#390 - Striparama One

Striparama, Number One
Selbee Associates, Inc.
New York, New York
probably 1961

digital replica

Dr. Bienvenu's dissertation says that Mr. Burtman referred to Striparama in correspondence in 1961. The title was produced irregularly throughout the 1960s.

Collectively, the first two issues of Striparama intend an encyclopedia of burlesque dancers, organized in alphabetical order by either first or last names. Striparama Number One says Part One on the cover, which means it contains those with names beginning with A through M.

The face and form of each cheerful beauty appear within or beside a large letter relating to her name. A page or two of photo-montage on gray backgrounds show her in assorted costumes and moods. Some pictorials include other pages of photographs in conventional layouts. Pictures were taken in studios, apartments, outdoors, and on stage. Text provides origins, professional histories, gimmicks, and measurements.

Pages show . . .

• Arlene Stevens
• Blaze Starr
• Camille
• Darlene
• Dixie Evans
• “Frantic” Carmela
• Gilda
• Betty Howard
• Irma the Body
• Jennie Lee
• Sharon Knight
• Tana Louise
• Brandy Martin

Every word and picture of the original, including ads, are included in this page-by-page, large format digital presentation. A 56-page magazine without comics, illustrations, stories or articles.

Many page layouts were revised to obtain optimum pictures of models. To accomplish this, empty margins were reduced and captions were moved.

Digital adjustments and retouching of specks improves on the good photography in the original. All original scans.

These graceful women were in the business of showing shapely bodies to men who bought tickets. At the time, appearing in Striparama may have been a splash of self-promotion.

With professional understanding of what men like to look at, they seem to enjoy posing for cameras. A lighthearted tone and pretty smiles mix pasties, fishnets, and feathers into the music and dance of burlesque glamor.

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