Found this while scrolling YouTube. I didn't know if it was a movie or documentary. It was a bit slow till everyone gets to Vegas. I knew the girl who won would win. She did a great job! I wonder what happened to all of them. It's interesting how different strippers look now vs then. Back then it seemed to be more about dancing and talent vs big fake boobs and bottomless.
16 Reviews
I'm of two minds about this movie...
75groucho2 April 2008
Basically it's about several different strippers that are gearing up to participate in a competition at a stripper convention in Las Vegas. The documentary filmmakers follow the girls, get their back story, and watch how things turn out for them at the big show.
In many ways, it prefigures a lot of the "reality" TV stuff that would come out twenty years later. The hook is to develop rooting interests in each of the contestants and see how it all unfolds.
To that end, "Stripper" has both good points and bad points. The good is that the production values are high and it is moderately entertaining to get invested in the dancers' ambitions. It could have been much more exploitative but tries gamely to be, well, a documentary. To a point, it succeeds. The bad is that, like much reality-based drama, many of the scenes feel manufactured and staged for the cameras. The final competition might just as well have been assembled for the purpose of making this film.
A fair amount is superficial and can't be taken seriously. It's the softest of the soft core porn, so those looking for arousal should look elsewhere. But there's more than a glimmer of entertainment and human insight to be had, especially considering that this was done a generation before every empty-souled schnook looking for attention went on reality shows and both producer and viewer alike knew what to expect.
This film does it well back before people started doing it poorly.
In many ways, it prefigures a lot of the "reality" TV stuff that would come out twenty years later. The hook is to develop rooting interests in each of the contestants and see how it all unfolds.
To that end, "Stripper" has both good points and bad points. The good is that the production values are high and it is moderately entertaining to get invested in the dancers' ambitions. It could have been much more exploitative but tries gamely to be, well, a documentary. To a point, it succeeds. The bad is that, like much reality-based drama, many of the scenes feel manufactured and staged for the cameras. The final competition might just as well have been assembled for the purpose of making this film.
A fair amount is superficial and can't be taken seriously. It's the softest of the soft core porn, so those looking for arousal should look elsewhere. But there's more than a glimmer of entertainment and human insight to be had, especially considering that this was done a generation before every empty-souled schnook looking for attention went on reality shows and both producer and viewer alike knew what to expect.
This film does it well back before people started doing it poorly.
An interesting documentary
w_anchor28 August 1999
This is a "documentary" about female strippers who are taking part in a stripping contest. (Do such contests exist?) Most of the women who are featured in the film are reasonably good-looking, and you do get to see them perform. This is definitely one to be watched with one finger on the pause button, if you know what I mean.
Female "Rocky", but it's real
tombaker13 May 2004
I get the feeling the producers had seen "Rocky" recently.
Cinemax put this into their late night, dirty movie lineup a decade or so ago, and it sounded interesting so I watched it. Definately memorable, I've thought a lot about it since, recommended it to people, and no I don't remember much of the naked women (they would strip down to a G-string, I recall.)
Instead it was great to see people in one of the less-well-regarded professions, eagerly competing to be "the best!" for different personal reasons, not the least of which was to just be the best. A lot of planning, and psyching up, and working out, and along the way telling life stories.
One asks her boss, the night club owner, for a few days off to be in the contest. Maybe he didn't realize that she would be a much better draw after being a "world class contestant", because he said no. She had to quit to go, and the viewer wonders how that will work out when the contest is over.
Whether it's titallating is up to you. A memorable sequence is the dancer who hired a personal trainer, got up early every morning, put on a sweat suit, and did a long distance run/job to tone up and slim down. Lot of pounding the pavement, boring exercising, not really too stimulating for the viewer, right?
Or the two that were working a route in Canada, taking the train from one mill town to another. Interesting how they could get off the train, and get to talking to the men in the town quickly, asking really old geezers "you're going to come see my show tonight, right?"
The one who talked about her finances -- strippers don't have that long (maybe to age 40) to make their money. She had been doing okay, but witlessly signed her money over to a scum-boyfriend, now long vanished with the loot, and now she works because she has a little girl. Winning the contest might help her recover financially.
Truthfully, I loved the stories here, maybe you will, too. It plays like a female "Rocky", only "Stripper" was the real thing.
