23
Apr/10

BEHIND THE BURLY Q

23
Apr/10

BEHIND THE BURLY Q (Leslie Zemeckis, 2010)
Opens Friday, April 16
Quad Cinema
34 West 13th St.
212-255-8800
www.behindtheburlyq.com
www.quadcinema.com

Actress Leslie Zemeckis delves into the fascinating history of American burlesque in the playfully dirty little documentary BEHIND THE BURLY Q. Zemeckis, the wife of Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis (who served as an executive producer on the project), wrote, directed, and edited this oral and visual history of the burlesque movement, speaking with many of its stars and uncovering wonderful old photographs and film clips. She speaks with such burlesque beauties as Joan Arline, Lorraine Lee, Taffy O’Neill, Sunny Dare, White Fury, Dixie Evans, Tempest Starr, Kitty West, and Blaze Starr, cutting between them today and archival footage of them in their prime, taking it almost all off. Zemeckis also speaks with journalists, musicians, comedians, and relatives of deceased legends (Sally Rand, Lily St, Cyr, Lou Costello), including Alan Alda, who talks extensively about being raised on the burlesque circuit since his father, actor Robert Alda, was a popular straight man. The dancers discuss run-ins with the law, battles with local government, famous fans (Pretty Boy Floyd, Bonnie & Clyde, Elvis Presley, JFK, Walt Disney), drug and alcohol problems, and fighting and jealousy among some of their own, including stories both very funny and rather tragic. Zemeckis keeps it all proceeding smoothly as she documents a generation that is quickly disappearing, as evidenced by the long list of burlesque performers who have since passed away after being interviewed for the film. Zemeckis will be at the Quad to participate in Q&As following the 7:05 screenings on Friday and Saturday night.