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El Morocco




El Morocco was a 20th century Manhattan Nightclub frequented by the rich and famous in the 1930s and 1950s. It was famous for its blue Zebra -stripe motif and its official photographer, Jerome Zerbe .


HISTORY


In 1931, John Perona, an Italian immigrant, opened El Morocco as a Speakeasy at 154 East 54th Street where the Citigroup Center now stands. Part of what made the club the 'place to be' was the photographs taken by Jerome Zerbe which were always in the news the next day. Everyone always knew from the background zebra stripes on the banquettes where the celebrities had been.

In 1961, it moved to a four-storey . In 1997, Desmond Wootton bought the property and opened the Night Owls nightclub. The site is now occupied by the Milan Condominium.http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=191980


MISCELLANEA


  • First club to use a velvet rope.

  • In 1950, Humphrey Bogart was banned for life.



REFERENCES IN POPULAR CULTURE


  • Mentioned in the Cole Porter song, " Down In The Depths "

  • Recreated in the 2006 motion picture, '' Infamous ''

  • The cruise ship Carnival Splendor will feature a bar named El Morocco Bar themed after the original.



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