Burlesk Queen (1977)
A bold Filipino drama about ambition, sacrifice, and the dazzling, dangerous world of the burlesque stage.
Burlesk Queen - Movie Information
- Original Title: Burlesk Queen
- Release Year: 1977
- Directed by: Celso Ad. Castillo
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Original Language: Tagalog
- Spoken Languages: Tagalog
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 24, 1977 (Philippines)
- Production Companies: Ian Film Productions
- Production Countries: Philippines
Burlesk Queen - Plot
To support her paralytic father, Chato works as a utility girl for a burlesque star Virgie Nite. But when Virgie gets drunk on the night of her scheduled show, Chato pitches in for her. And she becomes an instant sensation. Enthused by the initial acceptance of the audience, she defies her father's admonitions and presents herself to the manager. And thus, becoming the new burlesque queen.
Burlesk Queen - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Vilma Santos light up the stage:
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Burlesk Queen - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Celso Ad. Castillo
Main Cast
- Vilma Santos
- Rosemarie Gil
- Rolly Quizon
- Leopoldo Salcedo
- Roldan Aquino
- Joonee Gamboa
- Chito Ponce Enrile
- Yolanda Luna
- Celso Ad. Castillo
- Estrella Kuenzler
Writers
- Mauro Gia Samonte
- Celso Ad. Castillo
Burlesk Queen - FAQs
Who plays the lead role in Burlesk Queen?
Vilma Santos plays Chato, also known as Czarina, the young woman at the heart of the story. Her performance is widely regarded as one of the finest of her career, earning her enduring recognition as one of Philippine cinema's most celebrated actresses.
What is Burlesk Queen about?
Burlesk Queen follows Chato, a determined young woman who takes a job as a utility girl for a burlesque star to support her paralyzed father. When she unexpectedly fills in for the headliner one night, she becomes an instant sensation and pursues a life on the burlesque stage despite her father's objections.
Who directed Burlesk Queen?
Burlesk Queen was directed by Celso Ad. Castillo, one of the most distinctive and daring filmmakers in Philippine cinema history. Known for his bold visual style and willingness to tackle provocative subject matter, Castillo also appears in the film as Attorney Adolfo.
When was Burlesk Queen released in the Philippines?
Burlesk Queen was released in the Philippines on December 24, 1977. Its Christmas Day release made it a notable entry in the competitive Metro Manila Film Festival season, and it went on to become one of the most celebrated Filipino films of its era.
Is Burlesk Queen considered a classic of Philippine cinema?
Absolutely. Burlesk Queen is widely regarded as a landmark of Philippine cinema. Vilma Santos's fearless performance and Celso Ad. Castillo's bold direction earned the film lasting critical admiration. It remains a touchstone of 1970s Filipino filmmaking and a defining role in Santos's legendary career.
What genre is Burlesk Queen?
Burlesk Queen is a drama. It blends elements of showbiz melodrama with a gritty, unflinching look at the world of burlesque entertainment in the Philippines, exploring themes of ambition, family loyalty, sacrifice, and the personal cost of fame.
How long is Burlesk Queen?
Burlesk Queen runs for 129 minutes, or just over two hours. The film's generous runtime gives the story room to breathe, allowing Vilma Santos's transformation from a modest utility girl into the celebrated Czarina to unfold with emotional depth and dramatic weight.
What language is Burlesk Queen filmed in?
Burlesk Queen is filmed entirely in Tagalog, the primary language of Filipino cinema during the 1970s. The film is a proud product of Philippine storytelling, rooted in the cultural landscape of Manila's entertainment world and the social realities of its time.
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