Cinemax put this into their late night, dirty movie lineup a decade or so ago, and it sounded interesting so I watched it. Definately memorable, I've thought a lot about it since, recommended it to people, and no I don't remember much of the naked women (they would strip down to a G-string, I recall.)
Instead it was great to see people in one of the less-well-regarded professions, eagerly competing to be "the best!" for different personal reasons, not the least of which was to just be the best. A lot of planning, and psyching up, and working out, and along the way telling life stories.
One asks her boss, the night club owner, for a few days off to be in the contest. Maybe he didn't realize that she would be a much better draw after being a "world class contestant", because he said no. She had to quit to go, and the viewer wonders how that will work out when the contest is over.
Whether it's titallating is up to you. A memorable sequence is the dancer who hired a personal trainer, got up early every morning, put on a sweat suit, and did a long distance run/job to tone up and slim down. Lot of pounding the pavement, boring exercising, not really too stimulating for the viewer, right?
Or the two that were working a route in Canada, taking the train from one mill town to another. Interesting how they could get off the train, and get to talking to the men in the town quickly, asking really old geezers "you're going to come see my show tonight, right?"
The one who talked about her finances -- strippers don't have that long (maybe to age 40) to make their money. She had been doing okay, but witlessly signed her money over to a scum-boyfriend, now long vanished with the loot, and now she works because she has a little girl. Winning the contest might help her recover financially.
Truthfully, I loved the stories here, maybe you will, too. It plays like a female "Rocky", only "Stripper" was the real thing.
Revealing and eye-opening (no pun intended)
gridoon202416 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
At the very least, "Stripper" is the best movie ever made about a strippers' international convention. Seriously, though, this is an unusual and effective film, told in semi-documentary format, with nary a dull moment. I particularly liked the intimate confessional-like interviews, and the fact that it makes no moral judgements on these women and their choice of work: they love it, it's their right, discussion ends here. It also feautures some of the best strip numbers you will ever see: the contest that the "plot" is framed around has a thoroughly deserving winner with almost Olympic-level gymnastics skill, and there are also two terrific novelty numbers by the fire girl and the whip girl, though sheerly body-wise the tight Sara Costa is leagues ahead of any competition. The athleticism some of these women display is remarkable. *** out of 4.
Stripper is a fun docuseries that falls short of greatness but is worth watching once
kevin_robbins26 December 2023
I recently watched Stripper (1985) on Hulu. The "docuseries" follows a couple of ladies and their backstories as they prepare for the first-ever International G-String Tournament in Las Vegas. It delves into their troubles, motivations, and obstacles they face as strippers competing for the grand prize.
Directed by Jerome Gray (Traxx), the film features a vibrant cast of 80s strippers, capturing the era with fun hair, attire, and terminology. The interviews are well-executed, providing the audience with an intimate view of each character. The setup of the characters and their preparation is perfect, and the topless dance sequences are entertaining. While it's known that the contest was created for the film, the term "docuseries" might be a stretch, yet the realness of the girls adds great anticipation for the contest.
Unfortunately, the contest itself feels rushed. It would have been better to showcase more of the contestants who didn't win and provide a comprehensive overview of the scoring and related dramatics. The ending dances are fantastic, but the final reviews and conclusion feel rushed and somewhat unfulfilling. However, it's enjoyable to witness Vegas during this era.
In conclusion, Stripper is a fun docuseries that falls short of greatness but is worth watching once. I would score this a 5.5/10.
Directed by Jerome Gray (Traxx), the film features a vibrant cast of 80s strippers, capturing the era with fun hair, attire, and terminology. The interviews are well-executed, providing the audience with an intimate view of each character. The setup of the characters and their preparation is perfect, and the topless dance sequences are entertaining. While it's known that the contest was created for the film, the term "docuseries" might be a stretch, yet the realness of the girls adds great anticipation for the contest.
Unfortunately, the contest itself feels rushed. It would have been better to showcase more of the contestants who didn't win and provide a comprehensive overview of the scoring and related dramatics. The ending dances are fantastic, but the final reviews and conclusion feel rushed and somewhat unfulfilling. However, it's enjoyable to witness Vegas during this era.
