Watch Lady of Burlesque

"Lady of Burlesque" is a 1943 film that tells the story of a Broadway burlesque performer who becomes involved in several murders during her stay at a theater. The movie is based on the novel "The G-String Murders" by Gypsy Rose Lee. The movie stars Barbara Stanwyck as Dixie Daisy, a tough-talking burlesque performer who is the top attraction at a struggling New York City theater. Her co-stars include Michael O'Shea as Biff Brannigan, the comic foil to Dixie's sultry routines, and J. Edward Bromberg as S.B. Foss, the theater owner who dabbles in magic as a hobby.

The movie begins with Dixie and her fellow performers rehearsing for their latest show. They are a tight-knit group, but tensions rise when one of the dancers, Gee Gee, is found strangled with a G-string. The killer is still at large, and everyone is a suspect.

Dixie takes it upon herself to investigate the murder, which leads her to some unexpected places, including the magician's dressing room and the theater's basement. Along the way, she becomes romantically involved with Biff, who provides some of the movie's comedy relief.

As the bodies pile up, Dixie becomes increasingly determined to solve the case. She eventually discovers the identity of the killer and confronts them in a dramatic final scene.

"Lady of Burlesque" is a fascinating portrayal of the world of burlesque in the 1940s. It is full of colorful characters, witty dialogue, and entertaining musical numbers. The movie also features some impressive dancing and striptease routines, which were considered quite scandalous at the time.

Barbara Stanwyck is the standout performer in the movie, delivering a sassy and energetic performance as Dixie Daisy. She brings a level of complexity and depth to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Michael O'Shea is also excellent as Biff, providing a charming and comedic counterbalance to Stanwyck's tough-as-nails persona.

The movie's depiction of burlesque is both nostalgic and modern. It captures the glitz and glamour of the performances while also acknowledging the sexism and exploitation that were rampant in the industry. The movie is not afraid to show the seedy underbelly of burlesque, including the drugs, the gambling, and the violence.

Overall, "Lady of Burlesque" is a fun and engaging movie that is well worth watching. It is a snapshot of a bygone era and a showcase for the talents of Barbara Stanwyck, who was one of the greatest actresses of her generation. If you are a fan of classic Hollywood cinema or burlesque culture, this movie is a must-see.

Lady of Burlesque is a 1943 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.