This fan page continues Arthur Dong’s over 35-year devotion to the topic, starting from his documentary, and now his book and exhibition.
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Journey to the golden era of Chinatown nightclubs when an explosion of cabarets and entertainers captured the imagination of the public with their all-Chinese extravaganzas! From the 1930s-1960s, a golden age of Chinese American nightclubs and performers flourished, mostly in San Francisco, but also in New York City and Oakland, California. Cabarets with names like Forbidden City, Kubla Khan, Chi
nese Skyroom, China Doll, and the New Shanghai Terrace Bowl were places where Asian American singers and dancers could finally perform regularly in routines that had previously been considered white forms of entertainment. These night spots also gave many non-Asians their first real encounters with Asians other than what they saw in the movies, which were typically stereotyped depictions based on racist notions of the time.
Visiting SF Chinatown's Showgirl Magic Museum, which pays tribute to the Chinatown nightclub era — with Grant Avenue Follies performers Avis, Cynthia Yee, and Pat Nishimoto, and photos of Ivy Tam and the Tai Sings dance duo (Wilbur and Mai Tai Sing). Photo by Zand Gee. More on the museum here: https://www.theclarionsf.org/showgirl-magic-museum
Just a splendid afternoon in my old neighborhood in SF Chinatown for a combination ForbiddenCityBook.com and HollywoodChineseBook.com booktalk. Thanks to The InfatuAsian Podcast host Curtis Chinn and On Waverly! If you're not familiar with this wonderful new shop that "artfully connects generations of Asian Americans," take a read here: https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/business/san-francisco-bookstore-connects-asian-americans-across-ages/article_ba73e73a-b19a-11ee-b892-5fa3cd1ef76f.html
June 2, San Francisco, 2pm: Join us at On Waverly for a conversation and book talk with San Francisco Chinatown native Arthur D**g, filmmaker and author of ForbiddenCityBook.com and HollywoodChineseBook.com. Moderated by Curtis Chinn, host of The InfatuAsian Podcast (see comments below). A book signing follows. This event is free, but space is limited. RSVP @ https://thethirdplace.is/event/book-talk-forbidden-city-usa-and-hollywood-chinese
The stuff that turns up on eBay— vintage 1989! Item description from the seller:
"This VHS tape of "Forbidden City U.S.A." is a special collector's item, signed by the talented filmmaker Arthur D**g. The documentary explores the rich history of Chinese American nightclub entertainment during the mid-20th century. With its focus on cultural identity and artistic expression, this VHS tape is a must-have for any film enthusiast or history buff. The tape is in excellent condition, and is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. Add this rare gem to your collection today!"
This VHS tape of "Forbidden City U.S.A." is a special collector's item, signed by the talented filmmaker Arthur D**g. The documentary explores the rich history of Chinese American nightclub entertainment during the mid-20th century.
Riverside audiences were enchanted by the Grant Avenue Follies after the screening of "Forbidden City, USA" @ UCR Arts — what a treat for them to meet veteran dancers from the Chinatown nightclub era, Pat Chin and Cynthia Yee!
The fabulous Grant Avenue Follies, debuting their gorgeous new headdresses, attended the UCR ARTS screening of HOLLYWOOD CHINESE with filmmaker Arthur D**g last night. They'll be performing tonight, May 18, after the screening of Forbidden City, USA: Chinatown Nightclubs, 1936-1970. Free tickets and info: https://ucrartstickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=3512 Photos courtesy Pat Nishimoto and Mimi Lee
May 17 & 18, Riverside, CA: UCR ARTS presents back-to-back films by Arthur D**g: HOLLYWOOD CHINESE & Forbidden City, USA: Chinatown Nightclubs, 1936-1970. Filmmaker in attendance both evenings, with special live guest performance by Grant Avenue Follies on May 18! Free and open to the public. Info and reservations here: https://ucrarts.ucr.edu/current-films/
Happy World Book Day from Arthur D**g, author of ForbiddenCityBook.com & HollywoodChineseBook.com!
ForbiddenCityBook.com author and director Arthur D**g brings his HollywoodChineseBook.com to the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, April 20, 12-2pm. Come on by the Angel City Press booth #119 and say "HI"!
Coby Yee, legendary Chinatown nightclub dancer, is spotted by her daughter, Shari Roh Masuura, at the iconic Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood. She's part of an exhibit honoring Asian American entertainers curated by Arthur D**g. See more on the show here: https://www.deepfocusproductions.com/formosa/ Photo courtesy of Masuura.
Beyond thrilled to announce that our documentary on World War II San Francisco Chinatown nightclubs, FORBIDDEN CITY, USA, is now available to stream FREE! This is the version beautifully restored from original negatives by UCLA Film & Television Archive. The soundtrack was digitally remixed by Joe Milner and includes additional music by Gary Stockdale who composed the original score. Stay to the end for: newly added 1988 performance of "The Man I Love" with Frances Chun on vocals and David Sum on piano, and newly added audio recording of Toy and Wing taped live at the Forbidden City nightclub in 1961! Stream now in the North American region with an approved public library card or university log-in at https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/14064903 For more on the golden era of Chinatown nightclubs take a look at our American Book Award-winning ForbiddenCityBook.com
James Shigeta, who played opposite Nancy Kwan in "Flower Drum Song", is profiled in this news story reported by Rick Quan. ForbiddenCityBook.com author and filmmaker Arthur D**g is the featured commentator via Zoom.
James Shigeta was born in Honolulu in 1929 and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947. After serving in the Marines during the Korean War, he began his career as
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