Perhaps, because we're getting older, we mumble that "those days" were the best.
But the records prove the current chorus gal is not half so gay, glamorous or interesting as the ensemble entry of a decade and more ago.
The world has changed, and with it changed the choryphee.
In the old days, a chorus salary of 50 or 60 bucks a week seemed like a million to hicks in the sticks, and parental opposition was not too oppressive.
The playboys were still around; the mobsters rustled $1,000 bills and the Wall Street Blue Sky subdividers had gold mines up there.
Now, a survey will turn up the startling fact that most lilies of the line are using the chorus as a temporary makeshift while completing their education. They double between the cabaret floor or stage, and college. If they're seeking a theatrical career, they spend their days studying voice, ballet, dramatics.
The result is, few playgirls at that source. More and more duck home immediately after the show, so they can get up early and go to school or to the coach.
This is very bad on love-life, and the few still around with loose shekels don't look too longingly at Broadway.
It's getting extremely difficult to meet a chorus charmer.