The Yum-Yum Girls
| The Yum-Yum Girls | |
|---|---|
Film poster | |
| Directed by | Barry Rosen |
| Written by |
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| Produced by | Gary Moscato |
| Starring | Tanya Roberts |
| Cinematography | Louie Lawless |
| Edited by | Ron Moses |
| Music by | Michael Karp |
Production company | Cinema 405 |
| Distributed by |
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Release date |
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Running time | 89 min |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Yum-Yum Girls is a 1976 American sexploitation film[1] directed by Barry Rosen and starring Tanya Roberts, Michelle Daw, Harlan Cary Poe, and Barbara Ackerman. The film provides a gritty and somewhat lurid look at the fashion industry and life in New York City in the 1970s through the eyes of a young woman pursuing a modeling career. The film remains largely obscure but has developed a cult following for its unique but troubling depiction of the modeling world.[2][3]
Plot
The film follows Melody (played by Michelle Daw), a small-town girl who arrives in New York City from Ohio with hopes of becoming a top fashion model. However, she quickly discovers that the glamorous world of modeling is harsh and unforgiving. The film portrays the darker side of the industry, including sexual harassment, manipulation, and moral decay. Melody faces numerous challenges and pitfalls in her quest for fame and success.[4]
Cast
- Michelle Daw as Melody
- Harlan Cary Poe as Peter (as Carey Poe)
- Barbara Ackerman as Locust Girl
- Sheila Anderson as Horizon Model
- Roger Baron as John
- Stanley Bernstein as Mr. Smoothie
- Tanya Roberts[5] as April
- Merwin Goldsmith as Max[6]
- Judy Landers as Holly
- James Rebhorn as Casting Director
References
- ^ Clark, Randall (1995). At a Theater Or Drive-in Near You: The History, Culture, and Politics of the American Exploitation Film. Taylor & Francis. p. 187. ISBN 978-0-8153-1951-1. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
- ^ Armstrong, Richard B.; Armstrong, Mary Willems (11 July 2015). Encyclopedia of Film Themes, Settings and Series. McFarland. p. 74. ISBN 978-1-4766-1230-0. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
- ^ Blockbuster Entertainment Guide to Movies and Videos, 1998. Random House Publishing Group. 1997. p. 1317. ISBN 978-0-440-22419-8. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
- ^ "The Yum Yum Girls (1976)". Letterboxd. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
- ^ Bailey, Noel (26 April 2024). They Died on My Watch: 2024 Edition. Austin Macauley Publishers. ISBN 979-8-88693-062-7. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
- ^ III, Harris M. Lentz (28 October 2020). Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2019. McFarland. p. 163. ISBN 978-1-4766-4059-4. Retrieved 11 September 2025.