Mae West

Mae West: Mechanical Doll

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:38:00 +0000

It was Thursday evening, on 21 December 1933, and an audience was staring at MAE WEST. Though her latex complexion was remarkably lifelike, and the rendering of the movie queen's features was impressive, this was a mechanical figure that was on display in a theatre.
• • For a few years, gathering more information was elusive. But thanks to Jeanne Newby, a wonderful Missouri-based historian, a few more details are available. Ms. Newby had written an enlightening article — — "Frank Dale's mechanical people helped sell many products, memories" — — that was published on 9 July 1992 in the Webb City Sentinel Newspaper. This blog post draws on Ms. Newby's research.
• • Prosperity, Missouri native Frank Dale relocated to NYC and worked as a sales manager for the Quaker State Oil Company. At heart, however, he was a visionary, an inventor whose specialty was indistrial art. After creating his first mechanical figure to promote his employer's product, Ms. Newby explains, "It created such a sensation that Frank Dale decided to experiment a little more. He eventually set up a workshop in the basement of his home in Pleasantville, N.Y. ... Many brand names were advertised with the help of Frank's mechanical dolls. There was a child in pajamas carrying a candle advertising that it was time to "Re-Tire with Fisk tires." Corporate clients came running and Frank Dale's innovations included a mechanical butler for Ballantine's Ale; a high-stepping majorette for cigarettes made by Chesterfield cigarettes; and the figure of a young girl for the spark plug firm Auto-Lite.
• • Realizing that Mae West was a prominent movie star, Dale wrote to her. Ms. Newby tells what happened next: Frank Dale and Mae West "signed a contract for worldwide use of her "face, figure, and costumes" for advertising. The cost of the first Mae West mechanical figure was $3,500. The doll looked just like Mae West and the latex skin was remarkably lifelike. Although plans were to create many of the Mae West dolls, only two were actually produced. One is in Gabe's Doll museum in Tombstone, Arizona and the other sold at an auction (circa 2002) in Scottsdale, Arizona.
• • Source: "Ancestors, Legends, and Time," a column in the weekly publication of the Webb City Sentinel Newspaper, written by Jeanne Newby. Learn more about Mr. Dale, and Gabe's Doll museum, which is home to many of Frank Dale's famous dolls, by seeking out her book title. Jeanne Newby also offered a special thanks to Bob Hunter for the fascinating details on Frank Dale and his many accomplishments.
• • In December, Remember Arthur Hammerstein [1872 — 1955] • •
• • While playing opposite the seasoned 32-year-old cut-up in Arthur Hammerstein's Broadway hit "Sometime" (with a music score by Rudolf Friml), Mae came to the realization that she was throwing away her lines. Studying the crafty comic timing of Ed Wynn, said Mae West, and watching how he made sure he caught the audience's attention before delivering a line, was the best lesson. Her character in this production was Mayme Dean, his was Loney Bright.
• • Born in The Big Apple in December — — on 21 December 1872 — — and educated in New York City, Arthur Hammerstein was raised by a show-biz-savvy family. His brother was the theatre mogul Willie Hammerstein.
• • After a long and successful career, Arthur Hammerstein died on 12 October 1955. He was 82 years old.
• • Mae West Movie Moolah • •
• • According to a source that tracks box office figures for motion pictures, "She Done Him Wrong" starring Mae West, had brought in $2,000,000 worldwide by 9 February 1933. Compare those figures, during the height of the Depression, to 1 January 1970 when "Myra Breckinridge," starring Mae West in the role of Leticia Van Allen, racked up $3,000,000 worldwide.
• • On 21 December 1994 in London • •
• • Christie's held a "Film and Entertainment" auction in London on 21 December 1994.
• • Among the rare items were five photos of Mae West as part of "Lot Description: Film Stars."
• • The catalogue stated that this was comprised of an important collection of approximately twenty three thousand (23,000) vintage film stills, collected by Felix Barker, film critic for The London Evening News, 1960 — 1982, the majority circa 1930s — 1960s, subjects include Fred Astaire (31), Lauren Bacall (15), Ingrid Bergman (20), Humphrey Bogart (31), Marlon Brando (47), Richard Burton (27), . . . Orson Wells (27), Mae West (5), Anna May Wong (15), Jane Wyman, and Loretta Young (16); accompanied by a large corresponding collection of film star biographies, comprising backgrounds and press cuttings on the subject. Price realized was $22,301.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Don't come crawlin' to a man for love — — he likes to get a run for his money."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about Tokyo Rose's voice mentioned Mae West.
• • Today on the Media Report we go back in time with a story about the amazing life of Charles Cousens, a popular Sydney radio personality at the outbreak of World War Two, who not only became a prisoner of the Japanese, but ended up broadcasting their propaganda. ... Cousens hired Tokyo Rose, whose Mae West voice had propagandised for Japan over the short-wave radio. ...
• • Source: "The man behind Tokyo Rose" | ABC Broadcast in Australia; aired on Thursday 21 December 2006

