The Mother-in-Law was a spangly shrine to the singer who dubbed himself "Emperor of the World, " wore an ermine-trimmed cape and opened his act with the trademark scream "Burn, K-Doe, burn!"
That day, the procession was coming down Fifth Avenue: the majorette twirled her baton in the air, the big drums banged, and the balloon giant, representing the Satisfied Customer, flew among the skyscrapers, obediently advancing on leashes held by girls in kepis, tassels, and fringed epaulets, riding spangly motorcycles.