There’ll never be another entertainer as outrageous as Sophie Tucker, which is why this documentary about her is aptly titled, THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER.  Directed by William Gazecki and screening as part of the Jewish International Film Festival, it brings to life a rare insight to the rags to riches story of Sophie Tucker.

Here was a woman well ahead of her time; independent, sassy, prerogative and hugely talented.  Her friends included US Presidents, the Royal Family, many adoring fans, fellow travellers, entertainers and for half a century, was one of the world’s most iconic celebrities.

She captivated audiences with herbold, bawdy and brassy style that influenced later entertainers such as Marilyn Monroe, Joan Rivers and Bette Middler.

She could entertain the crowd with her upfront approach and humour. She made jokes about men,  romance and even her own ample size. Her act  often included double innuendos that she carried off due to her great stage presence.

Tucker’s career spanned over 60 years, from singing as a young child in her parent’s restaurant until her death at age 79 in 1966. More than 400 personal scrapbooks, photos and interviews, bring her fascinating life to the silver screen.

Sophie Tucker was born Sonya Kalish to a traditional Orthodox Jewish family in the Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, before moving to America as an infant. Sophie had one of the most successful and enduring careers in show business: Vaudeville, Broadway, radio, film and television. But it was her stentorian delivery of comical and risqué songs that catapulted her to superstardom and earning her the nickname, “The Last of the Red Hot Mamas.”

Then there was her signature song, “My Yiddishe Momme.” The song was so popular that American soldiers played itrepeatedly on big speakers on the streets of Berlin during the final days of World War 2, when Hitler’s army had been defeated.

THE OUTRAGEOUS SOPHIE TUCKER is a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most extravagant and intriguing entertainers.