Plot

Born poor in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker achieved fame and fortune through her sizzlingly exotic, erotic performances. Starting life on the American Vaudeville circuit, success takes Josephine to Paris where her semi-nude dancing causes an international sensation. Through her marriages to an Italian pseudo-count and an orchestra leader, to her bond with army officer Sydney Williams, Josephine's life is a rollercoaster ride of love and rejection from both her lovers and her country. But semi-nude, or head-to-toes in sequins; in battle fatigues or rags - her beauty and ambition ensured that Josephine Baker will always be remembered as the first, and possibly most loved, truly international star.—HBO Home Video

Born into a poor St. Louis family, Josephine Baker struggles to make a name for herself on the vaudeville circuit. As her career progresses, so does her resentment of racial prejudice, motivating her to move to Paris--where in a short time, her exotic dance routines make her the toast of the town. Swayed by the influence of her manager, she takes the act back to America. It fails but Josephine perseveres, proving herself as much humanitarian as entertainer.—Jwelch5742

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine Baker grows up poor. She starts to display her talents on the American Vaudeville circuit in 1917. Unhappy with the treatment of African-Americans in her homeland, she travels to Paris and finds success as an exotic dancer and cabaret singer loved by the Europeans. Her manager, an Italian pseudo-count, decides to have her return to Broadway, and she fails miserably. However, she remains a strong, outspoken person who soon takes her show on the road and turn heads. Outrageous, shocking, sensational - Josephine Baker will always be remembered as the first, and possibly most loved, truly international star.—John Sacksteder <jsackste@bellsouth.net>