Varietease

Varietease is a captivating cinematic experience originating from the 1954 film noir period, directed by pioneering director Irving Klaw and featuring a unique cocktail of talents including the alluring Lili St. Cyr, as well as multifaceted performers Cass Franklin and Monica Lane.

The movie, which is not an ordinary narrative drama but a glorified burlesque show, brings to fore the essence of American adulthood entertainment during the mid-20th century. The film ditches the traditional plot structure in favor of a more casual and highly entertaining format of beautiful women presenting phenomenal, distinct dance routines, all accompanied by emcee Bobby Shields' funny puns and standout jokes.

Lili St. Cyr, an internationally known striptease artist, magnificently headlines the film. Renowned as a pioneer of the 1950s burlesque scene, St. Cyr's magnetic on-screen presence in Varietease levitates the viewer's experience by adding a sensual yet tasteful sprinkle of glamour. If anyone could remove their glove with more seductive finesse than Gypsy Rose Lee, it was Lili St. Cyr, and this film underscores her exceptional talent and spectacular showmanship.

Accompanying her is Cass Franklin, known for his diversity in performing multiple types of characters. In Varietease, Franklin brings his comic flair and humorous adeptness to light, offering the viewers a respite from the sultry performances with his comical interjections. He infuses the film with a dynamic aura of fun and hilarity, a perfect balance to St. Cyr's seductive performances.

Monica Lane, a stunning and talented performer of the era, adds even more shine to the star-studded line-up. She was a performer well-versed in the art of burlesque, and her dancing gracefulness and expertise in performing are showcased throughout the film. Her segments in the film affirm the timeless allure of the classic burlesque dance style.

Framing its main protagonists, Varietease encompasses a sprawling array of showgirls, showcasing their diverse performative talents. The film never loses its pace, keeping the audience engaged with its rapid transition scenes and vibrant backdrops that carry an almost hypnotic effect. This film is more than a mere burlesque show; it's a vivid portrayal of classic popular entertainment, interspersed with colorful sketches, musical interludes, and vaudeville-style comedy.

The music aspect in Varietease plays a substantial role in securing its significant appeal. The audience are treated to a sultry and exciting soundtrack that perfectly intros and outros the film, played as accompaniment to the performances, thereby setting the tone and inviting the audience into the vintage world of burlesque.

Director Irving Klaw, known for his 40s and 50s exotic, soft-core productions, delivers admirably on what he does best in Varietease. He aptly captures the feel and ambiance of the burlesque stage on film, without losing the allure and energy of a live performance. Klaw's meticulous direction and choice of performers prove his buff for the craft. He employs this not only to appease those fond of the art of sultry female dancing but also to introduce it to many who weren't privy to this kind of performance during its contemporary era.

Varietease is all about the style and the spectacle, and in this respect, it delivers quite successfully. At its core, Varietease grants the viewer a return ticket to an era when adult entertainment had humor, class, and sophistication that was underscored by a certain tasteful restraint. It's a delightful blend of charm, humor, femininity, and sensuality in a time capsule back to mid-century variety entertainment.

Beyond the individual performances, what makes Varietease intriguing is its historical and cultural value. The film offers a unique lens into the world of mid-20th century American burlesque, providing a glimpse into this entertaining art form during its heyday. The film stands as a testament to a bygone era and an iconic showcase of the glories of nostalgic performance art.

In conclusion, Varietease is a beautiful chorus of burlesque performances that immortalize an essential aspect of American pop culture. It perfectly captures the essence of a bygone era and recreates it on film for posterity. Whether you're a fan of vintage cinema or curious about burlesque and variety acts from the 1950s, Varietease more than delivers on its promise of a captivating, entertaining, and historical journey.