Documentary on Late Penthouse Founder Bob Guccione Set for 2013

NEW YORK — EPIX has acquired U.S. broadcasting and streaming rights to Barry Avrich’s feature-length documentary film on Bob Guccione, the late founder of Penthouse Magazine.

According to EPIX's announcement, "Filthy Gorgeous: The Extraordinary World of Bob Guccione" is "an honest, hard-hitting account of the Renaissance man and provocateur."

The EPIX original documentary begins production this Fall and will premiere on EPIX in the Fall of 2013 as part of the network’s Wednesday Docs series.

The filmmakers say "Filthy Gorgeous" will the story of "a visionary, public-relations master, recluse and self-destructive optimist, who went from the pinnacle of power, worth hundreds of millions of dollars — to virtually dying penniless."

Filmmaker Barry Avrich decided to make "Filthy Gorgeous" the day Guccione passed away. “I realized that Guccione’s outrageous, yet powerful legacy, could be a spectacular film," Avrich said. "Whether making films, dethroning Miss America, or pushing the envelope in science and publishing, Guccione was an icon.”

With dreams of establishing his own movie studio, Guccione branched out into Hollywood, investing money in "The Longest Yard," "The Day of the Locust and Chinatown." In 1976, he began work on "Caligula," the world's first big budget X-rated film.

Avrich’s past directing efforts have included documentaries on powerful entertainment moguls: "Unauthorized: The Harvey Weinstein Project and The Last Mogul: The Lew Wasserman Story."

Produced, written and directed by Avrich, "Filthy Gorgeous: The Extraordinary World of Bob Guccione" is a Melbar Entertainment Group production in association with EPIX, Astral’s The Movie Network and Corus Entertainment’s Movie Cental, with funding from Rogers Telefund, CAVCO and the OMDC.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Transfixed Debuts Bree Miller Drama 'MILF Oasis'

Transfixed has released the Bree Mills-helmed drama “MILF Oasis.”

Sweet Sinner Releases 6th Volume of 'MILF Pact'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Bunny Madison, Katrina Colt, and Little Puck in the sixth volume of "MILLF Pact," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Hime Marie Leads Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Hime Marie returns to Hookup Hotshot for a new scene featuring Nade Nasty.

Angelica Heaven Leads Latest From Immoral Productions

Angelica Heaven stars in a new Immoral Productions trilogy alongside Terry Banks, Matt Bird, Rob Hudson, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Payton Preslee Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Payton Preslee and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Jade Venus, Aubrey Kate Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Jade Venus and Aubrey Kate star in a scene from Evil Angel titled “TS Aubrey & TS Jade Do 3 Uniformed Men.”

Jonni Darkko Drops New Evil Angel Blowbang With Connie Perignon

Connie Perignon stars in the latest Evil Angel blowbang release from director Jonni Darkko.

Octokuro, Matty Mila Lead Latest From Parasited

Octokuro and Matty Mila star in “Respawn” from Parasited.

Lilly Bell Fronts Latest From Blacked Raw

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars with Chocolate Rod in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Abigaiil Morris, Girthmasterr Star in Latest From Brazzers

Abigaiil Morris and Brazzers exclusive Girthmasterr star in the latest scene from Brazzers, titled “Smile! Thick Dick, DMD Is Ready to Drill.”

Show More