Once Upon a Body

Grace leaves her boring boyfriend, Steve, to hang out with two tough-talking big-wigged hustlers. The gals scheme to roll a closet-case they know won't squeal on them. After Ann lifts $700 bucks of his hard-earned money, the gals divvy it out and have an orgy to celebrate. Ann prefers her own knowing hands, while Grave and Joyce get some male satisfaction. During the festivities, a guy shows up at the door wanting in on their little party but gets the heave-ho. He comes back and rapes Joyce, tossing a quarter on her as she exclaims she just had the best lay of her life. Meanwhile, Grace initiates Ann into the girls' club. Joyce goes back to her overweight boyfriend and tells him she finally met a real stud. Not one for criticism, he strangles her. Grace decides that dull suits her just fine and goes back to Steve.

Directed by Sam S. Catah, Once Upon a Body leans on a strong ensemble — Linda Boyce, Susan Evans, Larry Hunter — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 1969.