Behind the Burly Q (2010)

An impressive number of veteran strippers are interviewed here, offering their memories. Also on hand are Lou Costello's daughter, and Alan Alda. He's introduced here as "son of Robert Alda", and only later is it established that the senior Alda was a small-time burlesque comedian and singer. I wish that this documentary had mentioned that Robert Alda later had a more prestigious career in Hollywood films and Broadway musicals. Alan Alda offers some candid memories of his childhood as the son of a burlesque performer.

Having previously seen many vintage movies featuring many burlesque strippers doing their stuff, I was very interested in watching this doc directed by Leslie Zemeckis (yes, the wife of Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis who is listed as an executive producer here) of that time when it seemed burlesque was king, at least in the cities that allowed it to be performed. Liked the account of actor Alan Alda's telling of his dad-Robert Alda's-experience as a singer and straight man there. Also was touched with Chris Costello-daughter of Lou Costello-and her account of her dad's tragedy of having his infant son drowning while he was supposed to do his radio show which he did despite that happening especially when they showed the baby's picture. And then there's the audio of one Blaze Starr-the woman who was once involved with my state's (Louisiana) governor Earl Long-who died last June. The interviews seem to have a haphazard quality as it goes from one tangent to another. Still, Ms. Zemeckis has nothing to be ashamed about in covering this long-neglected subject of this part of the entertainment world from days gone by being recorded now. So on that note, Behind the Burly Q is highly recommended.