"Happy Times … If You Can Stand It"

Although many autobiographies and memoirs have been published describing popular entertainment during interwar years, most of these accounts emphasize Success. They portray the profession as a fortuitous combination of talent, hard work, a bit of luck, and great rewards. A glow of happy memories and untarnished success usually conceals much that a theatre historian would like to know; actual conditions for average entertainer are much harder to document. This essay, based on oral history, attempts to reconstruct everyday lives of women performers.' It explains how they survived and thrived during years when cinema, radio, and dance bands undercut all forms of live entertainment, and halls were closing at a discouraging rate throughout country.2 Part I describes entry into field, acts performed, working conditions, average pay, and life back stage. Part II analyzes specific problems women faced-sexual advances, possible loss of respectability, difficulties in regard to marriage and children, and alternatives after retirement

Ancient history · Genealogy · New england · Political science · Politics · Diversity and Impact of Dance · History · Law · Theater, Performance, and Music History

• A Balancing Act

  Sam Gates•Visual Culture in Britain•2019

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• Fantasies and Realities of Children’s Stage Costume

  Alice Sage•Jeunesse Young People Texts…•2023

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