A gritty slice of 1970s New York City nightlife, this historical photo captures the bold façade of the Follies Burlesk at 46th St. and Broadway in 1978. Dominating the frame are oversized strip club signs advertising “Whirly Girly Revue” and “Bigtime Vaudeville,” surrounded by classic marquee bulbs and large, graphic lettering that feels unmistakably Times Square.
On the left, a pin-up style showgirl illustration leans into the camera, echoing the era’s advertising aesthetic, while the right panel commands attention with “ALL LIVE” and stacked arrows pointing down to the venue’s offerings. Weathered textures and high-contrast signage give the scene a lived-in quality, evoking the neon-and-marquee streetscape that once defined this corner of Manhattan.
Perfect for readers interested in New York City history, vintage Times Square photography, and the evolution of Broadway’s entertainment district, the image preserves a moment when burlesque and vaudeville-style promotions still filled the streets with spectacle. It’s a striking reminder of how signage, street-level theater culture, and adult entertainment intersected in the city’s visual landscape of the late 1970s.