Centerfolds, pin-ups, and cover girls generally do not warrant a feature-length documentary, especially one in which they are called upon to narrate. I think most people would agree, such women tend not to be known for their intellects, so one may wonder how anyone could possibly be interested in their memories and life stories.
Admittedly, as much as many of the frames and shots were exciting to watch (aided by both Pause and Zoom features), overall I found this documentary a bit of a bore. This may have something to do with the fact that Bettie Page (in her prime) was before my time. Nevertheless, the numerous febrific stills of hers continue to remain dateless and no doubt have aroused a whole new and younger generation of fans. This, the enduring and mysterious power of posthumous sex appeal, something which only few women ever manage to attain.
'Twas a sad day on earth when Ms. Page was laid to rest but a day worth celebrating in heaven. You see, Bettie Page was not only a poser of nudes and an actress in 16mm bondage films, but would go onto become a believer as well. How sincere of one is anyone's guess, but the film opens with video clips of her memorial service, conducted by the late oily pietist, Reverend Robert Schuller.
Viewers do learn a bit about Bettie that perhaps they did not know, beforehand. Personally, I was unaware of her precise measurements (she informs they were 36-24-37, at their peak). BP was born in Nashville, in April of 1923. As a young woman she showed remarkably good taste in men, refusing to date or bed any man who drank or smoked. As I listened to her narrate, I never realized that this woman most known for her iconic bangs spoke in a southern twang. (Who knew?) More bio. Unable to make it in Hollywood, the beaming beauty eventually found her way to the Big Apple, where she ended up making it in pictures, after all. First, only photo shoots, then onto films which allowed her to gyrate and wiggle. At nights Bettie loved to go out dancing. Without the least bit of shame in that husky voice of hers, the narrator reveals how much she enjoyed what is otherwise referred to as the horizontal two-step. Was this gal an angel sent from above or what?
At one point during the narration, Ms. Page tells of the desire she once had in becoming a missionary, and I for one believe her. It seems not everyone, however, is willing to accept the fact that a woman most known for her wickedly chiseled figure would end up renouncing carnality for the spiritual path. The expression 'God works in mysterious ways' here comes to mind.
All in all, BETTIE PAGE REVEALS ALL is without question easy on the eye but maybe not so much on the ear. There is nudity aplenty, including FFN, therefore certainly not a film for men who'd much rather sit in on a senate investigative committee.
Admittedly, as much as many of the frames and shots were exciting to watch (aided by both Pause and Zoom features), overall I found this documentary a bit of a bore. This may have something to do with the fact that Bettie Page (in her prime) was before my time. Nevertheless, the numerous febrific stills of hers continue to remain dateless and no doubt have aroused a whole new and younger generation of fans. This, the enduring and mysterious power of posthumous sex appeal, something which only few women ever manage to attain.
'Twas a sad day on earth when Ms. Page was laid to rest but a day worth celebrating in heaven. You see, Bettie Page was not only a poser of nudes and an actress in 16mm bondage films, but would go onto become a believer as well. How sincere of one is anyone's guess, but the film opens with video clips of her memorial service, conducted by the late oily pietist, Reverend Robert Schuller.
Viewers do learn a bit about Bettie that perhaps they did not know, beforehand. Personally, I was unaware of her precise measurements (she informs they were 36-24-37, at their peak). BP was born in Nashville, in April of 1923. As a young woman she showed remarkably good taste in men, refusing to date or bed any man who drank or smoked. As I listened to her narrate, I never realized that this woman most known for her iconic bangs spoke in a southern twang. (Who knew?) More bio. Unable to make it in Hollywood, the beaming beauty eventually found her way to the Big Apple, where she ended up making it in pictures, after all. First, only photo shoots, then onto films which allowed her to gyrate and wiggle. At nights Bettie loved to go out dancing. Without the least bit of shame in that husky voice of hers, the narrator reveals how much she enjoyed what is otherwise referred to as the horizontal two-step. Was this gal an angel sent from above or what?
At one point during the narration, Ms. Page tells of the desire she once had in becoming a missionary, and I for one believe her. It seems not everyone, however, is willing to accept the fact that a woman most known for her wickedly chiseled figure would end up renouncing carnality for the spiritual path. The expression 'God works in mysterious ways' here comes to mind.
All in all, BETTIE PAGE REVEALS ALL is without question easy on the eye but maybe not so much on the ear. There is nudity aplenty, including FFN, therefore certainly not a film for men who'd much rather sit in on a senate investigative committee.