From Moulin Rouge to La Rambla

When Mistinguett arrived she was offered several bouquets, which were thanked with gentle smiles

French icon Mistinguett has been one of the most famous vedettes in history. Her real name was Jeanne Bourgeois (1875-1956) and she was the main attraction of mythical Parisian cabarets Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère. She popularized songs like Ça c'est Paris and Mon Homme. The first one was composed by Andalusian songwriter José Padilla. She premiered that piece in 1948 in Barcelona, at Salon Rio. The city gave her a warm welcome: “She covered her body, that body that had been extolled in so many chronicles, with a rich and elegant coat".

The first performance of the French star in Barcelona took place at Teatro Apolo (located at Avenida del Paral·lel) in 1931. She presented a show titled Miss en Voyage and offered two daily performances for only five days. She was accompanied by "a painting of remarkable artists, Boys and Girls". In her Memories she remembers her experience city: "I discovered Spain in Las Ramblas at night ». [...] The funniest thing was going for a walk and see people. All ladies wore Sunday clothes, they met and greeted each other. "

Recognized rivalry between Mistinguett and Josephine Baker was a constant topic in the international press during the first half of the 20th century. While the Ebony Venus stood out for her exoticism, the French vedette knew how to exploit one of her strengths: her legs. In the memories she published in 1953, she confessed: "In 1919 I insured them at five hundred thousand francs, the price of a mansion at Champs Elysees." However, it was Josephine Baker who performed more times in Barcelona. To the point of giving name to one of Hotel Ritz’s (current Hotel Palace) suites, where she stayed whenever she visited the city.