Boobs, Books & Burlesque

From the time of the very first flickering images of film, Los Angeles has been synonymous with seduction. On screen and off, sexuality became L.A.’s most prized commodity and its gift to the world.

The stars of the silver screen are, of course, well-documented. But the burlesque scene featured stars of no less shimmer. Among the brightest-shining of those celestial beings was Lili St. Cyr, a humble chorus girl from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who rose to stardom by sheer force of personality. She would find her way to the stage at what was arguably Hollywood’s hottest nightclub of the era, Ciro’s, a classy, upscale joint renowned for its celebrity clientele. Here, her choreographed striptease performances became the stuff of legend -- a legend nearly lost to history as the artform of burlesque smoldered in a post-Hayes Code era, an age of Playboy magazine, followed by X-rated films and, eventually, the Internet.

Author and award-winning filmmaker Leslie Zemeckis has restored the legacy of St. Cyr in a new biography that celebrates the resurgence of a lost art and one of its greatest stars. Five years of research has resulted in “Goddess of Love Incarnate: The Life of Striptrease Lili St. Cyr” (Counterpoint Press), which revives the preeminent burlesque queen, whose renowned on-stage bubble baths, boudoir and gilded-cage skits, ornate stage sets, designer gowns and erotic dancing titillated crowds and fueled imaginations.

Zemeckis is a highly informed writer on the subject, having established her burlesque expertise in her previous book, “Behind the Burly Q: The True Story of Burlesque in America,” a definitive oral history of burlesque as told by the original stars. She has also explored the subject on film in the critically acclaimed Showtime documentary of the same title, as well as a work that she wrote, produced and directed: “Bound by Flesh,” a glimpse into the circus and carnival life in the early part of the 20th century.

The book separates the facts from the fiction, and tells provocative stories in a flowing prose, providing original photographs, including a selection from St. Cyr’s personal collection. It is a timely work, as burlesque has once again captured the imagination of a city; a city which has explored every manner of sexuality and, perhaps, been seduced once again by the allure of live, on-stage, glamorous and playful erotica.

During the 1940s and 50s, Lili St. Cyr revolutionized the world of burlesque, elevating it from the bawdy and tawdry into something glamorous and transcendent. Once on the verge of extinction, the exotic spectacle that is burlesque is now thriving in the hottest clubs of Los Angeles, the city that elevated it, just like moving pictures, into high art.

On Tuesday, March 8, The Culver Hotel will host Boobs, Books & Burlesque, a book-signing event with Zemeckis, featuring an exciting evening of live music and award-winning burlesque performances to benefit the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, for a future without breast cancer.

The evening will include performances by April Showers, the current reigning Miss Hollywood Burlesque, and the recipient of several awards including Most Classic and Best Singer; and Maxi Millions, co-producer of Spellbound Burlesque and multi-award winning burlesque performer known for her classic bump ‘n’ grind style and high glamour.

Bid on breathtaking trips and luxury items and enjoy signature Exotic Lili drinks, hosted by Eppa SupraFruta Sangria, and taste delectable hors d’oeuvres, complimentary of The Culver Hotel.

The Culver Hotel is located at 9400 Culver Blvd., 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., suggested donation requested. Valet parking is available, $8. Website: www.lesliezemeckis.com.

Special thanks to Los Angeles magazine.