Tempest Storm

Growing up in conservative 1930s Georgia, Annie Banks dreamed of escaping an abusive stepfather and fulfilling her dreams in Hollywood. Along the way, she became the world's greatest exotic dancer, billed as a "Tempest in a D-cup." Her early days as a chorus girl led to racier appearances, propelling her dramatic rise to fame with movies, Vegas shows and affairs with JFK and Elvis. But her interracial marriage to singer Herb Jeffries was more controversial and professionally damaging than her risqué performances. Now 87, she's reflecting on her trailblazing career and attempting to repair a broken relationship with her daughter, whom she left behind 50 years ago. Her unconventional life has left its marks. Where the performer ends and the person begins is never entirely clear with Tempest, as she continues to titillate as an octogenarian, inspiring a new generation of burlesque dancers who idolize her. (Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival)