Audio Film Review: Naked Truth in ‘Carol Doda Topless at the Condor’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 27, 2024 - 12:48pm

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Carol Doda Topless at the Condor,” a documentary about a different time and morality in America, written and directed by Mario McKenzie and Jonathan Parker. In select theaters on March 29th. See local listings.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Carol Doda was an exotic dancer in San Francisco in the 1960s, who hijinks eventually led the way to a loosening of standards and breast coverings at the strip (hyy-oh) of clubs in North Beach. Doda was a waitress at the Condor, who began to dance on top of the piano as a gag, and her outgoing nature began to get popular, especially after she donned the infamous “monokini” topless bathing suit for the act in 1964. This led to a busting out of similar clubs in San Fran, but it was Carol who owned the street in the early days, honored by the Condor with a full length rendering on their marquee. She maintained her legend status all the way to the end.

“Carol Doda Topless at the Condor” is in select theaters on March 29th (including Chicago’s … click link … Landmark Century Centre Cinema) see local listings. Featuring archival footage of Carol Doda. Written and directed by Mario McKenzie and Jonathan Parker. Rated “R”