Ciro's Nightclub on Historic Sunset Strip

Frank Senne's personal collection of news paper articles about his night clubs, the Hollywood scene, and all the celebrities. Most articles are from 1955-56.

Frank Senne's personal collection of news paper articles about his night clubs.

We individually photographed all 68 pages of articles glued inside this book.

Frank Senne's personal collection of news paper articles about his night clubs.

Frank Sennes, who owned and operated Ciro's in the mid 1960 - 1970's, is most known for his Moulin Rouge nightclub in Hollywood. These are some of our personal memorabilia from that nightclub.

Frank Sennes took over former Earl Carroll Theater in 1953, and it became the center of night life gaiety in Hollywood. An extensive remodeling campaign was undertaken which included expanding the seating capacity to 1250, making it the largest theater-restaurant in the world.

After months of construction, booking the various acts, hiring the dances, designing and making the costumes, and developing a production, Frank Sennes' Moulin Rouge opened its doors on the 25th of December, 1953.

From the beginning, Sennes was dedicated to the policy of providing the finest stage entertainment available. During the seven years of its illustrious existence, the Moulin Rouge presented countless outstanding personalities such as Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Daniels, Dean Martin, Dennis Day, the Mills Brothers, Anna Marie Alberghitti, Frankie Laine, Johnny Ray, and Mister Showman himself, Liberace. In addition to the star headliners, the show assembled more than 100 beautiful singers and dancers who paraded around the large stage in costumes costing in excess of $75,000.

The success which the Moulin Rouge experienced was due, in part, to what Sennes called the 'package deal.' For just $5.50, the customer received a complete full course deluxe dinner, danced to a fine orchestra and watched top entertainers perform.
Sundays were devoted to the family matinee, which featured a kiddie circus, complete with clowns, balloons and toys. Beginning in 1955, The daytime show 'Queen For A Day', starring Jack Bailey, was broadcast from the Moulin Rouge.
By the late fifties, Sennes found it more and more difficult to attract top-name entertainers because of his inability to compete with the high salaries being paid by Las Vegas. Recognizing the enormous potential and opportunity that Las Vegas had to offer, he closed the Moulin Rouge, in 1960, and began producing shows in the gambling capital of the United States.

Well look at what I just got!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ciros-Hollywood-Nightclub-Short-sleeve-t-shirt-Bygone-Retro-Restaurant-tees/333673819130?var=542764847272&hash=item4db0826bfa:g:TokAAOSwmZpfS7Us

Most of these items are from our administrator, Jeff Scott's, personal collection of Ciro's Night Club memorabilia.

Finally gluing together the (almost complete), original Ciro's Night Club entrance block we salvaged from up on the room years ago. Most of the art deco blocks are still up on the roof, just behind the comedy store black facade.

More original items we've acquired for our collection.

We're almost able to feel like we're back at Ciro;s with these items from our collection.

A 1950's Ciro's presents, fold out mailer, for upcoming Xavier Cougat shows.

We just added this neat little cocktail napkin to our collection.

Jake Lewis, a fan of our page, shared his original Ciro's matchbooks he recently acquired. Nice find sir!

The owners have changed, but most of the building remains the same today as when it was built in 1938.

The Belly Room (of The comedy Store), is being repaired and the old walls are getting replaced. At the top of the waitress back stairs, is a short wall that used to have all the gay comics headshots on it. Well, the photos have been removed, and last night I realized there was some old wallpaper behind it. Then I noticed the board covering the bottom half of the wall was loose, and once removed, what was behind it? A full panel of vintage Ciro's wallpaper, circa 1939.

Most of these items are from our administrator, Jeff Scott's, personal collection of Ciro's Night Club memorabilia.

Most of these items are from our administrator, Jeff Scott's, personal collection of Ciro's Night Club memorabilia.

Our newest acquisition, an original and complete box of never used Ciro's matchboxes! Can't wait till they arrive.