Bettie Page’s Subtle Charm Captured Onscreen

Read Time:4 Minute, 48 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Bettie Page Double Feature (Varietease/Teaserama)
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Genre: Comedy, Music
Year Released: 1954-1955, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 5h 42m
Director(s): Irving Klaw
Cast: Bettie Page, Lili St. Cyr, Tempest Storm, Cass Franklin, Trudy Wayne, Monica Lane, Bobby Shields, Baros & Rogers, Christine Nelson, Shelley Leigh, Lolly Dorsen, Twinnie Wallen
Where To Watch: available May 21, 2024; pre-order here www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Take a whimsical journey back to the era of classic burlesque with VARIETEASE and TEASERAMA. In these films, the allure lies in the art of suggestion rather than outright spectacle. These films encapsulate a time when burlesque’s subtlety was its signature, offering viewers a taste of historical entertainment with a touch of grace. You can’t watch or even understand these films without realizing how revolutionary and to what extent they were pushing boundaries of what was acceptable for the time.

Embarking on an exploration of burlesque yesteryears, VARIETEASE and TEASERAMA present themselves as more than just films—they act as portals to an age where teasing was an art form created to skirt the morals of the day. Curated and restored with a sense of historical reverence, these films showcase the evolution of entertainment from the overt to the understated, contrasting sharply with today's more explicit experiences.

In VARIETEASE, the iconic Bettie Page makes a surprisingly understated appearance, donning a simple Arabic outfit in a subtle and subdued performance. This leaves the audience wanting more of Page’s vibrant persona, especially when juxtaposed with her more dynamic performances in TEASERAMA. Across VARIETEASE, a range of acts from the lackluster to the engaging unfold, but none fully recapture the splendor of burlesque’s golden era. However, Lili St. Cyr manages to spark interest with alluring backstage antics, though these moments are brief highlights in an otherwise tame film.

Shifting focus to TEASERAMA, this “sequel” mirrors its predecessor’s structure but enhances the overall engagement with a sprinkle of vibrancy. La Chris, in particular, revitalizes the screen with her sensual and skillful dance numbers, breathing life into the archival footage. Page again graces this film, bringing a touch of her characteristic charm to each act she introduces, enhancing the film's appeal with each smile and flirtatious glance.

Both productions serve primarily as archival materials, meticulously preserving the nuances of a bygone entertainment era through the captivating performances of figures like Bettie Page. While the experiences may resonate more as historical documents than modern entertainment, they successfully capture the essence of classic burlesque—its humor, dance, and playful sexuality, all enveloped in a nostalgic ambiance.

Thanks to the restoration and preservation efforts, VARIETEASE and TEASERAMA boast enhanced visual quality that respects their vintage origins. The films are further enriched by comprehensive audio commentaries from those who know this unique genre better than most, like David F. Friedman, Mike Vraney, Jo Weldon, and Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, whose insights into burlesque’s cinematic transition are as enlightening as they are insightful, even if sometimes they delve too deep into specifics.

These commentaries add depth to the viewing experience and evoke a nostalgic longing for the lost art of burlesque. They detail its vibrant past and the reasons for its decline. The narratives blend educational content with emotional resonance, appealing to cinema buffs and those intrigued by cultural history.

Although certain elements feel somewhat dated or out of touch with contemporary tastes, VARIETEASE and TEASERAMA stand as essential viewing for anyone fascinated by the evolution of performance art. They are particularly indispensable for admirers of Bettie Page, offering a unique opportunity to see the pin-up icon in a setting that celebrates her impact on the art form.

The historical value of VARIETEASE and TEASERAMA cannot be overstated. They remind us of a time when the art of burlesque was defined by allure and mystery, offering a reflective and educational journey into a past that continues to captivate and enlighten audiences today.

Product Extras:
4K Restorations of TEASERAMA and VARIETEASE from the 16mm Original Camera Negatives
4K Restoration of BUXOM BEAUTEASE from the 35mm Camera Negative and 16mm Materials

DISC 1: TEASERAMA
TEASERAMA – 4K Restoration
Audio Commentary by Jo Weldon, Author of The Burlesque Handbook
TEASERAMA – Something Weird Video Edition
Audio Commentary by David F. Friedman and Mike Vraney
BUXOM BEAUTEASE – 4K Restoration
TEASERAMA – Theatrical Trailer
BUXOM BEAUTEASE – Theatrical Trailer

DISC 2: VARIETEASE
VARIETEASE – 4K Restoration
Audio Commentary by Film Historian Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
VARIETEASE – Something Weird Video Edition
Audio Commentary by David F. Friedman and Mike Vraney
VARIETEASE – Theatrical Trailer

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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