Ep 9. Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder

American Playboy: The Hugh Hefner Story is a documentary series that chronicles the life and career of Playboy's founder, Hugh Hefner. The ninth episode of season one is titled "Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder."

This episode delves into the tragic murder of Dorothy Stratten, a Playboy Playmate who was brutally killed by her estranged husband in 1980. The episode also explores the impact that her death had on both the Playboy brand and Hefner personally.

As the episode begins, viewers are introduced to Stratten, a young and ambitious woman who was working at a Dairy Queen in Vancouver when she was discovered by a Playboy scout. She quickly rose to fame and was named Playmate of the Year in 1980. However, her success was short-lived when in the same year, she was murdered at just 20 years old.

The episode discusses the events leading up to Stratten's murder, including her romantic relationship with her manager, Paul Snider. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Stratten married Snider, hoping to help him advance his career and change his controlling behavior. However, their marriage quickly unraveled, and Snider became increasingly jealous and abusive.

Viewers will learn about the events that led up to Stratten's murder, including the events on August 14, 1980, when Snider brutally killed Stratten before turning the gun on himself. The episode dives into the aftermath of the tragedy and the impact it had on Hefner, who was devastated by the loss of one of his Playmates.

The episode also examines how the murder of Stratten led to changes within the Playboy brand. In the wake of her death, Hefner and his team implemented stricter policies for Playmates and their partners. They also created a trust in Stratten's name to provide for her family and ensure that her legacy would live on.

Overall, "Down the Rabbit Hole: The Dorothy Stratten Murder" is a poignant and emotional episode that sheds light on the darker side of the Playboy brand. It explores the complicated relationships between women and power, as well as the impact of tragedy on a global icon and his empire. This episode is a must-watch for fans of true crime and those interested in the cultural impact of the Playboy brand.