Barbara Stanwyck In "Lady of Burlesque" A Striptease Murder Mystery!

Barbara Stanwyck features as the charismatic star in the 1943 classic film, "Lady of Burlesque," a thrilling murder mystery infused with striptease. Directed by William A. Wellman and based on the novel "The G-String Murders" by Gypsy Rose Lee, this engaging old Hollywood classic keeps audiences on their toes with its combination of humor, suspense, and compelling performances.

Stanwyck, as one would expect, steals the show as she plays the enchanting and quick-witted Dixie Daisy, the leading performer in a burlesque theater nestled downtown New York City. Despite the shabby facades and shady clientele typical of 1940s vaudeville, Dixie takes pride in her calling, always giving her audience their money's worth.

Michael O'Shea, playing comic Biff Brannigan, backs her up effectively, providing worthy romantic interest and comic relief. O'Shea's Brannigan is a protective man of integrity who's not afraid to express his deep affection for the undaunted Dixie. The chemistry between Stanwyck and O'Shea fills the screen, charmingly juxtaposed against the otherwise grungy yet glamorous world of burlesque.

The plot thickens when a troubling series of murders start to take place, frightening the performers and putting a severe blow to the business. Each killing brings forth further twists and turns, as the police struggle to find clues and unmask the identity of the killer. The unlikely duo of Dixie and Brannigan becomes embroiled in the investigations, keen on finding the murderer before they become the next victims.

J. Edward Bromberg delivers an reliably strong performance as S.B. Foss, the constantly exasperated manager of the troupe. Bromberg masterfully portrays an everyman figure, beleaguered by the multiple stressful events that keep disturbing his business. His involvement in the film's mystery adds another layer of intrigue and suspense to the plot.

"Lady of Burlesque" thrives in its apt portrayal of life behind the scenes in a burlesque theater, depicted with frankness yet never descending into vulgarity. The atmosphere is evocative of the time, presenting a vivid snapshot of life in the 1940s and the entertainment industry's grittier side. The movie stands out as daring for its era, showcasing striptease — a then controversial subject — with a matter-of-fact approach that feels both bold and ahead of its time.

Marked by lively dance numbers and tongue-in-cheek humor, the film provides a captivating backdrop to the grimmer main event unfolding. The dance routines, together with the engaging musical performances, brilliantly demonstrate Stanwyck’s versatility as an actress and the overall talent of the cast.

Interestingly, the movie's script was written by James Gunn, who manages to infuse it with a good dose of witticisms and memorable one-liners. The dialogue is snappy and crisp, helping build the characters’ individuality and adding dimensions to the narrative.

The direction by William A. Wellman remains top-notch throughout, maintaining suspense and intrigue, coupled with the stimulating performances of the diverse cast. The cinematography is impressive too, with each scene meticulously shot to enhance the movie's overall mood and theme.

Stanwyck’s portrayal of Dixie Daisy remains quintessential, standing out in an era dominated by noir cinema. Her character is adroit and energetic, armed with the grit to stand her ground. Despite being a "lady of burlesque," she commands respect and empathy, exhibiting Stanwyck's extraordinary ability to add layers of complexity to any character she portrays.

In conclusion, "Lady Of Burlesque" is a uniquely entertaining mix of murder mystery, comedy, and musical combined with a dash of romance. The movie manages to blend all of these elements with due respect to the era it is set in, emerging as a singularly delightful experience. Artfully engaging, full of wit, murder, mayhem, and Stanwyck's undeniable presence, this film is a truly timeless treat for those who appreciate classic cinema.