Corio: From Burlesque Stages to Hollywood Screens
The career of Corio is a testament to the versatility of mid-century entertainers, spanning the provocative world of burlesque, the glamour of Hollywood "B" movies, and the prestige of the Broadway stage. Her journey took her from the vibrant nightlife of New York City to the studios of Los Angeles, leaving a mark on both film and radio.
Transition to Hollywood
In 1939, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia closed the burlesque houses in New York City, prompting Corio to relocate to Los Angeles. This move opened the door to a cinematic career between 1941 and 1944. She became a staple in "B" motion pictures—lower-budget films produced quickly to fill double features—often appearing in minimal costumes.
Her film debut in this era began with Swamp Woman (1941). She gained significant recognition in the 1942 film Jungle Siren, where she starred opposite Buster Crabbe. Her cinematic run continued with Call of the Jungle and Sarong Girl in 1944.
Radio and Wartime Contributions
Beyond the screen, Corio expanded her reach into radio. On January 7, 1943, she appeared as a guest armchair detective—a character who solves crimes through logic and deduction—on The Adventures of Ellery Queen in the episode "The Adventure of the Singing Rat." Years later, on January 23, 1955, she appeared in the NBC radio show Adventures of the Archers in an episode titled "The Ghost in the Sea Blue Dress."
During the Second World War, Corio supported the U.S. military as a volunteer pin-up girl. She was featured in the September 3, 1943, issue of YANK, a weekly publication for the U.S. Army. Her visits to military personnel were highly valued; for instance, Edward Hoegerman, a certified technician aboard the USS Yorktown, cited her visit to the ship's radio shack as a favorite wartime memory.
The Legacy of "This Was Burlesque"
Corio's enduring passion for dance led her to create This Was Burlesque, a nostalgic production that she directed and performed in. The show first debuted off-Broadway in 1962, and Corio later expanded the project into a book of the same name in 1968.
Even after her retirement in the 1970s, Corio remained a public figure, appearing twice on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson while in her sixties. She continued to tour This Was Burlesque through the summer stock circuit—regional theater productions that run during the summer months.
The production eventually reached Broadway in 1981 at the Princess Theatre (formerly the Latin Quarter), where it competed with the show Sugar Babies. Corio mounted the production again in 1985 at the Variety Arts Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, followed by a final run at a dinner theatre in Florida, where the show eventually closed.
Key Facts
- Hollywood Debut: Started her B-movie career with Swamp Woman in 1941.
- Notable Film: Starred in Jungle Siren (1942) with Buster Crabbe.
- Wartime Service: Featured in YANK magazine on September 3, 1943.
- Stage Success: Created, directed, and starred in This Was Burlesque.
- Literary Work: Published a book titled This Was Burlesque in 1968.
| Period/Year | Medium | Project/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1941-1944 | Film | B-movies including Jungle Siren and Call of the Jungle |
| 1943 | Radio/Print | The Adventures of Ellery Queen and YANK magazine |
| 1962 | Theater | Debut of This Was Burlesque (off-Broadway) |
| 1968 | Literature | Publication of This Was Burlesque |
| 1981 | Theater | Broadway run at the Princess Theatre |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Corio move to Los Angeles?
Corio moved to Los Angeles after Mayor Fiorello La Guardia closed the burlesque houses in New York City in 1939.
What were some of Corio's most notable films?
Her most well-known films include Jungle Siren (1942), Call of the Jungle (1944), and Sarong Girl (1944).
How did Corio contribute to the war effort?
She served as a volunteer pin-up girl for YANK magazine and visited military personnel, including those aboard the USS Yorktown.
What was "This Was Burlesque"?
It was a nostalgic stage show created, directed, and performed by Corio, which began off-Broadway in 1962 and eventually played on Broadway and in various regional theaters.
Did Corio appear on television in her later years?
Yes, during the 1970s, while in her sixties and retired, she appeared as a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson twice.