DITA VON TEESE TO PLAY MATA HARI

Exotic Dita Von Teese

Dita Von Teese will star as exotic dancer Mata Hari in a new movie.The 35-year-old burlesque performer has signed up for the lead role in a new biopic about the tragic Dutch star, who was executed by a firing squad after being exposed as a double agent during World War I. Director Martha Fiennes - whose brothers are actors Ralph and Joseph - said: "Dita has done a little acting before and I think she can handle it."In fact, I approached her myself. She is perfect for the part."I have written the script but it will probably need some developing, so I don't expect filming to start for another eight to 10 months."Hari - real name Margaretha Geertruida Zelle - was originally employed as a spy for the French during the war and acted as a courtesan to many high-ranking allied military officers.In 1917, she was accused of providing information to the Germans and was subsequently executed in France.Von Teese is also set to play young stripper Adeline Winter in the upcoming movie 'The Boom Boom Room'.