[StBernard] INTERESTING

[Westley Annis]

Well, the story of Madame Levant is accurate, and it was "her" brothel house
that is refered to in the famous song by the Animals.  The reference in the
song about it being a place that was "ruin of many poor boy" would make
sense since in those days it was common for young "working" ladies to
suddenly disappear from the brothel - not to mention all the other low lifes
of New Orleans society that frequented the place.  Also, there is story (or
legend) some of the working ladies there either being murdered or committing
suicide - and suicide was common.  This might account for the ghost and
curse legends.  Clearly, I would think life in such a place during that time
would have ruined many - as the song says.

John


-----Original Message-----
It might be the "official" explanation but this folk tale has never been
proven beyond conjecture and word of mouth throughout the years.

Theory.

That's what's been discussed throughout time and because the Animals
recorded it plays to the folk tale and keeps the belief alive that it must
be so because it's recorded for all time.

Never proven, most documents both in print and online discuss this and the
argument will go on until the end of time.

Someone must have thought that because a "house of ladies" leads to ruin of
the perpetrator and victim, that this tale leads credence to its actuality. 

Sort of like Santa Clause deriving from St. Nicholas or Jesus in each method
of giving, so it is that if you play with the Storyville section of N'awlins
long enough, enough discussions will be told on the stoops of doorways after
the sun drops.

--jer--