LADY OF BURLESQUE (1943) B/W 91m dir: William A. Wellman

w/Barbara Stanwyck, Michael O'Shea, J. Edward Bromberg, Iris Adrian, Marion Martin, Pinky Lee

From Variety's contemporary review of the film: "Although Lady of Burlesque is based on Gypsy Rose Lee's novel, G-String Murders, story plows an obvious straight line in generating the whodunit angles, and two gal burlesque performers are knocked off in succession before the culprit is disclosed. But gallant trouping by Barbara Stanwyck, colorful background provided by [producer Hunt] Stromberg and speedy direction by William Wellman carry picture through for good entertainment for general audiences.

"Story centers around a burlesque stock company established in an old opera house. Stanwyck is the striptease star in process of buildup by manager J. Edward Bromberg, with Michael O'Shea the lowdown comedian who's continually making romantic pitches to the girl.

"Picture gets off to a zestful start, with stage show background in which Stanwyck socks over 'Take It Off the E String, Play It On the G String,' and Frank Fenton deliberately off-keys 'So This Is You.' There's a sudden raid and wagon backup; release on bail and then showdown to generate various motives for the coming murders. After swinging into the strange use of a G string for strangulation of the victims, it's just a matter of time before the windup."

LADY OF BURLESQUE was nominated for an Oscar for Best Scoring of a Dramatic Film (Arthur Lange).