Swing (Jan-Dec 1945)

NEW YORK COMMUNIQUE 63 there gives aspiring young musicians and singers a chance to perform before wellknown artists and a capacity audience. Many long and successful careers may begin from this program. The Curfew is on . . . but definitely. Cafe society is decidedly "Curfew Conscious." That last drink has to go down the hatch by eleven-forty-five CURFEW in order to get the body and its accoutrements out the door by twelve. All lights are turned out sharply at the first bong of midnight and though there may be a flashlight handy to prevent patrons from falling over the plants in the vestibule, being left in the dark is not the sort of experience one becomes addicted to. The idea behind the Curfew may be a good one ... to save fuel and power and so forth. But in practice it doesn't seem very reasonable. Nite Clubs merely open their doors a couple of hours earlier, present their floor shows earlier and in the long run use up as much power as ever. Some clubs are even serving luncheon now to make up for lost time. True, one has to choose between the theatre and a nite club and can't have both as in the old days, but that can be worked out with no casualties. After surviving the shock of going to bed the same day it arose, cafe society seems to be enjoying the novelty. It's better to make a reservation at your favorite night club. And don't be late! And a ten per cent tip NITE CLUBS isn't enough any more. Unless you're immune to insult, better make it between fifteen and twenty. Check up on the entertainment before you go or you may be disappointed. Morton Downey is appearing in the Plaza's popular Persian Room. Victor Borge, pianist extraordinary, comedian superb, gives out at the Waldorf's Wedgewood Room, supper show only. Dorothy Shay is back at Maisonette in the nether regions of the St. Regis Hotel, singing her songs and winning friends. One of her best — "Rum and Coca Cola." Most of the really swank places feature only two or three entertainers, but for lots 'n' lotsa show, there's always the Versailles, Copacabana, Diamond Horseshoe (Billy Rose revue), Leon and Eddie's, to pick only a few out of the hat. Anything is likely to be going on at Madison Square Garden — basketball, ice hockey, an ice skating revue or a circus. Have to check and re-check to keep up with it. A young man's fancy may turn to love in the spring, but the lady's urge is toward that new spring outFASHIONS fit. Shop windows are a mixture of "Winter Sales — • Drastic Reductions" and gay Easter bonnets. Hats are more fantastic than ever, with tremendous bunches of tulle, ribbons and flowers. The prices are fantastic too. The favorite print dress has taken a flair for comedy with new designs from all forms of animal life to a Picasso nightmare. Accessories must be gay and, if possible, practical. Fashions in coiffeur are a matter of "each to her own" — long, short, up, down, it doesn't matter — as long as it has that well-brushed look. Make-up tends toward the glow effect. More and more telegrams arriving, "We regret to inform you ..." and more and more impatience to have the THE WAR war end. Favorite song — "Accentuate the Positive," lilting tune and lyrics of encouragement in a tired world. Much betting on when Germany will collapse. Bets range from day after tomorrow till the first of June. New York police and civilian defense members given instructions for controlling a too enthusiastic celebration when the news comes through. Dogs is people in New York, and his hair-do marks his status. Long-haired dogs go in for a clipping around the DOGS middle with a peplum effect over the hips. Short-haired friends bid for the limelight with fancy collars and a shiny coat. Wonder when they'll start wearing bells on their ears. There are more dogs in New York than in Dogville itself. And their hours of glory are early morning and late afternoon . . . Park Avenue and Central Park preferred. On a cold day their jackets range in length