Forbidden City, USA: Chinese American Nightclubs, 1936-1970

FORBIDDEN CITY, USA captures the magic and glamour of a Chinese American nightclub scene that peaked in San Francisco during World War II. Previously unpublished personal stories, along with over four hundred stunning images and rare artifacts, are presented in this sexy and insightful chronicle of Asian American performers who defied racial and cultural barriers to pursue their showbiz dreams. It was the mid-1930s: Prohibition was repealed and the Great Depression was waning. With a global conflict on the rise, people were out to drink, dine, dance, and see a show to forget their woes--and what a surprise for the world to behold an emerging generation of Chinese American entertainers commanding the stage in their own nightclubs. FORBIDDEN CITY, USA reveals the sassy, daring, and sometimes heartbreaking memories of the dancers, singers, and producers who lived this story, and it weaves in a fascinating collection of photos, postcards, menus, programs, and yes, even souvenir chopsticks. Together they recreate a forgotten era, treating readers to a dazzling night on the town.