Mae West: Ted Allan

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:03:00 +0000

Ted Allan worked with MAE WEST when she starred in "Belle of the Nineties" [1934] as the still photographer. His portraits of Ruby Carter (Mae), and her gaudy retinue, were used on lobby cards and other promotional material for Paramount Pictures.
• • Born in Clifton, Arizona in 1910 as Theos Alwyn Dunagan, by the age of 24 the photographer had shortened his name to Ted Allan, and was employed in Tinseltown in the Camera and Electrical Department of Paramount, MGM, Columbia, and other movie makers. From 1934 — 1965, he was attached to 16 projects on the big screen, though often uncredited. Later on, he also did TV work.
• • Ted Allan died in Burbank, California in the month of December — — on 20 December 1993. He was 82 years of age.
• • In December, Let's Remember Calvert Vaux [1824 — 2009] • •
• • Born in London in the month of December, Calvert Vaux [20 December 1824 — 19 November 1895] was an architect and landscape designer. He is best remembered as the co-designer (with Frederick Law Olmsted) of New York's Central Park.
• • Jefferson Market Judicial Complex, situated on a curious triangular plot, was a stately group of structures co-designed by Frederick Clarke Withers and Calvert Vaux.
• • Now re-purposed as the Jefferson Market Branch of the New York Public Library, but still familiar to New Yorkers as the former Jefferson Market Court, this handsome landmark is located at 425 6th Avenue (SW corner of West 10th St) in Greenwich Village, New York City. This remaining building was originally erected as the Third Judicial District Courthouse between the years 1874 — 1877.
• • The stage play "Courting Mae West" dramatizes Mae's hearing, trial, and imprisonment here on Sixth Avenue during several tense dates in 1927. It was in this courtroom that Mae was found guilty and sent back to jail, then to the Women's Workhouse.
• • The next time "Courting Mae West" will be seen is on 28 January 2012 in Melboune, Australia.
• • On 20 December 1926 • •
• • It was on 20 December 1926 that the controversial tabloid Evening Graphic printed a publicity picture of Mae West onstage, costumed as Margy LaMont, actor Barry O'Neill sprawled out in a chair, under her. In her 1926 Broadway play, Mae wanted to depict a woman who has power over her men, a novel idea at the time for theatrical dramas.
• • PHOTO: Mae with Barry O'Neill performing onstage in "Sex" at Daly's West 63rd Street Theatre, New York, NY in 1926.
• • On 20 December 1937 in Hollywood • •
• • In their review of "Every Day's a Holiday," The Hollywood Reporter praised the movie set fashioned to resemble Rector's as "sumptuous in atmosphere and setting." The critic noted, with appreciation, "Mae is Mae as always, sartorially magnificent in the stunning wardrobe designed for her by Schiaparelli." Remarking that it was more conservative than her previous screen efforts, the California critic added that this comedy was, nevertheless, "a robust piece of entertainment, lush and colorful, displaying Mae West's unmatched burlesque gifts luxuriantly." No doubt Mae was delighted to see that coverage on 20 December 1937, especially because other publications were not as warm-hearted about the picture.
• • On 20 December 2004 in NYC • •
• • In connection with the stage play by LindaAnn Loschiavo, "Courting Mae West," New Yorkers mounted an effort on December 20th to draw attention to the need to commemorate Mae West on a stamp. The press release's headline read: "Come Up and Lick Mae: Some New Yorkers Are Busting to Have Mae West Celebrated on a Postage Stamp." A petition was submitted to the USPS but no stamp was issued. Awwww.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I hate to spoil a good story but I don't believe in secret marriages. Whenever I take a husband I'll be the first one to know it. And I'll tell the world."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about favorite dishes of movie stars in the 1930s mentioned Mae West.
• • Sydney Morning Herald wrote: Most of the motion picture stars have particular dishes that delight their fancy. Some of these date back to a childhood preference. Some they have concocted in their own kitchens, and served with proper pride when friends gather round. One group of restaurants — — the famous Brown Derbies — — have long been the haunt of the motion picture colony.
• • Sydney Morning Herald continued: In the course of time, these cafes learned of the gastronomlcal pet dishes of their patrons. Surreptitiously they queried here, they questioned there. For instance, when Joan Bennett and Carole Lombard drop in for lunch, they are naturally served ice-box cake for dessert. On the other hand, the appearance of Gary Cooper, Fred MacMurray, Jackie Cooper, and even Herbert Marshall, calls immediately for a generous platter of potato pancakes.
• • Sydney Morning Herald commented: Mae West always has a salad, which has been named after her.
• • Sydney Morning Herald added: The chefs of the Brown Derbies have supplied the following recipes for the dishes favoured by well-known film people: ...
• • Source: Article: "Some Favourite Dishes of the Stars — — Spaghetti Astaire and Mae West Salad" written by the editors of The Sydney Morning Herald [Australia], page 8; published on 17 November 1936
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2151st blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • illustration in 1934 • •
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Mae West: Biblical Knowledge

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:25:00 +0000

It was on Sunday, 19 December 1937 that newspapers were announcing updated information about MAE WEST that did not have to do with "The Chase and Sanborn Hour" but instead a film-related gift. A gossip columnist noted that, to celebrate the completion of her last picture, Mae West has given director Edward Sutherland a gold watch case inscribed "Come up and see me sometime — — and I'll give you the works."
• • This cheerful item and the quote were reported in tabloids as far away as Perth, Australia in their Sunday Times on December 19th.
• • Edward Sutherland • •
• • Born in London, England in early January, A. Edward Sutherland [5 January 1895 — 31 December 1973] hailed from a theatrical family. Al Sutherland, his father, was an American-born theatre manager and producer; Julie Ring, his mother, was an American vaudeville performer. Early in his career, Sutherland was cast in more than thirty-six silent movies — — after his debut as one of the original Keystone Cops in "Tillie's Punctured Romance" [1914], a slapstick feature that starred Charles Chaplin, Mabel Normand, and Marie Dressler. Mack Sennett launched him at age 19 into a long career in films.
• • As a director, Eddie Sutherland helmed "Every Day's a Holiday" [1938], which starred Mae West and featured Edmund Lowe, Charles Butterworth, Charles Winninger, Lloyd Nolan, Walter Catlett, Chester Conklin, and Louis Armstrong.
• • On 19 December 1936 in Picturegoer • •
• • Picturegoer's issue for the week of 19 December 1936 featured these three: Mae West, Merle Oberon, Alfred Hitchcock.
• • Picturegoer was a magazine published in the United Kingdom between 1913 — 1960. Its primary focus was on contemporary films and the performers who appeared in them. During the silent film era, it started as a weekly movie review, then evolved into a weekly listing of films being shown at UK cinema houses when talkies became popular. Eventually, it became a bi-weekly movie magazine featuring the screen's biggest stars that was sold at all movie theaters in the UK.
• • On 19 December 1937 • •
• • Forbidden fruit, unlawful carnal knowledge, the serpent in the garden — — and maybe the real "snake" all along was the self-righteous head of the purity police, the Catholic League.
• • NBC Chairman Frank R. McNinch was still dealing with the fallout after Mae West's appearance on his network. The FCC took the position that, though it had no power to censor radio guests, NBC had a moral duty to shield its listeners from offensiveness. An article about the outraged public outcry and protest letters that NBC had received over the Mae West Biblical skit on radio was published in The Sunday Morning Herald in Washington, DC on 19 December 1937.
• • Eventually, NBC would ban Mae for 15 years over this curious flapdoodle.
• • On 19 December 1991 in London • •
• • Christie's held a "Film and Entertainment" auction in London on 19 December 1991.
• • Among the rare items was this: "Lot Description: Film Stars." This included approximately eight hundred publicity postcards, circa 1930s — 1960s, subjects include Mae West, Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Maurice Chevalier, Fred Astaire, Greta Garbo, Collette Colbert, Tallulah Bankhead, Grace Kelly, and Brigitte Bardot, in an album and loose. Price realized was $564.
• • On 19 December 2003 in Tennessee • •
• • Suddenly, the Mae West Project went bust.
• • Writing for Scripps Howard News Service, Terry Morrow broke the story this way:
• • PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — — Dolly Parton's dream of playing Mae West for ABC is finished.
• • The singer told me last week that ABC is nixing the project. Had it come to fruition, Parton would have acted out West's life story in a TV movie of the week. "They stopped doing it altogether because (ABC) is going to stop doing (so many) movies of the week," Parton says. "'Mae West' has completely fallen through."
• • Terry Morrow continued: Dolly Parton has talked fondly of the West project often in recent years. The problem has always been finding the proper script. ABC wasn't happy with any draft. Parton saw scripts only when ABC passed them along to her. The "Mae West" project has gone through a series of writers. ...
• • Source: Article written by Terry Morrow for Scripps Howard News Service; posted on 19 December 2003
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Virtue has its own reward — — but no sale at the box office."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A review of a new book on vaudeville in Scranton, Pennsylvania mentioned Mae West.
• • Cheryl A. Kashuba wrote: Mae West, Will Rogers, Jack Benny, George M. Cohan, Enrico Caruso, Marion Anderson. These and many more all played Scranton, and Nancy McDonald's book tells you all about it. ...
• • Source: Book Review: "Putting on the Ritz Book gives glimpse of Electric City's vaudevillian past" written by Cheryl A. Kashuba for The Times-Tribune; posted on 18 December 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2150th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1937 • •
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Mae West: Cliff Shirpser