In conclusion, Stripper is a fun docuseries that falls short of greatness but is worth watching once. I would score this a 5.5/10.
not sure if this is a spoiler or not
jinx_malone7 February 2005
Warning: Spoilers
but.
it's got a writing credit, and it plays like a TV movie of the week. has anyone else noticed this? each of the featured strippers is horribly clichéd--the broken down mom who's hard on her luck, the young hopeful who really thinks she's going to make it (and doesn't), the confident and sweet young thang (who does).
seriously, this feels a lot less like a doc than a thinly veiled attempt by the producers to drum up interest in a one-time-only competition that they could have put on themselves.
the shot to watch for--and what really clinched it for me being scripted and not real? the guy staring in phony awe at the stage and s-l-o-w-l-y mouthing the words 'oh my god'. overall, i'd say it's pretty bad stuff.
it's got a writing credit, and it plays like a TV movie of the week. has anyone else noticed this? each of the featured strippers is horribly clichéd--the broken down mom who's hard on her luck, the young hopeful who really thinks she's going to make it (and doesn't), the confident and sweet young thang (who does).
seriously, this feels a lot less like a doc than a thinly veiled attempt by the producers to drum up interest in a one-time-only competition that they could have put on themselves.
the shot to watch for--and what really clinched it for me being scripted and not real? the guy staring in phony awe at the stage and s-l-o-w-l-y mouthing the words 'oh my god'. overall, i'd say it's pretty bad stuff.
You have better things to do with your time
june-696 September 2005
I stumbled across this bit of nonsense on Fox Movie Channel. It did not appear to have been edited for broadcast. There is nudity and some strong language, at least in terms of what you expect to show up on a non-pay-per-view or premium satellite channel. This movie is like a train wreck -- you know what's going to happen, but you just can't seem to look away. The whole stripper contest premise is incredibly hokey and pretty obviously drummed up by the filmmakers. The movie is essentially light weight soft porn, trying to capitalize on the "flash dance" craze of the early to mid 80's. I do have to give the film makers credit for women who look real, even if they are much more physically fit than most of us.
If you're a documentary filmmaker, its a must
surf-1427 October 2005
Director Jerome Gary produced "PUMPING IRON" (which put 'Arnold' on the map) and writer Charles Gaines also wrote "PUMPING IRON" and "STAY HUNGRY" (1975). - Cinematographer Ed Lachman needs no introduction, and Academy Award winner Haskell Wexler did the 2nd unit photography, among others. - My favorite line was, "Hey Buddy, how's your LUNCH!?" It came with a great set-up, which kept me laughing for days. - As another reviewer here said, this isn't a sex-film but a documentary; and another reviewer called it a female "ROCKY." I agree with both. - This is not a cheaply made film, as you can see by reading the end credits. Didn't count everyone but there must have been over a hundred people on the crew. And it shows. - This is about as well-made as they come. One of the best. - KC Remington Micanopy, FL
An Interesting Documentary
Ewi11 December 1999
This movie was interesting to me because it showed the behind-the-scenes of strippers' life, which I knew nothing about. I just thought it was a sleazy profession that degrades women, and never thought about the women themselves. I found the story of the single mother especially touching.
This movie revealed to me the sad and human, and sometimes satisfying, side of this profession. There was, of course, some peeping in watching it, but I didn't get aroused by the naked women - it is Not a porno movie, it is a Documentary.
I'm not saying that I'm going to be a stripper myself after I've seen it, but that I view strippers more humanly. All I need now is to watch a movie about the motives of men watching strippers, and maybe that'll change my mind about them too.
This movie revealed to me the sad and human, and sometimes satisfying, side of this profession. There was, of course, some peeping in watching it, but I didn't get aroused by the naked women - it is Not a porno movie, it is a Documentary.
I'm not saying that I'm going to be a stripper myself after I've seen it, but that I view strippers more humanly. All I need now is to watch a movie about the motives of men watching strippers, and maybe that'll change my mind about them too.
one of a kind
RavenGlamDVDCollector18 April 2014
Here's ol' RavenGlamDVDCollector@gmail.com again reviewing something he saw decades ago, and therefore cannot vividly recall, and there is but a snowball's chance in hell to ever see this on DVD. I encountered something like an offer to digitally download this, but you have to be a subscriber and you'll need a computer and installations and technical know-how and if anybody out there could help me, I'd gladly reward you, name your price.
