Dreams Of The Forbidden City

When Chinatown Nightclubs Beckoned Hollywood

In the 1940s and '50s, the shining beacon that called to young Chinese Americans with dreams of stardom was San Francisco's Chinatown, which had the largest district of Chinese-owned nightclubs between 1937 and 1964. These grand rooms with tables, a dance floor, and a cabaret show promised their clientele a 'taste of China,' but really, it was more China-by-way-of-Hollywood.

The Chinese American chorus girls might make their entrance in modest cheongsams, but would quickly discard them to reveal sexy burlesque costumes underneath. Elegant chanteuses sang popular American ballads in curve-hugging evening gowns, and dapper men sang and danced in tuxes and top hats. Collectors Weekly took a look behind the scenes.