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:04:00 +0000

Cliff Shirpser was a camera assistant for "She Done Him Wrong" starring MAE WEST.
• • Born in San Francisco on 4 August 1906, he began his Tinseltown career during the silent era with the classic "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" [1921] when he was 15 years old. Always plying his trade within the confines of the studio's Camera and Electrical Department, Cliff Shirpser was attached to a diverse number of motion pictures including several Marx Brothers classics, "Destry Rides Again," and "Gone with the Wind." Eventually, he switched to children's series on TV. For six decades, from 1921 — 1981, he was behind the camera on 188 projects. He also distinguished himself as a producer.
• • Cliff Shirpser died in Los Angeles in December — — on 18 December 1977. He was 71.
• • Internet-Only Auction • •
• • An Internet-only auction, featuring rare autographed photos of Mae West in 1933, etc., will end on Tuesday, 20 December 2011 at 5 o'clock in the evening (Pacific).
• • Contact: Nate D. Sanders Auctions at 11901 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 to see the list and view all the lot numbers.
• • In December, Let's Remember Legs Diamond [1929 — 2009] • •
• • The blue-eyed writer-actress was already comfortable with convicts, jailbirds, con artists, pistol-packing bodyguards, and killers when she moved into shoot-out central, the mob-controlled hotel on West 54th Street where she worked on her play "Diamond Lil" in 1927. The storyline was incited by the actions of angry inmate Chick Clark and his plot to escape and confront the dame who done him wrong, Diamond Lil.
• • Persistent efforts to kill a dapper neighbor nicknamed Legs Diamond were afoot when Mae West and George Raft were in residence, a few floors above Texas Guinan's speakeasy in the cellar.
• • Born in Philadelphia on 10 July 1897 to two Irish immigrants, Jack Nolan became known on the street as Legs Diamond and sometimes as Gentleman Jack. The handsome risk-taker rose to fame on the East Coast during the Prohibition era. A close associate of gambler Arnold Rothstein and a bootlegger, the flamboyant criminal survived a number of attempts on his life between 1916 and 1931, causing him to be known as the "clay pigeon of the underworld."
• • In 1930, after several unsuccessful attempts to rub him out in his rooms on West 54th Street went awry, Diamond's nemesis Dutch Schultz remarked to his own gang, "Ain't there nobody that can shoot this guy so he don't bounce back?" It's interesting that when the police contacted his wife at home in Albany to inform her that her husband had been shot several times and wounded, Alice's first words were, "It wasn't me."
• • In the month of December — — on 18 December 1931 — — 34-year-old "Legs" Diamond was finished off when he was laying low on Dove Street in his Albany, NY hideout after a night party. Alice Diamond, his long suffering wife, was murdered two years after Legs was buried. It's been suspected that the local police did him in.
• • On 18 December 1937 • •
• • "Every Day's a Holiday," a Gay Nineties motion picture comedy film starring and co-written by Mae West, was released in the USA in December — — on 18 December 1937.
• • On 18 December 1993, Auction in NYC • •
• • Christie's held a "Collectibles & Hollywood Entertainment" sale in New York City on 18 December 1993.
• • Among the rare star-dusted keepsakes was this curiosity: "Lot Description: A Letter to Groucho Marx from Mae West." The catalogue notes that this was an original letter on Mae West's stationary signed in black ink to Mr. Marx. Dated 29 September 1971 it states in part ... "I've always been crazy about your crazy comedy. I remember how I howled watching your rushes in the projection room at Paramount, when I was there too, waiting to watch my own. ... I have to tell you you're the greatest of all the funny men ... whenever you're in L.A. come up and see me." Price realized was $2,530.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: ”Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A book review of a bio on Oscar Levant mentioned Mae West.
• • Alexander Milne wrote: Oscar Levant’s post-movie career as a TV chat show host came to a grinding halt in 1960, when TV executives got tired of apologising to Eisenhower-era corporate sponsors for their star’s risque quips about then-unspeakable topics such as Mae West’s sex life. In retrospect, it is amazing that he survived on air so long in that censorious and puritanical climate. He had even managed to keep his job after making the following remark about Marilyn Monroe’s conversion to Judaism: “Now that Marilyn Monroe is kosher, Arthur Miller can eat her.” ...
• • It is ironic that he was canned for joking about Mae West’s bedroom behaviour; after all, she made a whole career out of self-penned jokes and double entendres about her sex life . ...
• • Source: Review: “The Memoirs of an Amnesiac” by Oscar Levant (1906 — 1972) written by Alexander Milne, a freelance features writer based in South-East England; posted 12 July 2009
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2149th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • filming in 1932 • •
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Mae West: She Done Him Right

