Search - Bettie Page: Varietease/Teaserama on DVD

Bettie couldn't dance, but who cares?

Billie Mann | USA | 11/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bettie loses some "coolness points" when she dances, but if you go into frame-by-frame mode on your DVD player it's obvious that each frame of her dancing would have made a great still shot in and of itself. Proof that she was a great poser, and a lousy dancer, but as she has said herself, she was "far from being a professional dancer". Still, she is very appealing, despite the fact that neither my husband nor myself could contain our unabated laughter during her dance scenes. Her sparkle and sense of fun are evident throughout, she is in great shape, and her ever-changing and playful facial expressions are absolute treats to see.

Plus! You get to "Hear Bettie speak!" in addition to seeing her jump around - uhhm I mean dance.

The best part of the DVD is, yes, the silent, black and white arcade film loop of Bettie made specifically for those old-time coin-activated viewers....Bettie gyrates up to a point, then the screen is suddenly blocked out with a caption telling the viewer to insert coins to see more of the film. This of course occurs at a regular basis throught this particular short, as it did when those types of films were originally shown. Classic camp!

There are also appearances by a rather famous, albeit scary-looking drag queen from the time, and some professional strippers who could have passed for male drag queens...but I bought these really just for the Bettie Page segments; these two DVD's are a must-have for Bettie Page fans.

Viewing these will most likely result in the viewer alternating fits of laughter with admiration for the beauty and playfulness of Bettie Page in her prime.
"

No nudity but plenty of steam!

Uncle Lanky Frank | Minneapolis, Minnesota USA | 05/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is worth buying for several reasons!First, it will give you an appreciation of what exactly the American Sexual Revolution accomplished in practical terms. In terms of adult content, most of the material in this video could now be shown on prime time TV without so much as a raised eyebrow. Even under silk negligees the performers are wearing pasties.Secondly, it is a great snapshot of underground entertainment that adults of that era could only experience in the confines of smelly old movie houses. That is, if you could brave the worst streets of downtown, and risk being seen going into a "[adult]" theater. There were no video tapes or DVD's to rent.The performers run the gamut from the lackluster to the stellar. There was Vicky Lynn, a "female impersonator" --as they euphemistically called drag queens. His dance numbers showed uncommon grace and charm, including a Flamenco dance that borders on hilariously serious.There are several other worthy performers including Vaudeville comedians Joe E. Ross and Dave Star, who prove that blue comedy doesn't have to be filthy to be dirty.Tempest Storm was the headliner, and had impressive natural endowments as her main draw. But her performance seems creaky and wooden.But all comparison is unfair considering the true star of the show was the inimitable Bettie Page. She was twice the woman Marilyn Monroe was []! Bettie had an easy, natural familiarity about her. She was the girl next door who got all grown-up while you were away at school. With her 36-23-35 figure, and signature blunt bangs haircut, Bettie stamped an indelible icon in our consciousness of the naughty-girl.Ironically, the best part of the DVD is a silent, B&W arcade film loop of Betty posing and dancing. There is no nudity, but the way she smiles and moves her body leaves NO doubt as to the intent of the film.Note: This movie was made just months after Senator Joseph McCarthy lost his seat as chair of the GCOS."

DELIGHTFUL TIME CAPSULE.....

Mark Norvell | HOUSTON | 11/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Incredible look at what burlesque was like in the 50's. Forget the comics (they're awful) and enjoy the ladies. Two reasons to see this are Bettie Page and Tempest Storm. Storm was a first rate stripper of the day and Bettie Page was, well, Bettie Page. Her girl-next-door quality made her a favorite photographer's model and a girlie film cutie. She wasn't a real stripper but a lovely "come-on" girl. She's the cue card girl here and you can see why she was such a delight. She always seems to be having a good time. The other strippers are so-so with Trudy Wayne being an exception. But check this out for Page and Storm. A must see for nostalgia buffs. See also "Varietease"."

Seminal

Phil Snyder | Destitute, OH | 08/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Say what you want about Bettie's dancing, this doesn't detract from the material. In fact, good dancing would have ruined it. See, THIS AIN'T ABOUT THE DANCING! Great dancers can be seen every day and this doesn't make them sexy, but sexy people, which Bettie Page certaionly was, are sexy doing anything. Dancing? Who cares! The strangeness of her dancing actually enhances the effect. It's kinda hard to say exactly what she's doing sometimes, which only makes it more fascinating, even timeless."