“Burlesque In Harlem,” Film In New York, 1949 (full video)

June 7, 2015

4610340_l3Burlesque in Harlem (also released as Rock & Roll Burlesque and A French Peep Show) is a 1949 revue film directed by William D. Alexander (also producer of Ingagi and Souls of Sin) 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”, and the main headliner is the comedian Pigmeat Markham, who performs a sketch called The Love Making Bureau.

Other performers in the cast include the dancer Gertrude “Baby” Banks, the singers Doctor Jo Jo Adams and Hucklebuck Jones, the striptease contortionist Tarza Young, and the tap dance duo Slip and Slide.

The master of ceremonies, Dick Barrow, invites the audience to a special “bronze burlesque,” which consists 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”.

The remaining cast included:

  • Vivian Harris
  • Dick Barrow Master of ceremonies
  • Doctor Jo Jo Adams
  • Mabel Hunter
  • Gertrude “Baby” Banks
  • Luella Owens
  • Princess D’Orsey
  • Gloria Howard “Atomic Bomb”
  • Slip and Slide
  • Tarza Young
  • The Betty Taylor Taylorettes
  • Olive Sayles
  • Maria Rout
  • Adella Gross
  • Ezella Lester
  • Marion L. Greene
  • Dorothy McCarty
  • Fannie Thornton
  • Griffen Trixie Terry
  • Rose Marie Foster
  • Gwendolyn Shaklett

Here’s the video:

The film was reissued in the 1950s as Rock & Roll Burlesque, despite containing nothing resembling a conventional definition of rock and roll music.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Harlem World Magazine, 2521 1/2 west 42nd street, Los Angeles, CA, 90008, https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
We're your source for local coverage, we count on your support. SPONSOR US!
Your support is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy and quality journalism. With your contribution, we can continue to provide engaging news and free access to all.
accepted credit cards

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles