherd was not the only behind-the-scenes drama during the production of The Last Picture Show. Bogdanovich's ex-wife, Polly Platt, continued to work as the production designer on the film, making the situation even more complicated. The personal relationships on set mirrored some of the scandalous themes explored in the film itself.

The Ban in Texas

The Last Picture Show was set in a small town in Texas, which ironically led to its ban in numerous Texas towns due to the controversial nude scene involving Cybill Shepherd, a prominent model at the time. The film's sensual content was deemed inappropriate for audiences in those regions, leading to widespread condemnation. However, as time passed and the film reached a wider audience, the ban was lifted and the controversy subsided.

Ben Johnson's Initial Reaction

One of the film's stars, Ben Johnson, initially hesitated to accept a role in The Last Picture Show after reading the script. He considered it a "dirty movie" and contemplated turning it down. However, director John Ford convinced Johnson to take the part, as he saw artistic potential in the film. Johnson trusted Ford's judgment, ultimately leading to his Academy Award-winning performance.

Ben Johnson's Academy Award Win

Ben Johnson's decision to trust director John Ford and take the role in The Last Picture Show paid off. His performance in the film earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This not only solidified Johnson's talent but also brought recognition to the film and its controversial yet impactful narrative.

The Film's Success and Awards

Despite the initial bans and controversy, The Last Picture Show achieved commercial and critical success upon its release. The film's black-and-white format, a departure from the norm at the time, added to its unique appeal. Along with Ben Johnson's Academy Award win, Cloris Leachman also won an Academy Award for her supporting role in the film. The Last Picture Show received further nominations and established Peter Bogdanovich as a talented director.

Peter Bogdanovich's Career

Before directing The Last Picture Show, Peter Bogdanovich worked as a film critic. The film became the highlight of his career, surpassing his previous directing efforts. However, after the success of The Last Picture Show and his subsequent film Paper Moon, Bogdanovich's career experienced a decline. This trend coincided with the end of his relationship with Cybill Shepherd and several failed attempts to recreate their previous success.

Peter and Cybill's Relationship

The romance between Peter Bogdanovich and Cybill Shepherd ultimately ended after a series of failed film projects. While Bogdanovich attempted to provide Shepherd with starring roles in Daisy Miller and At Long Last Love, both films failed at the box office and received harsh criticism. These disappointments played a significant role in the deterioration of their relationship. However, Shepherd found success again under the direction of Martin Scorsese in Taxi Driver.

In conclusion, despite the controversy surrounding The Last Picture Show and its infamous nude scene, the film remains an important piece of American cinema history. The personal dramas that unfolded behind the scenes added depth to the narrative, reflecting the scandals depicted in the film itself. While the film faced initial bans and objections, it persevered and achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. The Last Picture Show solidified the careers of those involved, although it also marked the beginning and end of certain relationships. Even after 50 years, the film's impact and titillation still resonate with audiences today.

Highlights:

• The Last Picture Show's controversial nude scene sparked bans and objections, particularly in small-town Texas.
• Director Peter Bogdanovich's affair with Cybill Shepherd on set ended his marriage and created a scandal.
• Ben Johnson's Oscar-winning performance in the film proved the artistic merit of The Last Picture Show.
• The film's success led to Academy Awards for both Johnson and Cloris Leachman.
• The Last Picture Show marked a turning point in Bogdanovich's career, leading to dwindling success.

FAQ:

Q: What was the controversy surrounding The Last Picture Show? A: The film's nude scene involving Cybill Shepherd, a prominent model at the time, sparked bans in certain areas and received objections due to its inclusion of sexual content and mature themes.

Q: Did The Last Picture Show receive any awards? A: Yes, Ben Johnson won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, and Cloris Leachman won for Best Supporting Actress. The film also received numerous nominations.

Q: How did The Last Picture Show impact the careers of those involved? A: The film solidified Peter Bogdanovich's career as a director and brought recognition to the talents of Ben Johnson and Cloris Leachman. It also marked the beginning and end of Bogdanovich's relationship with Cybill Shepherd.

Q: How did the ban on The Last Picture Show in Texas affect its reception? A: The ban initially hindered the film's success in small-town Texas, but over time, it reached a wider audience and the controversy subsided.

Q: Did Peter Bogdanovich and Cybill Shepherd collaborate on any other projects after The Last Picture Show? A: Yes, Bogdanovich attempted to recreate their previous success with films like Daisy Miller and At Long Last Love, but both projects failed at the box office and received negative reviews.