LEGENDS. Cont'd.

Mistinguett...

Mistinguett in 1925

Mistinguett was born as Jeanne Bourgeois in the district of Enghien-les-Bains, in France, on April 3, 1875. Many cabaret historians believe that she was born on December 17, 1872 or 1873. Since childhood, Mistinguett was fascinated by the extravagant life of the rich class, the glitzy streets and buildings of Paris, the fame of the Parisian stars, lights and action of Casino de Paris and other fancy Parisian cabarets and boites de nuits. She was dreaming of becoming a star. At 12, he got her first job as flowers basket vendor at the entrance of Casino de Paris. This was the beginning for the little Jeanne Bourgeois.  The beginning of getting as close as possible to a cabaret. It was her first step toward her future grand entrance and smashing appearance on the stage of the Parisian casino. Mistinguett, once told a confident: “Every time I sold one red rose, I felt one more light spot focusing on me on the stage of the casino. I had to do something to get in. Anything. Absolutely anything. Showbiz became my life. Well, I can use my legs and savoir-faire…and nobody is going to stop me…” Mistinguett said this at 16! But legs were not enough for Mistinguett. She had to show talent

 

Persistent and almost possessed by the idea of becoming an artist, she convinced her parents to pay for her music lessons, violin private tutoring and dancing lessons as well. Mistinguett excelled in dancing and showmanship training. Her voice was not so great but, her charisma and strong personality were noticed by her teachers who encouraged her to hang around artists, people of the media and other cabaret artists in Paris. And she did! She used to take the train every day from her home in the suburb to Paris to meet with the characters of the night, some writers and troubadours self proclaimed philosopher. Each time she took the train from her parents home in the suburb to Paris, Mistinguett would spend 3 agonizing hours each way.

During one her trips to Paris, she met an obscure writer who gave the 16 year old girl, her future stage name “Mistinguette”. Later on, she will drop out the “e’ from her name to become “Mistinguett”. In 1893, she began to perform in small and obscure Parisian cabaret concerts, cafes and boites de nuits. She lacked good voice, dancing talent and stage theatrical talents but, she could move gracefully, tease the audience and act as a frivolous and daring comedienne. So, she started as a “B” comedienne in “B” places. But, she was on her way to stardom, to fame and power!

       Betty Grable                                                                                            Claire Luce in 1927                           Marlene Dietrich