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:19:00 +0000

"She Done Him Right" is the title of different derivative works based on the popular movie title "She Done Him Wrong" starring MAE WEST and co-starring Cary Grant. Filmed in 1932 and released in the USA on 9 February 1933, the Paramount Pictures hit was such a box office smash that all sorts of fads, cartoons, radio skits, souvenirs, fashions, and advertisements tried to cash in on it. Even one Cary Grant bio has a chapter titled "She Done Him Right," and she did.
• • The cartoon version • •
• • Not many people have seen the black and white Walter Lantz [1899 — 1994] cartoon "She Done Him Right" starring Pooch the Pup. Almost 8 minutes long, the animated short was released in October 1933 and parodies Mae West with a canine character named Poodles.
• • The radio skit version • •
• • "The Jack Benny Program" offered a Mae West skit "She Done Him Right" at the end of one of his radio programs. Vendors who sell old time radio shows indicate that his guest was Mae West. The broadcast date is sometimes stated as the end of March (31 March 1933) and sometimes given as 17 December 1933. (Maybe both dates are correct. Possibly the December 17th date indicates a re-run.)
• • The radio skit announces that the setting for "She Done Him Right" is a Bowery barroom run by Spider Web. The first scene takes place in his saloon. Scene two is upstairs in Miss Lou's dressing room, where a black maid is heard humming "Frankie and Johnny." Miss Lou feels nervous because she has learned that her former lover, Chick Clark, has escaped from prison. "Chick flew the coop!" Jack Benny tells the audience. Nicknamed "tall, dark, and handsome" by Lou and invited to "come up sometime," Jack Benny does the Captain Cummings character. He tells the diamond-draped temptress, "I was 'mission' you, Lou!"
• • Lady Lou does not sound like Mae West in the version I listened to. Was the reproduction faulty? The muted female radio voice is not vivacious, and there is no trace of a Brooklyn accent. It is very likely that Jack's wife, Mary Livingstone did the impersonation on radio.
• • Born as Benjamin Kubelsky, Jack Benny [14 February 1894 — 26 December 1974] was an American comedian, vaudevillian, and actor for radio, TV, and film. His radio and television programs, enormously popular in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, were an influence on the sit-com. Listen to the episodes today and you will hear a bunch of unfunny jokes with annoying plugs for the sponsor — — in 1933 it was Chevrolet — — intruding every few minutes.
• • In December, Let's Remember William Safire [1929 — 2009] • •
• • In 1949, William Safire, 20 years old, interviewed sex symbol and "Diamond Lil" star Mae West.
• • William Safire was born in December — — on 17 December 1929 in Mae's hometown — — New York City. The youngest of three sons of Oliver C. and Ida Panish Safir [an "e" being added on to clarify pronunciation], Safire graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and attended Syracuse University. However, he quit after his second year in 1949 to take a job with Tex McCrary, a columnist for The New York Herald Tribune who hosted radio and television shows; the young legman interviewed Mae West, Lucky Luciano, and other known names.
• • In 1978, William Safire won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished journalism. He died on 27 September 2009.
• • On 17 December 1937 • •
• • Few events make national headlines. Earthquakes and natural disasters do. Airline crashes that end the lives of hundreds do. Declarations of war do.
• • Perhaps it was meant to be a declaration of the war on immorality — — or a warning about poking fun at forbidden fruit and The Book of Genesis. The Associated Press coverage was carried by medium-sized newspapers, such as The Cornell Daily Sun on 17 December 1937 — — on the front page, above the fold.
• • Propriety of Mae West Broadcast Questioned • •
• • New York — — Mae West's broadcast with Don Ameche on the Charlie McCarthy Hour (sic) last Sunday night is to bring a statement from the National Broadcasting Company, it was indicated late today.
• • The reason therefore centers in the protests that have been pouring in by mail and otherwise. These haven't been counted, but they are described to be as "a lot." ... The script was an Adam-and-Eve comedy. ...
• • On 17 December 1937 in The L.A. Times • •
• • The Los Angeles Times, covering the backlash to the NBC skit, howled about by legions of Roman Catholic organizations, ran with this front page headline on 17 December 1937: "Mae West Radio Skit Stirs Row"; the page one article continued on page 15.
• • On 17 December 1940 in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West often inspired one-liners by reporters. In 1940, for instance, this amusing statement threaded its way down the center aisle of prime Hollywood real estate — — the "In Hollywood" gossip page.
• • "Watching Mae West stroll down the avenue, I always catch myself musing on the sway of all flesh," Jimmie Fidler wrote on 17 December 1940.
• • Jimmie Fidler [24 August 1900 — 9 August 1988] was an American columnist, journalist, and radio and television personality. He wrote a high-profile Hollywood gossip column.
• • Source for Jimmie's quote — — his column "Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood," which ran in the Los Angeles Daily Mirror.
• • On 17 December 2002 in London • •
• • Christie's held a "Film & Entertainment" auction in London on 17 December 2002.
• • Among the rare items was this: "Lot Description: Mae West."
• • Auctioned off were the following: a promissory note dated 19 March 1927, from the Moral Producing Corporation to Harold Spielberg for $1000, the reverse counter-signed in black ink by Mae West in her capacity as President of the Moral Producing Corporation; a Bowery and East River National Bank check for Moral Producing Corporation, dated 2 March 1927, made out to Harold Spielberg for the sum of $500.00, signed in black ink by Mae West; accompanied by two calling cards embossed in gold ink Mae West and one corresponding envelope; two different styles of Mae West headed stationery and one corresponding envelope; and a sheet of promotional Sextette headed stationery and corresponding envelope (10)
• • On 17 December 2004 in NYC • •
• • Christie's held a "Rock & Roll and Entertainment Memorabilia" sale in New York City, Rockefeller Plaza on 17 December 2004.
• • Among the goodies was this: Lot Description: Mae West "Sextette" Clapper Board, 1976.
• • This was a wooden clapper board with painted white block lettering for the film "Sextette" (Briggs & Sullivan), a comedy co-written by Mae West and released in 1978. This was Mae's final film appearance at the age of 85. Price realized was $598.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: ”I'm here to make talkies. I hope the film can take the temperature."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Joseph Breen wrote: "Just so long as we have Mae West on our hands with the particular kind of story which she goes in for, we are going to have trouble. Difficulty is inherent in a Mae West picture." ...
• • Source: Office memo from Joseph Breen, head of the Hays Code Administration Office, 1930s
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2148th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1932 • •
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Mae West: Ramblings

