American burlesque is derived from theatrical entertainment in Victorian England featuring plays that were risqué and comic in style.

By the 1920s, the striptease element began to overshadow the comedic and acting elements and burlesque shows became popular with both men and women as an earthy form of entertainment.

Diners could go to The Harem in New York and have supper complete with cocktails or wine, all while watching burlesque performers.

This attention-grabbing menu cover is both suggestive and humorous.  We believe the artist’s name was Leslie Morie and he portrayed the dancer as a buxom Rita Hayworth-type figure. Rita Hayworth was one of Hollywood’s top sex symbols in the 1940s – she had red hair.

There were a ton of burlesque clubs in mid-town Manhattan in the 40s and 50s – this menu is probably dated from the late 1940s.

We’re not sure when The Harem ceased to exist. Burlesque went out of favor until the 90s and is still popular today.