STRIPPER is a documentary featuring girls competing for the Golden G-string award, not for this in itself, but as a springboard for their careers, be that as models or dancers, and with hindsight I didn't have back then, I suppose as porno stars or high- class call girls or whatever. Point is, these girls are all psyched up to win that trophy (while it is, of course, something of a questionable honor, especially to their more well-off fortunate sisters). Us menfolk do not complain, we got to see lots of bare flesh, but the real nudity in this one is the girls' tormented souls. Which makes for quite a view. This is the forerunner of reality shows, a prototype that could hardly be lived up to, as this is the really real thing, and involves bare skin by the score.
By today's standards, judging from snippets seen on the Net, the hairstyles are totally outdated, and this does make it seem like antique material, but, gee whiz oh golly shucks, what I wouldn't give to see this again, wow!
She's got style, she's got grace, she's got long, long legs, she's got savoir faire... I remember that song clearly, although it's been about 23 years since I last saw the film. It was released on the South African video circuit around 1991, I think. At a time when our very strict, absolutely Draconian censorship laws were cooling off. There was no chance whatsoever to see it here legally during it's year of origin. Americans have no idea how fortunate they are to have grown up with freedom of choice.
To try and get back to an actual review, there is this very emotional scene at the end with a shattered dream, a dashed hope, a contestant being consoled by her mother. Ain't no reality show ever which can beat that, people!
Yet, for some reason, this screen gem is mostly just collecting dust somewhere. Release it on DVD, aim it exclusively at the video rent market as a classic of a by-gone era, just ensure there's a pretty girl on the box cover... (sigh, sob)
STRIPPER is a documentary featuring girls competing for the Golden G-string award, not for this in itself, but as a springboard for their careers, be that as models or dancers, and with hindsight I didn't have back then, I suppose as porno stars or high- class call girls or whatever. Point is, these girls are all psyched up to win that trophy (while it is, of course, something of a questionable honor, especially to their more well-off fortunate sisters). Us menfolk do not complain, we got to see lots of bare flesh, but the real nudity in this one is the girls' tormented souls. Which makes for quite a view. This is the forerunner of reality shows, a prototype that could hardly be lived up to, as this is the really real thing, and involves bare skin by the score.
By today's standards, judging from snippets seen on the Net, the hairstyles are totally outdated, and this does make it seem like antique material, but, gee whiz oh golly shucks, what I wouldn't give to see this again, wow!
She's got style, she's got grace, she's got long, long legs, she's got savoir faire... I remember that song clearly, although it's been about 23 years since I last saw the film. It was released on the South African video circuit around 1991, I think. At a time when our very strict, absolutely Draconian censorship laws were cooling off. There was no chance whatsoever to see it here legally during it's year of origin. Americans have no idea how fortunate they are to have grown up with freedom of choice.
To try and get back to an actual review, there is this very emotional scene at the end with a shattered dream, a dashed hope, a contestant being consoled by her mother. Ain't no reality show ever which can beat that, people!
Yet, for some reason, this screen gem is mostly just collecting dust somewhere. Release it on DVD, aim it exclusively at the video rent market as a classic of a by-gone era, just ensure there's a pretty girl on the box cover... (sigh, sob)
Hello Flashdance :)
teamcaryl15 November 2021
I wasn't sure what to think when I came across this title on Amazon Prime. But I gave it the benefit, considering I loved Flashdance (who didn't)
This is a docu-story about exotic dancers who will compete for the Golden G-String award in Vegas. Women who at one point or another were a model, showgirl, actress, dancer, or porn star - turned highly skilled exotic dancer. Enough to compete seriously for this golden title, and finally achieve the self-respect they've dreamed of. And taken seriously for their unconventional lifestyle. Each one completely psyched up to win that trophy, while pretending to engage 'sisterhood' in the green room.
The bare nudity really being their pained souls, as the bulk of them survived no-so-desirable - or broken homes, they left behind. Just trying to get ahead, and be someone, and respected, in a crazy, unfair world. Where women were still perceived (and treated) as the "weaker sex"
If you enjoy films about show girls and exotic dancers, then this is for you.
