By Steve Crum 

The great Broadway impresario Florenz Ziegfeld (1867-1932) poses with a bevy of his gorgeous and talented showgirls aka “Ziegfeld Girls” in 1931. His Ziegfeld extravaganzas packed in New York City theatre goers from 1907-31. 

Rumors persist that “Ziggy” personally “interviewed” each and every young lady who auditioned for his chorus lines. Call it the “Ziegfeld Scandals.” Call it the “Ziegfeld Casting Couch.” That includes the 1914-32 years Ziggy was married to Billie Burke. If her name does not ring the proverbial bell, her most famous role undoubtedly will. Billie portrayed Glinda the Good Witch of the South in The Wizard of Oz (1939).