The Notorious Bettie Page

In 1949, Bettie Page, deeply ambitious yet naïve, leaves her home in Nashville, Tennessee. She is determined to break free from her traumatic past, which includes experiences of sexual abuse and a failed marriage.

Upon arriving in New York City, Bettie enrolls in an acting class in hopes of finding a new path in life. This move marks the beginning of her journey to reinvent herself away from her troubled past.

While strolling on Coney Island beach, Bettie catches the eye of amateur photographer Jerry Tibbs. He encourages her to model for him and suggests a new hairstyle, suggesting the iconic bangs that she would later be known for.

Bettie's modeling career skyrockets as she becomes popular among nature photographers, including Bunny Yeager. She poses comfortably, often disrobing at requests, which highlights her confidence and boldness.

Bettie attracts the attention of Paula and Irving Klaw, siblings who run a business in movie memorabilia while exploring fetish photography. With the help of their top model Maxie, Bettie dives headfirst into this new, provocative realm.

Dressed in leather corsets and thigh-high boots, Bettie adopts the BDSM aesthetic, wielding whips and chains. This transformation amplifies her allure and attracts an underground audience that is fascinated by her provocative images.

In 1955, Bettie is unexpectedly called to testify at a Senate hearing led by Senator Estes Kefauver, who investigates pornography's influence on American youth. She endures a grueling 12-hour wait only to be dismissed without explanation, leaving her upset and confused.

Following her disheartening experience at the Senate hearing, Bettie retreats to Miami Beach. It is during this time that she begins to confront her uncertain future in the entertainment industry and what it means for her career.

While in Miami, Bettie discovers a small evangelical church that reignites her Christian faith. Embracing her spirituality during an altar call, she openly declares her unashamed acceptance of her past.

After rekindling her faith, Bettie takes to the streets to share her message of the gospel. She hopes to impart her newfound purpose to others, illustrating her transformation from model to a messenger of faith.

As Bettie begins her spiritual journey, Irving Klaw's health suffers due to the legal pressures surrounding their work. Faced with impending prosecution, he decides to destroy their vast collection of erotic photographs.

Despite Irving's decision, Paula Klaw secretly saves the negatives of Bettie's most famous images. By doing so, she ensures that Bettie's legacy will endure and be appreciated by future generations.