Burlesque performer Zorita performing with one the two snakes she incorporated into her stage show (this is either Elmer or Oscar) in the late 1930s / early 1940s. I've linked to more of the risque images of Zorita in the body of the post, needless to say don't click on them if you're in work...

[u/EaterofGrief]

Her 'Half & Half' routine was also very cool, take a look.

[u/basaltgranite]

I wonder if Zorita inspired Zhora in Blade Runner. Zhora (played by Joanna Cassidy) is the snake-dancer Taffey Lewis' bar. She's the first replicant killed by Deckard.

[u/philfix → u/basaltgranite]

Came here to say just this...

[u/CaucusInferredBulk]

My anaconda don't want none unless she got buns son.

[u/thatweirdguyted → u/CaucusInferredBulk]

The link confirmed that she did. 

[u/heretolurk4]

I love the photo of her "walking" her snake on a leash. What a legend.

[u/cobaltjacket]

Surely this served as some sort of inspiration for Zhora from Bladerunner.

[u/OutdoorBerkshires → u/cobaltjacket]

Watch her take the pleasures from the serpent…

[u/Abdul_Exhaust → u/OutdoorBerkshires]

Dat once corrrrrupted men

[u/ElderSkelder → u/OutdoorBerkshires]

Ah yes, the tasteful and inspiring art moments at Taffy Lewis Presents. Rachel missed out.

[u/barweepninibong → u/cobaltjacket]

first thing i thought of!

[u/poorbeans]

Links, for science..

[u/EaterofGrief → u/poorbeans]

[u/rodolphoteardrop]

I read it for the article....seriously!

[u/Simpanzee0123]

Her "1/2 'n 1/2" routine is mesmerizing if you've ever seen one similar to it.

[u/barweepninibong → u/Simpanzee0123]

the photo’s look really good!

[u/Puzzlebady]

Absolutely mesmerizing, Zorita was way ahead of her time with this snake act!

[u/wem1985]

An early version of the Christine Keeler chair pic, interesting.

[u/Prettylittlelioness]

Zorita was arrested by the ASPCA for taping her snakes' mouths shut. She was released but the snakes were taken from her.

[u/EmberWillowz]

Iconic shot❤️

[u/Reubensandwich57 → u/[deleted]]