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:05:00 +0000

In her one woman show "Absolutely Anna" actress Anna Berger talks about working with MAE WEST, becoming her close friend, and then having a falling out (related to some business).
• • Anna Berger lived through the Depression, World War II, the McCarthy Era, and witnessed many events that made history. Her first important acting job was touring in “Diamond Lil” with Mae West, with whom she became bosom buddies. Throughout her life she worked with (and was close to) some of the luminaries of theater, film, and TV — — before and after they got their star on Hollywood Boulevard.
• • Anna was encouraged by her colleagues at The Actors’ Studio to collect and present her memories of the years when Broadway, Hollywood, and TV began their reign, which she shaped into a humorous one-woman monologue — — “Absolutely Anna” — — and has performed at several venues over the past years.
• • On Sunday, 18 December 2011, Anna Berger will give a single performance of her lively "behind the scenes with Mae West, etc." show at the Puffin at 4pm.
• • WHERE: Puffin Cultural Forum, 20 Puffin Way, Teaneck, NJ; Tel. 201-836-3499
• • In December, Remember Camille Saint-Saëns [1835 — 1921] • •
• • Unafraid of a challenge, a culture clash, an outlandish costume, nor an opportunity, Mae West performed an abbreviated opera aria in her motion picture "Goin' to Town" [released in 1935] decked out, quite hilariously, as the Biblical temptress Delilah. Portraying the star-crossed strongman Samson she serenades was none other than Mae's pesky in-law Vladimir Bykoff [billed as "the Tenor"].
• • Born in Paris on 9 October 1835, Camille Saint-Saens was a French Late-Romantic composer, organist, conductor, and pianist, known especially for The Carnival of the Animals, Danse macabre, Samson and Delilah, Piano Concerto No. 2, Havanaise, etc.
• • Camille Saint-Saëns died of pneumonia at the Hôtel de l' Oasis in Algiers in mid-December — — on 16 December 1921.
• • On 16 December 1937 • •
• • It was on 16 December 1937 that Variety ran an article about Mae West's controversial appearance on NBC in the Garden of Eden Skit: "Educator calls radio program a home menace."
• • Mae West on the Bookshelf • •
• • There is a section on Mae West in "Hollywood Blondes: Golden Girls of The Silver Screen" written by Michelle Vogel and Liz Nocera [Wasteland Press, March 2007]. Other actresses include: Alice Faye, Betty Grable, Jean Harlow, Judy Holliday, Grace Kelly, Veronica Lake, Carole Landis, Carole Lombard, Jayne Mansfield, Marie McDonald, Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Payton, Lana Turner, Thelma Todd, in addition to Mae West.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: ”You only live once — — but if you do it right, once is enough.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A review of an exhibition mentioned Mae West.
• • Richard Hughes wrote: It’s only when one happens upon the scene from a particular position right of centre that all the objects fall into line and the girl’s face appears. It’s a dissonant, entropic take on Face of Mae West (1935), wherein Salvador Dalí employed his so-called ‘paranoiac-critical method’ (that old illusionistic trick of rolling two images in one) to produce an image of the 1930s’ star from the furnishings of a boho-bourgeois salon (a sofa standing for Mae’s lips, a fireplace for her nose, two landscape paintings in place of eyes and so on). ...
• • Source: Article: "Focus" written by Richard Hughes for Frieze Magazine [Issue # 95; Nov/Dec issue 2005]; posted in 2005
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2147th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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Mae West: Along Avenue C

