Carol Doda Topless at the Condor

On a fateful San Francisco night in the early 60s, Condor nightclub performer Carol Doda was lowered to the stage on a floating piano, topless. Word spread quickly, setting off a wave of controversy and delight, with raids soon to follow. There was even a trial for the new celebrity. Doda’s dry wit and charisma made her an instant sensation of the night club scene: an empowered woman in full control. Or so it seemed. Directors Marlo McKenzie and Jonathan Parker’s lively and illuminating documentary examines the history and artistry of North Beach’s subversive topless entertainment, revealing the ways in which early performers confronted sexism and prejudice, even racism, bosom on, becoming synonymous with the culture of a liberated, progressive San Francisco. (Telluride Film Festival)