Behind the Burly Q

The Story of Burlesque in America

By: Leslie Zemeckis

Narrated by: Julia Farhat

By the director of the hit documentary Behind the Burly Q, comes the first-ever oral history of American burlesque - as told by the performers who lived it, often speaking out here for the first time. By telling the intimate and surprising stories from its golden age through the women (and men!) who lived it, Behind the Burly Q reveals the true story of burlesque, even as it experiences a new renaissance.

Burlesque was one of America's most popular forms of live entertainment in the first half of the 20th century. Gaudy, bawdy, and spectacular, the shows entertained thousands of paying customers every night of the week. And yet the legacy of burlesque is often vilified and misunderstood, left out of the history books.

By telling the intimate and surprising stories from its golden age through the women (and men!) who lived it, Behind the Burly Q reveals the true story of burlesque, even as it experiences a new renaissance. Lovingly interviewed by burlesque enthusiast Leslie Zemeckis who produced the hit documentary of the same name, are former musicians, strippers, novelty acts, club owners, authors, and historians - assembled here for the first time ever to tell you just what really happened in a burlesque show. From Jack Ruby and Robert Kennedy to Abbott and Costello - burlesque touched every corner of American life. The sexy shows often poked fun at the upper classes, at sex, and at what people were willing to do in the pursuit of sex. Sadly, many of the performers have since passed away, making this their last, and often only interview. Behind the Burly Q is the definitive history of burlesque during its heyday and an invaluable oral history of an American art form. Funny, shocking, unbelievable, and heartbreaking, their stories will touch your hearts. We invite you to peek behind the curtain at the burly show.

©2013 Leslie Zemeckis (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

amazing story of an amazing art form

Narration wasn't the best, but the story was still fantasic. As a burlesque perfomer, it's awesome to hear the back stories of this profession.

Soo interesting!

This was soo enjoyable! Learning about the different dancers and comedians that started in burlesque. Very interesting

WELL RESEARCHED

It is good that the author was able to interview some of the former stars before they passed away. I found it interesting to Google pictures of the dancers as the author discussed them.

Extremely well researched

delightful read while commuting. Kudos to research AND presentation. I've heard of Storm and Blaze before but the author's treatment included so many it was amazing. I found their personal stories fascinating.

Her research inspired me to seek out the few Q movies still in extant while not even close to an actual live performance the framework allowed me to form my own opinion...this is art NOT trash. Why is the human form OK in a painting or charcoal but not on stage?

While the tapestry of American culture weaves onward shaped by our attitudes and hang-ups, this book offered my first glimpse into a world that will never be lived again. It has enriched my understanding of what it means to be American, yesterday, today and into the rumor called tomorrow

respect

I liked that I developed a respect for the burlesque workers. I thought they were all girls of the night but they were all people trying to make it.