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:40:00 +0000

MAE WEST's Irish paternal grandfather worked on ships in Canada and the USA. Before the West family moved to an area on the Brooklyn waterfront, her father John ["Battling Jack"] West spent his teenage years with his parents and siblings on Avenue C.
• • A bunch of young New Yorkers (who probably never heard of John West) were singing about his daughter Mae West in mid-December — — on 15 December 1938 — — right along Avenue C, a stretch facing the East River once quite familiar to the amateur young boxer.
• • During the Great Depression, case worker Fred Romanofsky conducted interviews among impoverished shoeshine boys. He spoke to the children between the hours of 5 — 7 PM, at the street corners of East Ninth and Avenue C, and East Eleventh and Avenue C, New York City.
• • Here is a song improvised by the locals to amuse themselves, while they cleaned the footwear of businessmen, salesmen, porters, and dockworkers, lyrics popular in 1938:
• • • Song of the NYC Shoeshine Boys • • •
• • • Hei ho! Hei ho!
• • • To Hollywood we go,
• • • To see Mae West and all the rest.
• • • Hei ho! Hei ho!
• • • Me and my friend Toni
• • • We come from Italy.
• • • We drink the booze
• • • And shine the shoes
• • • Me and my friend Toni. ...
• • Source: "Text from Dead End Kids (Life on the East Side): interviews by case worker Fred Romanofsky" — — from WPA Life Stories (Library of Congress); on 15 December 1938.
• • In December, Let's Remember Edward Earle [1882 — 1972] • •
• • Born on 16 July 1882 in Toronto, Canada, Edward Earle was active in vaudeville and on the stage where he was cast in musical comedies. His theatrical work paved the road to Hollywood and the slim six-footer was seen in close to 400 motion pictures from 1914 — 1956.
• • "The Heat's On" [released in the USA on 2 December 1943] was a 79-minute musical comedy starring Mae West as Fay Lawrence. Edward Earle was cast as one of Fay Lawrence's writers.
• • Edward Earle died in Woodland Hills, California during the month of December — — on 15 December 1972. He was 90 years old.
• • On 15 December 1933 • •
• • The release date for "She Done Him Wrong" in France was on 15 December 1933. In that country, the film's title was "Lady Lou."
• • Gift Giving in December 2011 • •
• • The company Face á Face created eyeglasses based on Mae West's lips. Inspired by Salvador Dali's Mae West lips sofa, these Senso sunglasses come in red or black.
• • These spectacles are a-MAE-zing.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said, in response to Frank Wallace's statement that they were wed in 1911: "They'll have me married to triplets next! ... Since there were no signatures on that mysterious marriage certificate, Frank Wallace better dig up his divorce and find a signature on that."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article printed in People Magazine on December 15th mentioned Mae West.
• • Brad Darrach writes: By 1930 he was playing leads on Broadway, and in 1932 Paramount signed him to a five-year contract at $450 a week and changed his name to Cary Grant. In a year Cary Grant did bit parts in seven movies. Then one day Mae West got an eyeful of his sultry good looks. "If he can talk," she's supposed to have said, "I'll take him." Cary Grant disliked the woman, but "She Done Him Wrong" made him faintly famous as the hunk she hooked with a notorious (and frequently misquoted) line: "Why dontcha come up sometime and see me?" Topper [1937] made him a star. ...
• • Source: Flashback Column: "Cary Grant Remembered" by Brad Darrach for People Magazine; written 15 December 1986; reposted on 27 April 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2146th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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Mae West: Frank Moran

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Many professional boxers worked with MAE WEST. When Frank Moran portrayed a framed convict in a memorable scene in "She Done Him Wrong" [1933], this was his fourth credit on the silver screen.
• • Born in Cleveland, Ohio on 18 March 1887, in 1916 (when he was 29 years old), Frank Moran fought Jess Willard for the heavyweight championship — — but lost. By the late 1920s, it seems he had hung up his mouth guard and padded gloves for good.
• • For three decades, from 1928 — 1957, he was seen in 145 motion pictures. You can almost hear Mae saying, "You ain't no oil painting!" when you consider a casting agent's impression of the six-foot-one athlete. Some of the knuckle-dragging parts he played included: bruiser, fighter, truck driver, prisoner, jail guard, process server, sergeant, mug, tough guy, bouncer, gangster, plug-ugly # 3, ape man, bettor, craps player, moving crew, repo man, cabbie, bartender, waiter, stagehand, sailor, a cop with a "gravel voice," etc.
• • Frank Moran died of a heart attack in Hollywood in the month of December — — on 14 December 1967. He was 80 years old.
• • In December, Let's Remember Gregory Ratoff [1897 — 1960] • •
• • Gregory Ratoff [20 April 1897 — 14 December 1960] was a Russian-born actor and director.
• • In "I'm No Angel," Gregory Ratoff played the prosecutor; Tira hires Benny Pinkowitz to sue Jack Clayton (Cary Grant) for breach of promise.
• • It was 21 October in 1943 when the film "The Heat's On" was in previews. Sharp-eyed Harry Cohn [1891 — 1958] of Columbia Pictures was in the audience. Though Gregory Ratoff had been most persuasive when pitching this project to him, Harry decided on the spot to buy him out. "This picture is going to be a bust," predicted Cohn. Even Mae West was disappointed in Ratoff by the end.
• • Leukemia finished off Gregory Ratoff. He died in Solothurn, Switzerland in mid-December — — on 14 December 1960. He was 63 years of age.
• • On 14 December 1937 • •
• • Conservative Catholic Martin Quigley's hand-wringing article, "Radio Begs Trouble," found its way into Motion Picture Daily. The issue, centered around the controversial NBC broadcast starring Mae, was dated 14 December 1937.
• • On 14 December 2009 • •
• • An article in a British newspaper [published on 14 December 2009] described a charming lodge, whose famous guest list includes Mae West.
• • According to British reporter Chris Sullivan, The Olde Bell is the oldest inn in the country (built in 1163).
• • Situated about an hour away from London in the Berkshire hamlet of Hurley, The Olde Bell has attracted a cross-section of individuals for centuries. "It wowed the great and the good of America including Mae West, Clark Gable, Bob Hope, and Liz Taylor," notes Chris Sullivan. "Winston Churchill also stopped here during the war to make an urgent phone call from the now empty phone booth."
• • The Olde Bell is located on High Street, Hurley, Berkshire, SL6 5LX. The London Times posted lovely photos. To see where Mae slept, go to www.timesonline.co.uk.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Everything's in the mind. That's where it all starts. Knowing what you want is the first step toward getting it."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article in the Mercury News in Australia mentioned Mae West in the first sentence.
• • The Mackay Daily Mercury staff wrote: IT WAS Mae West who said: Is that a pistol in your pocket or are you pleased to see me? Well, Mackay reveller Clayton Ainslie didn't have a pistol in his pocket — — it was a snooker ball. ...
• • Source: Article: "Police pocket snooker ball" in The Mackay Daily Mercury; posted on 14 December 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2145th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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Mae West: Buy a Swan Bed

