S.O.B. 1981

The narrative serves as a satirical take on the film industry and the extravagance of Hollywood life. We follow the journey of Felix Farmer, portrayed by Richard Mulligan, a wildly successful producer-director whose reign is abruptly halted by the disastrous flop of his latest project, leading him down a path of despair and madness. In his quest to escape his tumultuous reality, Felix attempts to end his life multiple times:

• His first attempt involves carbon monoxide poisoning in his vehicle. However, as fate would have it, the car accidentally shifts into gear, resulting in a chaotic drive through his garage, off a sand dune, and ultimately plunging into the Pacific Ocean.

• Next, hoping to find solace, he resorts to the kitchen oven’s gas, only to be interrupted by two guests focused on their own distractions.

• He then tries to hang himself from a rafter upstairs, but in a shocking twist, he crashes through the floor, landing directly on Polly Reed, a venomous gossip columnist played by Loretta Swit.

• In a final desperate act, he gets hold of a police officer’s gun, yet is thwarted in his attempt by a charming young woman in revealing attire, triggering a moment of clarity about the missing element in his films: Free Love!

From there, Felix spends a significant amount of time sedated as his friends and acquaintances occupy his beach house, leading to wild parties that devolve into debauchery. Rejuvenated by newfound inspiration, Felix sets out to redeem his film and reputation. He works tirelessly to persuade both the studio and his wife, Sally Miles, played by Julie Andrews, a wholesome movie star, to allow him to reinvent the project into a soft-core pornographic musical featuring her in a topless role.

This endeavor costs him nearly all his fortune, as he buys back the existing footage and finances further production, knowing that failure would lead to financial ruin for both him and Sally. Initially, David Blackman, the studio head, is willing to offload the project to Felix, but as the film’s potential for success becomes evident, they plot to reclaim control. Using California’s community property laws, they manipulate Sally into signing over distribution and final-cut rights.

In a desperate attempt to retrieve the movie negatives from a bank vault, Felix, armed only with a water pistol, encounters police who mistake it for a real firearm, leading to a tragic and violent climax. His death sends shockwaves through his circle, especially for his friends: Tim Culley, the lawyer portrayed by William Holden; Ben Coogan, the agent; and Dr. Finegarten, the personal doctor played by Robert Preston. In a bizarre twist, they concoct a plan to give Felix a burial at sea, stealing his body from a funeral home and replacing it with that of an underrated actor who had a heart attack earlier in the film. Ultimately, Felix receives a fiery Viking send-off on a small boat, while the lesser-known actor finally attains the Hollywood recognition many believed he deserved.