The Happy Hooker is a 1975 film mostly known for spawning two sequels with ever-decreasingly renowned actresses in the lead role. For the first one, we get Lynn Redgrave to add an air of credibility to the proceedings. I'll probably get around to the sequels later, maybe a two-for-one, but this one can stand on its own two hooker heels.
The Happy Hooker – The Film
Based on a book of the same name, the film follows the inspiring story of a struggling Dutch immigrant who overcomes all obstacles to becoming a *checks notes* hooker. The film is told in flashback from a framing story where Xaviera Hollander and her friends are booked in a police station where they spend the night in jail, offering her a chance to reflect on how she got there.
The Happy Hooker – The Furs
Good news, the framing story at the police station involves our favorite trope: hookers in fur. In fact, were we to look at the history of this trope, The Happy Hooker is a key example.
We even get the full lineup as the ladies present themselves, and their furs, for booking. First, April (Darlene Parks) and her blue fox-trimmed mink jacket.
Followed by May (Anita Morris) and her dyed fox stroller. It looks vaguely like red fox here, but you'll see more at the end.
Next, Aurora (Pal Henry) and a fox stole she will misplace.
Finally, Xaviera (Lynn Redgrave) herself and the white mink coat we will become very familiar with.
On with the flashbacks where we find Xaviera and her fur-collared coat arriving in America to meet her would-be fiance.
Trouble brews in paradise, and she dumps him.
The action cuts back to the police station so we can check in on the ladies and their furs throughout the film.
We catch glimpses of her adventures, including this one with a politician where she wears… this. This is perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the film, as this outfit remains on (and on-screen) for quite some time. During a particularly “sexy” moment, as well. It is clearly not real fur, but I'm including it for the sake of… well, some of you will like it, I guess.
We see Xaviera in a couple of other furs, including this pastel mink, as she exits the abode of a lady client.
We also get some backstory to Aurora, where she wears a red fox fur coat.
Eventually, the ladies' lawyer arrives and springs them. Note Aurora's stole from the opening is missing, and she's now wearing the red fox from her flashback. Also, note the contrast between May's green-dyed fox coat and Aurora's.
The Happy Hooker offers some impressive bang for the buck, say I, in no way aware of any possible double meaning there. You get almost 20 minutes of fur… and fur-like material. Yes, that figure does include the “not fur.” The film would likely be an all-time classic had it not been for that misfire. A nice white fox would really have made that scene. Sadly, you'll have to make do with the other 12 minutes of real fur elsewhere in the film. Even with the “boost,” it does not quite make it to the 20% club.
- Fur Runtime: approx 18 minutes
- Film Runtime: 96 minutes
- On-Screen Fur Ratio: 18.65%
Find-a-Fur: The Happy Hooker, 1975
(all times are approximate and are affected by the cut of the film)
- 02:45 – 08:14 – multi fox coats + white mink
- 18:00 – 19:20 – ”
- 24:45 – 25:25 – ”
- 38:55 – 48:53 – ”
- 1:12:30 – 1:14:35 – pastel mink
- 1:16:45 – red fox
- 1:22:00 – 1:25:30 – ” + white mink
- 1:31:50 – 1:34:40 – multi fox coats + white mink
Fur Fashion Gallery: The Happy Hooker, 1975
