Cherrie Knight - Busty Post-War Burlesque Dancer Extraordinaire

Photos of Cherrie Knight had spread widely by the time she came to the attention of the famed burlesque and soft-bondage filmmaker Irving Klaw, who cast her in his 1955 release - "Teaserama" (1955). "Buxom" Cherrie (as the film trailer described her) had a solo strip act approximately two-thirds of the way through the movie which concluded with her in a "see through" bra and gold pasties over her nipples. While somewhat tame by contemporary standards, this scene would be viewed as risque by what was acceptable cinematography in the fifties. Unfortunately for this pin-up legend, her performance was upstaged by bigger named performers Bettie Page and Tempest Storm, who also appeared in the same film.

"Teaserama" showed in real time Cherrie's trademark look that stood out in her still photography work. With her quintessential perm wave hair do and look towards the camera that hinted at slight detachment from the entire scene, Cherrie Knight reflected the women of that era who were supposed to be reserved homemakers caring for their families. However, with her soft, delicious skin and massive boobs exposed for the world to see, this buxom queen projected sexuality that any man would want to possess.

Cherrie's next major accomplishment was appearing on the cover of her proto-porn publication in 1959 that was released by Leonard Burtman under the title "Cherri Knight." To the unknowing, "proto-porn" magazines and booklets were fifties-era pornographic publications marketed as "figure studies for artists and photographers" so as to beat smut laws of that age and to avoid community censors.

There is no information about how the issue featuring Cherrie Knight sold. However, if the photos are indicative of sales, this magazine should have been an all-time bestseller. Cherrie is posed completely nude in a variety of positions outdoors on a blanket - on her back, sitting upright, and angled on her side, for example. Her natural breasts respond accordingly to each pose, gracefully moving and curving depending on the position.

No implants in this busty girl (injections of liquid silicone into tits in the 1950s to 1960s were prohibited)! The outdoor lighting plays off her bust to create deep, dark shadows in her cleavage to accentuate her pronounced nipples. Of course, Cherrie Knight is giving the camera that trademark look that says "You can see this much, but this is as naughty as I get..."

By the time the sixties rolled around, Cherrie Knight's fame had passed, and photographs, performances and films of her had pretty much ceased.

Cherrie fell away from public view until the renaissance in burlesque and pin-up girls happened in the early 21st century. Archived footage of her performances appeared in the 2004 documentary film "Striptease: The Greatest Exotic Dancers of All Time." It was quickly followed by another documentary film also released in 2004 titled "Taboo: The Beginning of Erotic Cinema" which again featured film of Cherrie's burlesque dancing from the '40s and '50s.

Cherrie Knight was able to capitalize on this renewed interest in burlesque with a cameo film appearance in the 2006 low-budget horror film "Acid Bath," where she played the role of "The Fantasy Girl."

Cherrie Knight is an incredible example of the classic strippers we have available on this website, but she is only one portion of the burlesque, pin-up, and retro erotica women available. To see even more Cherrie and other vintage erotica models, sign up for a Vintage Cuties membership and a whole world of delicious, early- to mid-twentieth century women will be right at your fingertips.