Ragtime (1981)

"Ragtime" is the sprawling period drama adapted from E.L. Doctorow's novel. It weaves fictional and historical figures together in early 20th century America. Race, class, and a changing nation all collide in its ambitious storytelling. Elizabeth McGovern earned real attention for her breakout role as Evelyn Nesbit, the showgirl whose beauty pulls her into scandal. That performance is the reason this hub exists, anchored by a single nude scene pulled from the film. It's just one clip, but it captures McGovern early in her career, before she became a familiar name on screen. Fans of classic ensemble dramas will find it a worthwhile piece of film history.