Set in 1960s Chicago, inseparable best friends Ruby (Julia Condra) and Holly (Marina Black) both work as seamstresses but dream of fame and fortune. Both women are absolutely gorgeous in their own right but their personalities differ. Ruby is exuberant, carrying more confidence and determination. She wants to be a fashion designer and start her own business, whereas shy but smart Holly wants a city salary so she can help out her family. After Ruby is fired for spending too much time altering a dress in the way she wants, rather than the way she’s supposed to, both women’s heads are turned by a newspaper ad offering the opportunity to become a Playboy Bunny—a waitress who works at a Playboy Club.
Directed by Randall Miller (Bottle Shock) and written by Merry M. Helm (whose only other credit is for writing Following Her Heart, a 1994 TV movie starring Ann-Margret and George Segal), A Tale of Two Bunnies is a TV movie from 2000. There’s little information available on this film, but it could be inspired by the two-part article journalist Gloria Steinem published in 1963 on her experiences working as a Playboy Bunny for 11 days. The film therefore provides an insight into what exactly that entails: a stern training program, the revealing costume, the proper method of serving drinks, the “bunny dip,” and the correct method for fending off customers who ignore Hugh Hefner’s “look but don’t touch” policy. In the film, Bunny Mother Miranda (Marilu Henner) teaches the women this etiquette, and dresser Thelma (Rhea Perlman) encourages Ruby to stuff her bra—the Bunny costumes only came in two bust sizes (34D and 36D), after all. A small rib cage with huge breasts was the ideal Playboy Bunny look.
It was interesting to learn about the Merit/Demerit system which states that a Bunny who earns 100 merits is awarded the sum of $25 and a Bunny who earns 100 demerits is dismissed from the Playboy Club. “That’s harsh,” Ruby says as Holly reads out the rules. Merits do at least cancel out demerits, but you can get ten demerits for things like chewing gum in front of customers. This scene in particular is juxtaposed by their loud and impolite nature while dining. Will the women have what it takes?
Ruby and Holly’s Playboy Bunny journey differs. Holly’s sweet and demure nature catches the attention of bartender Corky (Mark Famiglietti) and it also enables her to quickly rise through the ranks. At first, she struggles with remembering orders and the glasses and garnishes used for certain drinks. She’s also offended when a customer asks for a Slow Screw (a slow gin and orange juice). Ruby has a stronger grasp and confidence on waitressing and interacting with the customers, however she gets demerits frequently for things like chewing gum and wearing earrings. Ruby also becomes addicted to the diet pills used by some of the other Bunnies and starts seeing one of the customers. Speaking of the other Bunnies, Bunny Georgia (Sandra P. Grant) and Bunny Evie (Kristin Booth) were great additions to the cast, both strong, fiery and lively women. There’s also Ben (Shane Daly), the room director who protects the Bunnies. He’s lovely and I would trust him with my life.
Ruby and Holly do everything together. Ruby is the type of friend that many women will have had since they were teenagers—the confident, sexy one that we’re jealous of, but she also encourages us to step out of our comfort zone which can lead to greater experiences and opportunities. Meanwhile, Holly has the deer-in-headlights look, less confidence, and might have to work a bit harder at the things Ruby seems to naturally excel at. The women both find their strengths and excel in their own ways, though. They have their ups and downs as Ruby struggles being knocked by Holly’s success—but friendship prevails in the end and they know how to support one another in achieving their respective dreams.
Aesthetically, A Tale of Two Bunnies is absolutely gorgeous—the costumes, and not just the Bunny outfits, by Judith R. Gellman are bold, colourful, feminine and scream 60s, as does the stunning makeup by Traci Loader. Production designer Gerry Holmes and cinematographer Mike Ozier complete the vision, making every single shot in this film pure art. There are so many interesting shots that stand out; a favourite is when Ruby and Holly are in bed, the former designing outfits, the latter stuffing her face with popcorn while watching TV, and the shot rises up from the back of the television, the antenna sticking up like the head of an insect during the shot.
The film has a lot of energy. It’s a breezy 90 minutes with some nice messages about friendship and not giving up on your dreams. There’s a romance that doesn’t take over the central plot and some light commentary on how being a Playboy Bunny was generally looked down upon, particularly by other women, though Ruby and Holly are empowered by it. The film isn’t as dark as you might think either. It’s actually rather light-hearted with low stakes and scattered moments of humour. For example, after their successful test shots, Ruby and Holly head out to celebrate with a hearty meal at a diner. “Sorry, we just got out of prison,” Ruby says to a nearby man disrupted by their loud enjoyment of their meals. This reflects Ruby’s boisterous personality. The writing is good at letting everyone’s distinct personalities shine, and the cast are skilled in bringing it to life throughout the film. Every single character is an integral supporting player. A Tale of Two Bunnies is a lovely little hidden gem available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
SOME MORE SCREENCAPS FROM THE FILM, CAPTURED BY ME
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