Beyond Photos--Pinup & Burlesque Inspiration in the Movies

[Mica]

I wanted to let everybody know about a fun movie I saw recently: "Mrs. Henderson Presents" (2005, starring Dame Judi Dench whom I love!).  It's about a high society widow (Dench) who opens a burlesque theater in WWII London.  I thought it might be a good movie to recommend in light of Memorial Day because honoring British troops is an important theme in the movie.

 

Another movie I recommend is Calendar Girls (2003, starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters) which also follows the pinup theme.  The heroines are sassy, strong-willed, fun and are motivated by a desire to contribute to a worthy cause.  As I hit my mid-40s (looking not too bad), I'm always on the lookout for older women to be my role models on how to age and enjoy life, which is one reason I love this movie.

 

There are several interesting biographies about Bettie Page that can be found on Netflix.  They are worth watching because Bettie aspired to being an actress, but seemed uncomfortable on stage.  However, she was VERY comfortable in front of the camera, and we're all familiar with the photos.

 

I also recommend all movies about Coco Chanel, even though they have nothing to do with pinup.  There is a point in Chanel's life where she aspired to being a burlesque type singer, but Chanel's bio is worth knowing because she was certain of herself and did what she wanted regardless of what others thought.  For those of us with friends who just don't understand our interest in pinup, or friends or family who don't encourage us in our interests, it's good to keep Chanel in mind.

 

If anybody has other favorite movies that relate to pinup, burlesque, or just great fashion, please share!

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

Moving to Entertainment.

 

I loved Mrs Henderson presents, and both the recent CoCo Chanel movies.

 

One of my favorite movies is Reefer Madness the Musical. It's fun, cheeky, and great costumes and hair.

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

I just watched Burlesque for the first time this weekend, and while it wasn't a very good movie, it was worth watching for the costumes.

[Mica]

That dress/top made of pearls on the woman on the piano!  I've wanted to do a pearl costume for ages.  

If it weren't for that darn day job that take up time and gets in my way.....  Here are some other movies from my netflix list: 

For 1920s, two documentaries:

Taboo-The Beginning of Erotic Cinema

Legendary Sin Cities

For Burlesque, various documentaries, etc:

A Wink and a  Smile--The Art of Burlesque

Behind the Burley Q

Striptease--World's Famous Strip Artists

Teaserama

Jean Renoir:French Cancan

 

I'm sure there are others with good costumes.  Anything with vaudeville might be interesting.  I think there are a few movies about Gypsy Rose Lee, too.