Forbidden City: Chinese American Nightclubs, 1936-1970

Forbidden City, USA captures the magic and glamour of the Chinese American nightclub scene, which peaked in San Francisco during World War II. In the 1930s and 40s, audiences flocked to these exotic nightclubs, escaping the problems of the day with a cocktail and a show. The result is a sexy and insightful exploration of a time when Asian Americans pushed against exploitation and racism—Here are the sassy, bold, and sometimes heartbreaking memories of dancers, singers, producers, and nightclub owners, as told in their own words. Accompanying these previously unpublished stories are over four hundred stunning photos, postcards, menus, programs—Together they recreate a forgotten era, taking readers on a dazzling tour of the old "Chop Suey Circuit."