Burlesque. A uniquely American form of entertainment...and one of the most celebrated forms in burlesque was that of the inimitable Lili St. Cyr. H...
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Mar 03, 2008
Nathan
rated it: 
An improbably well-researched and written biography of an entertainer most people have barely heard of, perhaps only as a name dropped in a Rocky Horror Picture Show lyric. Some readers might find Dinardo's weaving of St. Cyr's life into 20th century feminist history a bit of a stretch, but Dinardo pulls it off with subtlety. Plus, she's good people, so don't knock her!
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Dec 29, 2011
Ed
rated it: 
More than a biography of Lili St. Cyr but not really a life and times (since the subject couldn't support such a weighty approach) this is a very well written and impeccably researched work on one of the important culture icons of the middle of the past century. The story of St. Cyr's life is detailed--sometimes too detailed although every biography but one I have ever read contained too much information. DiNardo clearly has a lot of respect for her subject--this really comes through in the Epil
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Feb 25, 2008
Mary
rated it: 
As I sit here, writing and half-watching the Oscars, I'm struck by the irony that the subject of this book herself never bought into the mystique of the silver screen. Lili St. Cyr only did movies when the money was good and the work was easy; otherwise, she'd rather be dancing at Ciro's. And although she turned the heads of Humphrey Bogart and Anthony Quinn, she never aspired to appear alongside them onscreen.
Alongside the poetry-reading Gypsy Rose Lee and fan-dancing Sally Rand, Li More...
Alongside the poetry-reading Gypsy Rose Lee and fan-dancing Sally Rand, Li More...
Jun 08, 2008
Rick
rated it:
The most popular burlesque star throughout the Forties and Fifties, Lili St. Cyr influenced Marilyn Monroe, performed with Dean Martin, and danced well into her 50s. Author Kelly DiNardo recounts the fascinating life of "the queen of striptease" in the well-researched and superbly written Gilded Lili: Lili St. Cyr and the Striptease Mystique.
Beginning with the introduction by Rachel Shteir, writer of the excellent burlesque history, Striptease: The Untold History of the Girlie Show More...
Beginning with the introduction by Rachel Shteir, writer of the excellent burlesque history, Striptease: The Untold History of the Girlie Show More...
Jul 31, 2011
Erin
rated it:
Set againt the backdrop of constantly shifting societal mores and conventions, Gilded Lili explores the motivations and lifestyle of one of burlesque's most glamorous stripteasers: Lili St. Cyr.
Jan 23, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
Great subject matter, shitty writer. As frequently as the author quotes from Rachel Shteir's book, "Striptease: The Untold Story of the Girlie Show" (seriously, every five pages), I am inclined to believe that I just should have read that book instead. This really could have been a fascinating read, but DiNardo's attempt is pretty hard to stomach. It reads like a freshman research paper written by a girl who just discovered Dita Von Teese and thinks she is now the nation's leading expe
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Dec 14, 2010
Gilded Lili: Lili St. Cyr and the Striptease Mystique was one of the best and in-depth biographies I've ever read. Lili St. Cyr, to many people, was considered somewhat of a goddess. She graced the stages of many burlesque theatres and entranced everyone that watched her perform; men and women alike. DiNardo is a passionate writer and it shows exuberantly in this fabulous memoir.
Mar 13, 2009
Elaine
rated it:
This was a great book! Interesting subject, well-written, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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