Still oozing sex appeal, fiftysomething "Dynasty" star Joan Collins (as Kay Dillon) discovers dramatically handsome young Jon-Erik Hexum (as Tyler Burnett) working on a ranch in Nevada. Before you can say, "Howdy cowboy, where's your horse?" Ms. Collins offers to take the muscular hunk to New York City, where she'll make Mr. Hexum the star of her modeling agency. At first, Hexum is a hard sell, resisting the "weirdoes and queers". But eventually, he gets plucked and… well, you get the idea.Classic TV-movie tailored trash. Don't miss the credit: "film editor, Dick Darling". Hexum, Collins, and "Dynasty" followers will be pleased. Collins accurately describes Hexum: "He's got that natural raw sex look." You'll also get to hear photographer Arte Johnson demand, "Take off your shirt I want to see you body," and Kevin McCarthy informs, "You're paid to show off your pectorals and your tight butt." The other photographers, including Robert Walker Jr., are, likewise, a scream.Unbeknownst to everyone, Jeff Conaway (as Chuck Lanyard) steals away with the movie, playing a decadent male model hitting the skids. Try to imagine enjoying "Making of a Male Model" (as a story) without Mr. Conway's presence. There are more shirtless scenes of Hexum than you can shake a stick at; but, Conway's scenes give Hexum some room to act. Unfortunately, Hexum accidentally shot himself to death, on the set of his "Cover Up" series, in 1984.****** Making of a Male Model (10/9/83) Irving J. Moore ~ Jon-Erik Hexum, Joan Collins, Jeff Conaway

I was really lucky and found this movie in VHS format on Jon-Erik Hexum's fansite. I always liked this movie for it's pure cheesiness. There are better made-for-tv movies out there, but this one has it's own brand of charm. It starts off with Joan Collins playing the owner of a successful modelling agency in search of a new hunk to represent. Jon-Erik Hexum plays a farmhand who is transformed into the '80s hottest male model with the help of a "Fever" aftershave contract. There's a lot of sexual innuendo throughout this movie which makes it funny, and Joan Collins is stellar in her role, as usual. If you want to see an early'80s made-for-tv movie at it's finest, this one is a great choice!

This one's got it all -- silly premise, idealized show business plot line, cliche-ridden script, pseudo-Bacharach score, hunks in their underwear, limp-wristed stereotype homosexuals, and -- perhaps best of all -- Joan Collins.The first time you see it, you may not be able to revel fully in its tackiness. I suggest three or four viewings, especially when you're feeling sick or vulnerable, for it to have its full effect.Orchids, orchids!