Created by famed cameraman Burton Holmes, this short newsreel shows the “Streets of Paris” exhibition at the Chicago World’s Fair “A Century of Progress” in 1933.

The risque nature of the exhibit is a bit dumbfounding to a modern audience, as it features a “nudist colony” and “live model” art class. However most of these appear to be sight gags of one kind or another. One sight that is something to behold is Sally Rand, who performs her famous fan dance at the exhibit. Supposedly this was one of Rand’s first gigs, as the unemployed actress had sought a way to make a living and a “big splash.” This one was heard round the world! Rand was later arrested and put on trial for indecency. Rand made the Streets of Paris one of the most profitable concessions at the fair.

As you can see, “Streets of Paris” reproduced streets of the Montmartre quarter, with a background of old walls and small cafes. According to a publicity brochure, it featured “seven novelty entertainments of the art student type. Cigarette girls, flower girls and other Parisian types add to the effect. In a special building is an exhibit of French wines and liqueurs…”

You can read more here:

https://chicagology.com/centuryprogress/1933fair09/