Ragtime (1981)

Based on E.L. Doctorow's sprawling tale of Turn of the Century New York, Ragtime (1981) is a meaty movie well worth sinking your cinematic teeth into. A knot of subplots tie around the story of ragtime pianist Moses Gunn. There's murder, racism and a grand swan-song performance from James Cagney, but the most resonating image from Milos Forman's beautiful film is that of Elizabeth McGovern as wild child Evelyn Nesbit Thaw. Halfway through the movie she decides that clothing is optional and streaks into viewers' heart-ons in a fully nude scene that offers up every bit of this young Irish enchantress's lucky charms. At the time, she wasn't on the rag, but you'll definitely need to wipe up after watching.