Lili St. Cyr

Lili St. Cyr was internationally recognized for her elaborate "bathtub" routine, a centerpiece of her mid-20th-century burlesque shows. In the performance, she would provocatively disrobe and step into a transparent, sometimes moving, bathtub on stage. The act became a signature element of her performances in Las Vegas and Montreal.

Yes, Lili St. Cyr faced significant legal challenges due to the perceived obscenity of her performances. In 1951, she was famously arrested in Montreal by the local morality squad following a performance at the Gaiety Theatre. The subsequent trial garnered massive media attention, though she was ultimately acquitted of the charges.

Lili St. Cyr was primarily active in the entertainment hubs of Las Vegas and Montreal, performing for sold-out crowds. She became a massive headliner in Las Vegas, often performing at venues like the El Rancho Vegas and the Dunes hotels. Her shows elevated the status of striptease to high-class theatrical entertainment.

Although her primary success was on the stage, Lili St. Cyr did transition into acting in several Hollywood B-movies. She notably appeared in the 1953 film The French Line, which starred Jane Russell. She also had a memorable role in the 1955 cult classic burlesque film Teaserama, performing alongside Bettie Page.