Behind the Burly Q

Behind the Burly Q is an engaging and illuminating documentary from 2010 that dives headfirst into the under-appreciated world of original American burlesque during the first half of the 20th century. This film captures the raw essence, vibrancy, allure, and even the grit of this unique form of entertainment that was largely shunned by 'polite society' during its heyday. The film provides a unique insight into a misunderstood era of American entertainment history, revealing its impact and how it laid down the groundwork for present-day burlesque and strip tease shows.

The documentary features the legendary comedian Bud Abbott, celebrated American actor Alan Alda, and the queen of burlesque herself, Joan Arline. It delves deep into the lives of the performers, especially focusing on Arline who is one of the last surviving stars of the classic American burlesque era.

Director Leslie Zemeckis, skillfully brings to life an era where women who performed burlesque were considered rebellious, their acts seen as scandalous but also meet with fascinated attention. The director does an outstanding job of combining rare, behind-the-scenes footage, photographs and interviews, to provide viewers with a colourful representation of the time, the culture, and the individuals involved in the burlesque scene.

Moreover, the film shares a poignant narrative of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the entertainers who chose to step into the risqué world of burlesque – exploring themes of gender norms, societal expectations, individual freedom, and the public’s reception of entertainment that pushed past traditional boundaries.

Alan Alda, whose mother was a burlesque performer, provides a unique, firsthand perspective of the life and struggles of a burlesque artist. His honest and heartfelt recollections contribute authentic and heartfelt emotion to the otherwise glittering world of sequins and feathers. On the other hand, Bud Abbott offers commentary from a comedian’s perspective, providing a taste of the humor that often came hand-in-hand with eroticism in these shows.

The spotlight, however, remains on Joan Arline and her experiences on the stages of America's burlesque theaters. Arline recounts her journey, from the initial forays into burlesque as a young woman to becoming one of the most significant names in the profession.

Behind the Burly Q doesn't shy away from the underlying struggle and trauma that these artists faced – from drug and alcohol addiction to issues of body image, the film bares it all in its accounts. Zemeckis ensures the narrative showcases the not-so-glamorous side alongside the glitz and glamour of the industry, creating a balanced portrayal that fits in the context of the era and the profession.

Technical aspects of the film are masterfully carried out. Rusty Mahmood's editing tastefully complements the overall storytelling, creating a seamless blend of different types of footage. The film additionally features a score by British composer Charles Barnett III which encapsulates the wild, carefree, and tantalizing spirit of burlesque.

While providing a fascinating study of the world of burlesque, The Behind of Burly Q also allows audiences to examine the cultural and social contexts ever present during the burlesque era. It serves as a walk down memory lane, an unforgettable retrospective, and an education about an industry and lifestyle misunderstood by many. Balancing old-world glamour with gritty realities, Behind the Burly Q is as full of grit and gusto as the performers it portrays.

Overall, the film does not merely offer an exposé of the burlesque world. It goes a step further by studying the societal dynamics which led to the rise and eventual fall of this industry. Engaging, compelling, and eye-opening, Behind the Burly Q is not just a film - it’s an immersive journey with personal stories intertwined to paint a vivid picture of an era fascinated by allure, glamour, and allure, while also grappling with societal norms and expectations. It is an intriguing watch for anyone interested to explore a less-known yet significant era of American entertainment history.