The Look of Love 2013

As Paul Raymond (played by) settles into his London flat in 1992, a somber mood hangs over him like a misty veil. The recent funeral of his daughter Debbie has left an indelible mark on his psyche, and as he plays back a videotape of a television program he and Debbie once appeared in together, the memories come flooding back. In this poignant moment, Raymond is transported to a bygone era, one that holds the secrets of his rise to prominence.

Flashbacks reveal Raymond’s humble beginnings as an impresario on the seaside variety show circuit in the late 1950s. He was a master of reinvention, transforming his acts into sensational spectacles featuring semi-nude women. The lion attack on the dancers only served to fuel his ambitions, and when his wife Jean joined the show, Raymond’s star began to rise. The ensuing scandal over the Daily Sketch’s claim that Jean performed nude led to an unsuccessful lawsuit, but the publicity proved a boon for Raymond’s career. He capitalized on the notoriety by opening the infamous Raymond Revuebar in London, which would become the cornerstone of his property empire and a symbol of his playboy lifestyle.

As the years went by, Raymond continued to push boundaries, moving into theatrical revues and launching the careers of aspiring actresses like Amber St. George. Their tumultuous relationship was marked by passion and indulgence, and ultimately led to the demise of his marriage to Jean. In this same period, Raymond reconnected with a grown son he had fathered out of wedlock, Derry, but their awkward dinner together would be the last they shared before Raymond cut him out of his life.

Raymond’s fascination with Tony Power, a young man in his 20s, led to the launch of Men Only magazine. Power was drawn into a world of sleaze and corruption, ultimately meeting an untimely demise. The magazine’s success can be attributed, in part, to St. George’s provocative role as a “sex reporter” under the pseudonym Fiona Richmond. Raymond continued to live life on his own terms, indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle fueled by cocaine.

Debbie’s introduction into this mix marked the beginning of a new era for Raymond. Initially, he sought to make her a star in his theatrical ventures, but her lack of talent led to a show that bombed. Debbie married musician Jonathan Hodge, and Jean returned for their wedding, volunteering to pose nude for Raymond’s magazine. In the delivery room, Debbie gave birth to a girl after snorting cocaine provided by Raymond. Her tragic death in 1992, due to a heroin overdose, left an indelible mark on her father.

Following the funeral, Raymond returns home with his granddaughter, pointing out the properties that will someday belong to her. The weight of his legacy hangs heavy over him as he reflects on the life he has lived. An epilogue reports that in December 1992, Paul Raymond was the richest man in Britain, a testament to his enduring success and lasting impact on popular culture.