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:05:00 +0000

The swan bed MAE WEST used in "Diamond Lil" made such an impression on the audience that several artists used the image in sketches of the costumed actress in 1928, for instance, Irving Hoffman and Miguel Covarrubias.
• • Formerly, the gilded swan-shaped furniture belonged to the turn-of-the-century actress Amelia Bingham [1869 — 1927]. Mae said she purchased it from the estate of Diamond Jim Brady [1856 — 1917].
• • Time Magazine's theatre critic, admitting Lil had his heart at hello, felt her big-hearted bountifulness was on a scale with this golden bird: "Propped up under the armpits by a dress that might have been designed by the stage carpenter, Mae West played the role that she had written about a bygone queen of Manhattan's underworld. Diamond Lil was a harlot whose heart was as big and golden as the enormous swan shaped bed that stood in her elaborate cubicle above Gus Jordan's saloon and brothel. ..."
• • A different swan bed was seen in the play's cinema version filmed in 1932 as "She Done Him Wrong." One hilarious scene shows Lady Lou perusing The National Police Gazette while reclining on her swan divan.
• • Children's Swan Bed • •
• • A hand-painted wooden Children's Swan Bed is available from Little Treasures [47 Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Bury, Lancashire, BL0 9HU]. Maybe your little prince or princess would like to sleep in this swan? No ordinary youth bed is this. What dreams will come to the lucky one who lies down between enchanted wings, carefully carved by a British craftsperson, we can only imagine.
• • In December, Let's Remember Raymond Hubbell [1879 — 1954] • •
• • Mae West was cast in "A Winsome Widow," a musical comedy farce that was produced on Broadway from 11 April 1912 — 7 September 1912. The music was by Raymond Hubbell.
• • Born in Urbana, Ohio on 1 June 1879, Raymond Hubbell attended local schools but earned serious musical training in Chicago. Like most young men at the time, he formed a dance band in Chicago. Ready for serious employment, he accepted a position as a staff arranger and pianist with the influential firm Charles K. Harris Publishers.
• • By 1902, the 23-year-old began composing for theatrical musicals in The Windy City. And, fortunately, his very first show then transferred to New York City.
• • By 1905, he was regularly being pulled in to Broadway projects. In a short time, Raymond Hubbell was composing light fare for productions starring Nora Bayes. By 1911 he was assigned to the Ziegfeld Follies, which kept him on for later editions.
• • In 1912 he was hired to do the score for "A Winsome Widow." Following up these successes, he would write for Bessie McCoy, Will Rogers, Julian Eltinge, Irene Dunne, Leon Errol, and others.
• • After he worked on "Three Cheers" in 1928, he returned to Miami, Florida. Raymond Hubbell died there in the month of December — — on 13 December 1954.
• • In December 1933 • •
• • Hollywood trend-setters and East Coast clothes horses were enlightened by Mae West's article "Clothes and Me" when it was published in the November — December issue of Mode Magazine on page 44.
• • Costume designer Edith Head used to say, "Mae West taught me all I know about sex, clothes-wise."
• • In December 1934 • •
• • Motion Picture, the popular fan magazine, carried this cover line in their issue for December 1934: "'Don't Get Me Wrong' — — Mae West" and the article carried Mark Dowling's byline [pages 32 — 33, 68] and showed wonderful studio shots of the star of Paramount Pictures.
• • In December 1974 in Hollywood • •
• • "Mae West: The Queen at Home in Hollywood" appeared in the December 1974 issue of Interview Magazine (published in NYC by Andy Warhol) on page 12. Journalist Peter Lester and actress Angelica Huston worked on this together.
• • Angelica's father John Huston [1906 — 1987], who was featured in "Myra Breckinridge" with Mae, had admired her since 1928, when he saw her in "Diamond Lil" on Broadway, then took off across America to research the folk roots of a song she sang called "Frankie and Johnny."
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Come up sometime. I'll tell your fortune."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A holiday event in Manhattan at the Merchant's House Museum will include a bit of Mae West.
• • According to The Villager: For 75 years, the Merchant’s House Museum has preserved domestic life as lived from 1835 — 1865. This holiday season, they’re making room for some compelling curiosities from a very different era. “From Candlelight to Bubble Light: A 1950s Christmas in an 1850s House” is a visionary mash-up of times and traditions. Through January 9, the halls will be retro-decked with conceptual stylist (and East Village icon) Deb O’Nair’s collection of 1950s/60s holiday decorations and Americana. Mae West Christmas albums and molded-plastic lit-from-within Frostys might seem like a jarring contrast to the original furnishings and personal possessions of the Tredwell family — — but taken as a whole, the place just plain feels like home. ...
• • Source: Article: "Your Holiday To-Do List" written by the editors of The Villager; posted on 10 December 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2144th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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Mae West: Morgan Wallace

