Yes, Joseph Pujol was a real historical figure.  As the most popular act at the “Moulin Rouge”

his box office receipts far exceeded even the great actors of his day:

Sara Berhnardt     8000 Francs per performance

Lucien Guitry        6500 Francs per performance

                 Joseph Pujol        20,000 Francs per performance!

“The Fartiste”, now playing on 46th Street

tells the incredible (but true!) story of the extraordinary life of Joseph Pujol!