Tempest Storm: The Rise of a Burlesque Icon
The golden age of burlesque was defined by larger-than-life personalities and theatrical spectacle. Among the most enduring figures of this era was Tempest Storm, a performer whose career spanned decades and captured the imagination of audiences across the United States. Born Annie Blanche Banks, she transitioned from a humble start in Los Angeles to become one of the most recognized names in the industry.
Early Beginnings and the Birth of a Stage Name
In 1945, at the age of 17, Annie Blanche Banks worked as a carhop waitress at Simon's Drive-In in Los Angeles, later moving into a role as a cocktail waitress. Her entry into the world of entertainment happened when a patron suggested she pursue striptease—the art of provocative dance and gradual undressing—and arranged an audition with Lillian Hunt, the talent manager at the Follies Theater.
Storm began her tenure at the Follies Theater as a chorus dancer, earning $40 a week (approximately $715 in 2025). Within three weeks, she was promoted to a stripper with a salary increase to $60 a week (approximately $1,073 in 2025). Shortly after, Lillian Hunt suggested a stage name. After considering the option of "Sunny Day," she settled on the more dramatic Tempest Storm. In 1957, she became one of the few performers in her profession to legally change her name to her stage persona.
Career Expansion and Cinematic Appearances
Tempest Storm established herself as a powerhouse performer, becoming a regular at the El Rey, a prominent burlesque theater in Oakland, California. Her fame extended beyond Northern California, as she performed in clubs throughout the United States, including the high-energy circuit of Las Vegas.
Her visual appeal led to numerous appearances in men's magazines and a series of burlesque films. Her filmography includes titles such as French Peep Show (1950), Paris After Midnight (1951), Striptease Girl (1952), Teaserama (1955), and Buxom Beautease (1956).
The Portland "Burlesque War" and Legal Battles
In 1953, Storm moved to Portland, Oregon, where she initially performed at the Star Theater. The situation shifted when her husband at the time, John Becker, purchased the nearby Capital Theater, prompting Storm to move her act there. In a retaliatory move, the owner of the Star Theater hired Becker's ex-wife and rival performer, Arabelle Andre, billing her as "John's Other Wife."
This rivalry ignited a highly publicized "burlesque war" that gained national attention, eventually being featured in Life magazine on November 30, 1953. However, Storm's career was not without legal hurdles. In 1954, she was legally restrained from using the billing "$50,000 Hollywood Treasure Chest" following a successful lawsuit filed by another performer, Evelyn West, known as the "Treasure Chest Girl."
Key Facts
- Real Name: Annie Blanche Banks.
- Career Start: Began as a chorus dancer at Follies Theater in 1945.
- Legal Name Change: Officially became Tempest Storm in 1957.
- Notable Venues: El Rey (Oakland), Star Theater (Portland), and various Las Vegas clubs.
- Media Presence: Featured in five burlesque films between 1950 and 1956.
- Famous Rivalry: Engaged in a "burlesque war" with Arabelle Andre in Portland.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 | Professional Debut | Hired by Lillian Hunt at Follies Theater |
| 1950-1956 | Film Career | Appeared in 5 burlesque movies |
| 1953 | The Burlesque War | Public rivalry with Arabelle Andre in Portland |
| 1954 | Legal Dispute | Lawsuit with Evelyn West over "Treasure Chest" billing |
| 1957 | Legal Name Change | Legally changed name to Tempest Storm |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Tempest Storm's birth name?
Her birth name was Annie Blanche Banks.
How did she get the stage name Tempest Storm?
The name was suggested by Lillian Hunt, the talent manager at the Follies Theater, as an alternative to the name "Sunny Day."
What was the "burlesque war" in Portland?
It was a professional rivalry between Tempest Storm and Arabelle Andre that occurred in 1953 after Andre was hired by the Star Theater to perform as the "Other Wife" of Storm's husband, John Becker.
Which films did Tempest Storm appear in?
She appeared in French Peep Show (1950), Paris After Midnight (1951), Striptease Girl (1952), Teaserama (1955), and Buxom Beautease (1956).
Why was she sued by Evelyn West?
Evelyn West, known as the "Treasure Chest Girl," sued Storm over the use of the billing "$50,000 Hollywood Treasure Chest," and the court subsequently restrained Storm from using that title.