(THEATER) Archive of burlesque star Ann Corio including scri

Sale 2263 - Lot 271

Price Realized: $ 1,680

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 1,500 - $ 2,500

(THEATER.) Archive of burlesque star Ann Corio, including scripts, photographs, and more. More than 200 items (0.6 linear feet), various sizes and conditions. Vp, 1930-99

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Earlier this year, Swann offered a lively archive of letters from burlesque star Ann Corio (1909-1999) to her publicist. This attracted the attention of Corio's estate, which has consigned this fascinating archive spanning several decades of her career. Corio was one of the leading striptease dancers of the 1930s, transitioned into straight acting roles on the film and stage in the 1940s and 1950s, and launched a popular production called "This Was Burlesque" which toured from 1961 well into the 1980s.
The collection includes dozens of scripts for burlesque sketches. 28 of them were acquired by Corio from veteran comic Harry J. Conley, and date back as early as 1930, with titles like "Maternity Ward Scene" or "Honeymoon Hotel (Radiator)." About 40 more were apparently used by Corio in "This Was Burlesque" from the 1960s onward. The 77 photographs are mostly promotional 8 x 10s, spanning Corio's entire career, from early glamour shots by Bruno of Hollywood, to movie stills from her roles in "Sarong Girl" and "The Sultan's Daughter," to cast photos from "This Was Burlesque" (some featuring old vaudeville star Steve Mills and transgender performer Jennifer Fox). Others show her with friends Robert Goulet and Lou Costello. The collection also includes programs, clippings, correspondence, and books on burlesque. Other highlights include the "candy butcher" concession box from "This Was Burlesque," and a 1962 issue of Swank magazine featuring Corio--believed to be the first issue of this prestigious publication ever to appear at a major auction house. Together, this archive tells the story of a hard-working show business survivor. Full inventory available upon request.