From Bare Facts, a reference guide to nudity in movies:
Rating definitions:
* Yawn. Usually too brief or hard to see for some reason.
** Okay. Check it out if you are interested in the person.
*** Wow! Don’t miss it. The scene usually lasts for a while.
The ratings are approximate guides to how much nudity an actor or actress has in a scene. More weight is given on how famous a person is, how well lit and clear the scene is, if it’s a close shot and the length of time they stay still so you can see clearly. So if someone has an erotic love scene but they don’t show any skin or they are topless but their backs are toward the camera, it won’t get rated…
In the descriptions, “topless” means you see both breasts, “full frontal nudity” means you see both breasts and the pubic area, “lower frontal nudity” means you see the pubic area and “nude” means you see both breasts, the pubic area and the buns.
Sample entry:
CATES, PHOEBE
Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
*** 0:50mins — Topless getting out of swimming pool during Judge Reinhold’s fantasy.
AJS note: This book rules.
WHY I’M ANGRY TODAY
I don’t have Fast Times at Ridgemont High on tape or DVD.