Watch Varietease

Varietease is a musical film from 1954, directed by Irving Klaw, and starring burlesque queens Lili St. Cyr, Cass Franklin, and Monica Lane. The film is a classic example of the burlesque genre and features some of the most iconic burlesque performances ever captured on film. The plot of the film centers around a struggling burlesque theater in Paris, run by a husband and wife team, played by Lili St. Cyr and Cass Franklin. The theater is in danger of closing down, as it is not making enough money to keep up with its expenses. To save it, the two women come up with a plan – they decide to put on a grand show, featuring the best burlesque performers from around the world.

The first act of the show features a sultry dance by Lili St. Cyr, dressed in a sheer body stocking, as she seductively performs a striptease. Her performance is followed by a comedic routine by Cass Franklin, who plays a clueless beauty queen who is constantly tripping over her own feet.

The second act of the show features a stunning performance by Monica Lane, who dances in a giant bubble, wearing nothing but a pair of black high heels. The performance is both sensual and mesmerizing, and it is easy to see why Lane was one of the most popular burlesque performers of her time.

Throughout the film, we are treated to a variety of other burlesque performances, including a playful routine by Blaze Starr, who performs with a giant balloon, and a delightful performance by Tempest Storm, who dances in a giant martini glass. There is also a comical routine by Joe E. Ross, who plays the hapless manager of the theater, trying to keep everything together as the show falls apart around him.

The film is not just about the performances, however. It also explores the world of burlesque, and the people who perform in it. There are moments of humor, as well as moments of drama and pathos. One scene, for example, features a young burlesque dancer who is worried about her weight, and we see the toll that the pressure to be thin takes on her.

Overall, Varietease is a must-see for any fan of burlesque or classic Hollywood musicals. It is a beautifully shot film, with gorgeous costumes and sets, and some of the most captivating performances ever captured on film. The film is a testament to the glamour, humor, and sexuality of burlesque, and it remains as entertaining today as it was when it was first released in 1954.