Theatre: Fat of the Land

When Billy Watson (born Isaac Levy) retired from the burlesque business he had made his pile. At 72 he still had plenty, but felt that he was "going nuts from not doing anything." So last week he gave a heave and a shove, and out on a Philadelphia stage waddled his revived Beef Trust, once the prime ribs of burlesque. The current show, Watson claims, is an exact duplicate, gags and all, of the old-time one. But in 1898 top weight for burlesque beauties was 180 pounds; today all Beef-Trusters weigh 200 or more....

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!