Burlesque icon Alexandra The Great 48 performed her act at dozens of theaters, clubs, and luxury hotels throughout the world. Inducted into the Burlesque Hall of Fame in 2008, Alexandra The Great 48 also appeared in the documentary Behind the Burly Q.
Written and directed by American actress Leslie Zemeckis, Behind the Burly Q tells the story of the golden age of burlesque, which spanned from the early 1920s until the 1960s. Through a mix of video clips and interviews, the film showcases the intense highs and harrowing lows of life in the American burlesque industry. The documentary reveals first-hand accounts from iconic dancers such as April March and Taffy O’Neill.
In cases where the performers had passed away, Zemeckis interviewed close friends and relatives. MASH star Alan Alda appears in the film to relay his experiences as the son of burlesque comedian and singer Robert Alda. The movie had a limited release in 2010. Approximately 3 years later, Zemeckis published a companion book with the same title.
