Behind The Burly Q Movie Review

The American flick ‘Behind the Burly Q’ is a documentary movie that scrutinizes the American Golden Age of Burlesque dance shows that were in the prime during the first half of the 20th Century. Burlesque has its roots in France, Great Britain, and Greece. But, the form of dance thrived in America during the former half of 20th century. The dance has got a sexual note to it. Most of the dancers appeared in tight costumes, and some were dressed scantily. These shows turned hits, and during the time of Great Depression, these shows proved a relief to every commoner.

Plot: The dances are usually mockeries of the upper-class snobberies. It shows the extent to which the upper-class hedonists went to attain sex. The show won wide acclaim in theaters and night parties. The performers were women involved in stripping, some comedians with humor in their blood, acrobats who performed shows, and also singers. Anyone of present day standards would term the show as a very tame one. But, performers of burlesque during those days were viewed with disgust. The burlesque show was banned in New York Click to look into! >> Read More... during 1930’s. The show had totally vanished in the middle half of 20th Century as also the performers. By the 1960’s pornography had become dominant and burlesque was considered lackluster. Also, burlesque performances failed to draw crowds.

The movie’ Behind the Burly Q’ has interviews with the performers of those days. The interviews are heartrending stories of the difficult lives those performers have had. The audiences are taken aback by some revelations, and the interviews prove to be soul-stirring. The movie takes us back to those days and allows the present generation to have a peep beyond the veils to observe the sordid reality of life the burlesque dancers faced. Many of the Burlesque performers are no more. Many of the dancers who are still alive have already forgotten the shameful past.

The movie’s director Leslie and producer Sheri covered many places in America to come out with the best output. The best interview is with Alan Alda whose father performed during the days of the burlesque. Most of the women strippers were so poor that their plight pushed them into the shows. But, they were not sluts. The burlesque dancers let the onlookers look at them with awe. But, they did not allow the onlookers to touch them.

Late American President John F. Kennedy was no exception as an attendee to the shows. One dancer even admitted to sharing the bed with him. The movie that runs for an hour and a half covers lots of information and pins the audiences to their seats. Anyone curious enough to know about the Burlesque Shows could spend money on the movie ticket.

Verdict: The movie is worth the money paid for the cinema ticket.