FORMAT: DVD
Before the film begins, we get a title card assuring us that this is producer Dan Sonney’s attempt to recreate “the bygone era” of Burlesque. The art form was already prehistoric at the time of release, but there are a few moments sprinkled throughout that prove there were still some fleeting signs of life in the old gal.
First up is a trio of ladies who perform a Spanish themed song called “Maracas from Caracas”. Then, a brunette does an energetic striptease before some comedians put on an unfunny sketch about a dimwitted ice cream salesman. That’s followed by a gymnastics act where the performer does a lot of cartwheels, backflips, and contortionist maneuvers. Then, the sexy Aleene does a hot number slowly stripping out of her slinky black evening gown. More lame comedy follows with a skit about a cop harassing a couple of street musicians. Next is a musical number, the chorus line doing some fan dancing, and a ballroom dancing duo. Then (sigh) some more comedy with a guy with a Chico Marx accent trying to teach his pal how to play the violin. Things perk up once again though when a bubbly blonde named Ginger does a high energy striptease. She does this great bit where she stands on her head and shakes her ass. Then, the chorus line returns to perform a gypsy inspired routine. Finally, the headliner Sunny Knight performs a classy striptease number.
While there are some real dull spots here (I’m speaking directly about the comedy bits), Midnight Frolics is a sporadically entertaining hodgepodge. In fact, it’s worth sitting through the lame sequences just to see Aleene. She’s quite memorable with her gothy appearance and devilish demeanor. I know this was made seventy-five years ago, but if I was alive back then, and OnlyFans was a thing, I would definitely be one of her subscribers. Heck, if Aleene had an OnlyFans now, I’d probably be a member!
AKA: Midnite Follies.
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