In this entertaining book, noted theatre historian Mary Henderson traces the rise and fall and rise of the street that symbolises the Broadway experience. The first theatre went up in 1899 and by 1920 there were twelve stretching from avenue to avenue, plus a subway stop at each end and a never-ceasing bustle of activity in between. The 20s and 30s were the golden age, fuelled by Hollywood movies and stories; then there were the war years, when every American soldier and sailor paid a call. After the war, the slow decline of 42nd Street, lined with peep shows, symbolised decay. In the 90s, as theatres were renovated, the street was miraculously reclaimed. "The Story of 42nd Street" captures the colourful characters, shows, scandals and stories of this uniquely American dreamscape.
- ISBN10 0823030725
- ISBN13 9780823030729
- Publish Date 2 September 2008
- Publish Status Remaindered
- Out of Print 22 July 2010
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Watson-Guptill Publications
- Imprint Back Stage Books,U.S.
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 240
- Language English