The Folly Theater reopened as the Folly Burlesque – Soldiers passing through Kansas City by way of Union Station stopped the Folly to see the shows (better defined as striptease at that point). Crowds gathered to see such acts as Miss Perpetual Motion, Sally Rand, and Tempest Storm. In 1958 movies were added to burlesque stage shows and eventually, the Folly devolved into adult films, and quietly closed in 1973, and was slated for demolition leading to an effort to save The Grand Lady of 12th Street. The City Council passed a delay ordinance in March, which would save the building.