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Burlesque in Harlem

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Burlesque in Harlem (also released as Rock & Roll Burlesque and A French Peep Show) is a 1949 revue film directed by William D. Alexander that features a cast of singers, dancers and comedians who were prominent on the so-called Chitlin' Circuit of vaudeville theaters and nightclubs that exclusively presented African American talent.

The plotless film is hosted by Dick Barrow, who sings "Juice Head Baby",[1] and the main headliner is the comedian Pigmeat Markham, who performs a sketch called The Love Making Bureau.[2]

Other performers in the cast include the dancer Gertrude "Baby" Banks, the singers Jo Jo Adams and Hucklebuck Jones, the striptease contortionist Tarza Young, and the tap dance duo Slip and Slide.[3]

Plot

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Barrow, the master of ceremonies, invites the audience to a special "bronze burlesque", consisting of a series of performances from strip-tease dancers, burlesque singers, and the club comedians. The dance duo Slip and Slide does a soft-shoe routine. There is also a comedy sketch by Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham involving a "love-making bureau".

Cast

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References

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  1. ^ Allmovie/New York Times overview
  2. ^ “Burlesque in Harlem,” Wild Realm Reviews
  3. ^ Weldon, Michael J. “The Psychotronic Video Guide.”1996, St. Martin’s Press. ISBN 0-312-13149-6
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