A Cake to Conjure With

I'm trying to think who would want to create this cake, from the January 1975 issue of Gourmet, and suffering a total failure of imagination.  The same person, I suppose, who'd want to make this Filet of Beef en Gelee.

 

Should you, however, be that person, here's the recipe for the cake.  Roll up  your sleeves; it's going to take some time.