National Affairs: Everybody’s in the Act

When Music Czar James Caesar Petrillo imperiously directed Manhattan nightclubs to raise musicians’ wages last week he did not forget to write a punch line. He wanted a 20% increase for musicians in 1,100 New York night spots. But if the clubs had a floor show he ruled that the musicians deserved a little more—45% to be exact.

Cried pint-sized Billy Rose: “I’m willing to give them more money. But this demand would put the Diamond Horseshoe out of business.” Warned Joe Howard of the big, garish Zanzibar: “Absurd.” There was, the owners hinted, only one alternative: firing the poor, beautiful chorus girls. Monte Proser of the Copacabana even went so far as to send his beauties notices of dismissal. Then all sat back and waited for further word from Caesar.