Can anyone identify where the French phrase "cherchez la femme" came from?

[dback]

I know it means "seek out/look for the woman," but I've seen/heard it used in two different shows now (the musical "Anyone Can Whistle" and the political satire "Dirty Story"), and it seems like it's a reference to something older.

Any French-speaking artistic types got a clue?

[Fenris]

1. ...

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/19/messages/673.html

[dback]

2. You so rock! Thanks!

Folks here know everything. :)

[lavenderdiva]

3. I'm aware of 2 origins:

1. a story by O. Henry, entitled 'Cherchez La Femme'. here is a free link to that short story (scroll down and the story will begin)

http://www.literaturecollection.com/a/o_henry/107/

2. a song in the late 70's/early 80's (?) disco era, by Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, entitled 'Cherchez La Femme'. here is a link to the lyrics:

http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/dr_buzzards_original_savannah_band/cherchez_la_femme_se_si_bon.html

if you go to Limewire or somesuch place, its a great song-- STILL!