This is a docu-story about exotic dancers who will compete for the Golden G-String award in Vegas. Women who at one point or another were a model, showgirl, actress, dancer, or porn star - turned highly skilled exotic dancer. Enough to compete seriously for this golden title, and finally achieve the self-respect they've dreamed of. And taken seriously for their unconventional lifestyle. Each one completely psyched up to win that trophy, while pretending to engage 'sisterhood' in the green room.
The bare nudity really being their pained souls, as the bulk of them survived no-so-desirable - or broken homes, they left behind. Just trying to get ahead, and be someone, and respected, in a crazy, unfair world. Where women were still perceived (and treated) as the "weaker sex"
If you enjoy films about show girls and exotic dancers, then this is for you.
Video Store Hit
Schlockmeister3 June 2001
I remember when this video hit the old time Mom & Pop video stores in the mid 80s. It had a big promotion, large posters on the walls. Places that would not carry the harder sex videos carried these, or, if you were too embarrassed to go into the "back room", you could still rent this from the front. That's primarily it with this video. It was marketed that way and the box made it look like sleaze. Various strippers are shown and, as filler, we get to see the bahind the scenes of their lives. If it was JUST stripping, it wouldnt qualify as a hoity-toity "documentary" and would have been in that fabled back room. A Stripper's Convention was put together obviously by the video producers (It's a "First Annual"...c'mon ) as an excuse to have a grand stripoff at the end. It's a good look at where stripping was at back then. This was just before "Gentlemen's Clubs" became little more then steroid and silicone driven hard-body gynecology lessons. The ladies are pretty, the dancing may seem a little tame by "Showgirls" standards (which it would make a good double-feature with, call it the "Fast-Forward Film Festival").
If you love Showgirls, this is for you.
ellingsona18 March 2022
To anyone who thought this movie sucked, I say: How dare you?
If you are looking for a 100% raw fully authentic documentary experience, this is not the place for you. This will not be among The Critereon Collection.
But it's an 80s "documentary" called Stripper about an stripper competition - enjoy it for what it is. Everything was delightful to me - the hair, the clothes, the makeup, the insanely athletic bodies. It's good natured and fun, and genuinely entertaining.
If you are looking for a 100% raw fully authentic documentary experience, this is not the place for you. This will not be among The Critereon Collection.
But it's an 80s "documentary" called Stripper about an stripper competition - enjoy it for what it is. Everything was delightful to me - the hair, the clothes, the makeup, the insanely athletic bodies. It's good natured and fun, and genuinely entertaining.
A peek behind the curtain
materialgworrrl12 December 2023
This movie offers an intimate and emotional look into the backrooms of strip clubs and a look into the behind the scenes of routines, training, and the lives of said dancers.
It doesn't completely dive into the dancers personal lives, however a few of the women in the movie are so earnest and open with their stories.
While maybe not the best documentary about stripping, however it's semi-light hearted and fun.
Watching from 2023, it's very interesting to see how the scene operated back in the day. I wish there was a follow up on these dancers, as I'd love to find out what happened to each one of them and how their lives continued after the movie.
It doesn't completely dive into the dancers personal lives, however a few of the women in the movie are so earnest and open with their stories.
While maybe not the best documentary about stripping, however it's semi-light hearted and fun.
Watching from 2023, it's very interesting to see how the scene operated back in the day. I wish there was a follow up on these dancers, as I'd love to find out what happened to each one of them and how their lives continued after the movie.
Wow!
ersbel28 September 2018
The overall story is pretty mild. Life as usual for some women.
For the viewer it can be fascinating to get glimpses into that life. Sure, the scenes seem to be well dressed and not very realistic. But in the moralist context I doubt anyone can show the real footage for the simple reason that the two gangs accept only the extremes: the glamour or the gross and the disgusting. Not taking sides would mean having both gangs against you. And from this stand point the production team does a good job not leaning in any direction.
Also, it's hard to imagine how they did it without the tech common for the 2018.
For the viewer it can be fascinating to get glimpses into that life. Sure, the scenes seem to be well dressed and not very realistic. But in the moralist context I doubt anyone can show the real footage for the simple reason that the two gangs accept only the extremes: the glamour or the gross and the disgusting. Not taking sides would mean having both gangs against you. And from this stand point the production team does a good job not leaning in any direction.
Also, it's hard to imagine how they did it without the tech common for the 2018.
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