The Theater: New Revue in Manhattan, Dec. 18, 1944

The Seven Lively Arts (produced by Billy Rose) had been ballyhooed for months to sound like the eighth wonder of the world. The production, what with buying and brilliantining the historic Ziegfeld Theater, cost $1,350,000. The show had a record-breaking advance ticket sale of $550,000. It opened at a $24 top, with enough big names on the program for a vest-pocket Who's Who, enough plushy people in the audience for a reception to royalty. And in the crowded lounge during intermission, with flunkeys passing champagne, it looked like one.

Stripped of its fancy...