“Burlesque in Harlem” was a 1949 movie showcasing black entertainers. The film was also released under the titles “Rock & Roll Burlesque” and “A French Peep Show.” It included not only burlesque dancers, but comedians, singers, modern dancers, and musicians that were featured on the Chitlin’ Circuit of Black theaters and nightclubs. The film had no plot but invited viewers to witness a “bronze burlesque.” Dick Barrow, “the Man of the Blues,” was the master of ceremonies and the featured star was comedian Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham, “an outstanding and renown comic of the stage and screen.”
(Pigmeat Markham. Universal Attractions Inc. c. 1940)
The dancing opens with the Betty Taylor Taylorettes, (“lovely, gorgeous, and glamorous”) then, with no introduction, Gloria Howard, “the Atomic Bomb”, performed a Spanish style dance with two backup dancers (though no striptease). Then Jo Jo Adams sings a jazz song and then a burlesque dancer enters the stage (I assume she is Ezella Lester, “a lovely lady who is Queen of Shape (or Shake)”, who was announced by Barrow at the top of the show).
(Film Poster featuring Ezella Lester and Jo Jo Adams. c. 1949)
Ezella performs a striptease on stage, just inches from Adams. Next, Mabel Hunter, singer and comic, speaks a spoken word song called “Fat Man Blues.” Then Dick Barrow sings the blues.
(Burlesque in Harlem film poster. 1949)
Afterwards, “Baby” Banks performs a striptease act. She’s introduced as “the very sexy lady of dance” and wears a white costume (fringe bra and panties, three panel skirt, and shawl). Her skirt panels were quick release from her fringe panties.
(Gertrude “Baby” Banks in “Burlesque in Harlem” film still. 1949)
Mabel Hunter returns to sing “I Wanna Rock” and create a parody of burlesque dance moves, hiking her black dress up to her hips to reveal striped long underwear. Then, “Pigmeat” Markham performs his routine “The Love Making Bureau.” Vivian Harris and George Wilshire co-star in the routine.
(Mabel Hunter performing in a formal evening gown, revealing her comedic pants. c. 1940)
The next two acts are burlesque by Princess D’Orsey. She first performs an upbeat girly girl act in a flowing dress and a feather hat. The next act is a classic partial strip into a bikini.
(Film Poster featuring Princess D’Orsay c. 1949)
(Princess D’Orsay. 2nd Act in “Burlesque in Harlem”. 1949)
See Princess D’Orsay’s act here.
The singer Luella Owens performs “It Takes a Dark Brown (To Really Lay Your Lovin’ Down)” next. The Taylorettes return to the stage for a group number. Mabel Hunter returns for her third act of the film, a rock-jazz number called “He’s Knocking, But he Can’t Get In”. Then the tap dancing duo, “Slip & Slide”.=
Then, Tarza, “the exotic”, takes the stage in a white three panel skirt, shawl, and nude-illusion mesh triangle bra.
(Tarza the Young in “Burlesque in Harlem” 1949)
See Tarza in her act here.
The credits list these performers:
- George Wilshire, comedian
- Gertrude “Baby” Banks; burlesque dancer
- Ezella Lester; burlesque dancer
- Tarza Young; burlesque dancer
- Jo Jo Adams; jazz singer
- Slip and Slide; tap dancing duo
- Vivian Harris; comedian
- Mabel Hunter, singer
- Luella Owens; singer
- Princess D’Orsey; burlesque dancer
- Gloria Howard; dancer
- The Betty Taylor Taylorettes; chorus dancers
- Olive Sayles
- Maria Rout
- Adella Gross
- Marion L. Greene
- Dorothy McCarthy
- Fannie Thorton
- Griffen Trixie Terry
- Rose Marie Foster
- Gwendolyn Shaklett
Songs included:
- “Fat Man Blues”
- “I Like the Hucklebuck”
- “It Takes a Dark Brown”
- “He’s Knocking, But he Can’t Get In”
- “Juice Head Baby”
- “I Love It”
- “Doing the Best I Can”
The film was directed by William Alexander with his technical advisor Dewitt Jackson. Costuming was created by Betty Taylor. Photography by G.G. Leontough and Vide Martino. The soundman was J. Suacure and was edited by Nathan Braunstein and Sheldon Nemeyer.
Watch the film “Burlesque in Harlem” (1949) here.
Sources
Websites:
- “Burlesque in Harlem aka, ROCK & ROLL BURLESQUE. 1954” by Paghat the Ratgirl. http://www.weirdwildrealm.com/f-burlesque-in-harlem.html
- https://www.daaracarchive.org/2016/11/burlesque-in-harlem-1949.html
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