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:21:00 +0000

Morgan Wallace got to work in two motion pictures starring MAE WEST.
• • Born in Lompoc, California, Morgan Wallace [26 July 1881 — 12 December 1953] appeared in 124 films between 1914 — 1946 often in authority roles such as in "Blonde Venus" [1932} with Marlene Dietrich, when he was cast as a doctor. He was briefly seen as J. Henry Brash in "Goin' to Town" [1935] and also as a gambler in "My Little Chickadee" [1940]. Not merely a bit parts player, he also snagged several meatier assignments during the casting.
• • Like Mae, Morgan Wallace was known for his work on Broadway, where he was active from 1904 — 1946. One play he wrote, "Congratulations," was onstage in 1929.
• • Morgan Wallace, a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild, died in Tarzana, California in the month of December — — on 12 December 1953. He was 72 years old.
• • In December, Remember Mae on NBC [12 December 1937] • •
• • Perhaps no other radio segment of The Chase and Sanborn Hour has sparked more commentary than the Sunday December 12th, 1937 broadcast starring Mae West, the 44-year-old movie queen, who usually hid the fact that she could not read a script without eyeglasses.
• • The popular star of Paramount Pictures rarely appeared on radio. When she did, the sole purpose was to promote one of her films. West had guest-starred on The Shell Chateau with Al Jolson in 1936 and also Louella Parsons’ blackmailing program Hollywood Hotel on 26 April 1935, with featured guest Paul Cavanagh in an adaptation of her (then most current) screen gem: "Goin’ to Town."
• • Additionally, on 21 February 1934, the famed Mae West Jewel Robbery was dramatized on "Calling All Cars" over CBS Radio [without her personal participation in this traumatic drama].
• • When the producers of The Chase and Sanborn Hour offered the sex goddess the opportunity to appear on the weekly show — — then currently the highest-rated program of the year — — she accepted the invitation to boost the awareness of her latest film, "Every Day's a Holiday."
• • Mae West often wrote her own scripts and even produced her own plays, so she offered NBC the option of a sneak peek at some scenes from her new screen comedy set during the 1890s in New York City.
• • Interesting, but rarely commented on, is the fact that Mae wore a spectacular black gown framed by expensive furs and jewelry when she showed up at NBC's Hollywood headquarters on Sunday, 12 December 1937 — — an eyeful that could only be appreciated by the live studio audience.
• • As if to be extra-cautious, Mae donned eyeglasses and also wore a fancy lornette on a chain around her neck, not unlike the extra-careful gentleman who wears suspenders and a belt. Then she stepped up to the microphone and threw caution to the fates.
• • Skit writer Arch Obler on Mae's nearsightedness in December 1937 • •
• • "Now one thing the powers-that-be forgot," recalled Arch Oboler, "that in those days, unlike today, there were three things that an actress could not do. One was to have a child out of wedlock. Two, she could not swear. And three, she could not wear glasses. It was thought terrible for an actress to be seen in spectacles. Well, Miss Mae West, having all the usual good sense of all of us, did not wear her glasses during the rehearsals so she, being very nearsighted never saw my script. She bluffed her way through. It wasn’t until air time that she walked on stage waving these glasses, put them on . . . and for the first time saw the script. The result was a disaster. What she did to ‘Adam and Eve’ the Arabs had never done so miserably."
• • In December, Let's Remember Owen Moore [1886 — 1939] • •
• • Born in Fordstown Crossroads, County Meath, Ireland in December, Owen Moore [12 December 1886 — 9 June 1939] portrayed Chick Clark, Mae West's imprisoned ex-boyfriend in "She Done Him Wrong." The novel Diamond Lil opens with the prison inmate on page 1, chafing at Lil from behind bars, angry that she done him dirt.
• • An Irish silent film star, Owen Moore wed 19-year-old Mary Pickford [8 April 1892 — 29 May 1979] on 7 January 1911. The marriage was stormy due to Moore's drinking problem and they divorced in March 1920; she gave Owen Moore $100,000 to go along with their quickie Nevada divorce scheme. A few days later, Mary wed her dashing lover and colleague Douglas Fairbanks.
• • A long-term alcoholic, Owen Moore died in Beverly Hills, California from a heart attack at the age of 52 — — and was interred in the Calvary Cemetery in East Los Angeles, California.
• • On Sunday, 12 December 1997 in Pittsburgh • •
• • Biographer Emily Wortis Leider was at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, PA on 12 December 1997 at 7:00pm. The organizers noted: "The author of the acclaimed new biography of Mae West, Leider introduces West’s film, "She Done Him Wrong."
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Personality is the most important thing to an actress's success — — the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights . . . into that big black space where the audience is."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • From an article by James D. Watts Jr. on the play "Sex" written by Mae West.
• • James D. Watts Jr., World Scene Writer, wrote: Putting on a play written by Mae West and titled "Sex" might not strike the average person as typical theatrical fare for the holiday season. But actress Sara Wilemon would politely beg to differ.
• • "One of the things about this time of year is that it's seen as a time of renewal, of regeneration," she said. "And that's one of the main themes of this show. The main character is someone who is determined to follow the path that is best for her, who isn't going to make herself over according to the demands of society. "And besides," Wilemon said, smiling, "isn't sex really the gift that keeps on giving?"
• • It's a crack that might be worthy of one of Mae West's own saucy quips. And it points out that there is a lot of humor in this 1926 play that the Nightingale Theater opened Friday. "Sex" was first presented in Tulsa in 2003, in a production by TheatreClub at the Nightingale. Most of the cast are new to the play; only Wilemon, director John Cruncleton and actor Craig Walters were in the original show.
• • For Wilemon, this production offers her a relatively unusual opportunity of returning to a role. She had never acted in a play before auditioning for the role of Margy LaMont, the part West played when the show premiered. Margy is a working-class prostitute determined to find a way to better her lot in life. As her adventures take her from Canada to the Caribbean to Connecticut, she mingles with all levels of society, from low-life gangsters to rich men's wives. In the process, she discovers that using one's sexuality as a means of commerce is not limited to the women who walk the streets.
• • "This was the play that really got Mae West noticed," Wilemon said. "It had been running for a year when it was raided by the police and she ended up going to jail for a few days on an indecency charge — — which just made it more of a success. And because Mae West wrote for this persona she had created," she said, "there isn't a lot variation in this character. That's one of the things that has been fun about revisiting this play — — discovering that maybe there are some different layers to this woman underneath that hard-shell exterior." ...
• • Source: Article: "In a Mae West sort of way, 'Sex' fits the holidays" written by James D. Watts Jr., World Scene Writer for Tulsa World; posted on 10 December 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2143rd blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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Mae West: Fiorello

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:03:00 +0000

MAE WEST and Fiorello LaGuardia, born on Sullivan Street in Greenwich Village in the month of December, have a curious connection.
• • In his column "A New Yorker at Large," Mark Barron shared insights about the Brooklyn bombshell and the ambitious politician Fiorello LaGuardia [11 December 1882 — 20 September 1947]. This installment of Barron's column was published on 28 January 1934.
• • Mark Barron wrote: New York — Mayor LaGuardia turned on the producers of risque shows, charging them with deliberately inviting police interference for the publicity it would bring.
• • Why LaGuardia Owes Thanks to Mae West • •
• • Mark Barron noted: What is interesting in an ironic sort of way is the fact that it was an off-color show which led to the movement that — — by increase and addition — — eventually elected LaGuardia to his office. And, for that, some might say he owes thanks to Mae West.
• • Back in 1927, Miss West produced a play that brought a squadron of police censors tumbling about her with the turmoil of a Union Square red riot. As a result, Miss West was invited to spend a short vacation in the Welfare Island calaboose. [Mae's 1927 arrest and trial in Jefferson Market Court are dramatized in the play "Courting Mae West," which is based on true events during the Prohibition Era.]
• • Despite the avalanche of publicity, Mae was shocked, thinking that her attorney — — a Tammany district leader — — would be able to keep her this side of the steel bars.
• • A girl reporter was sent to interview Mae. In jail [i.e., Jefferson Jail — — then located on Sixth Avenue], the reporter had a conversation with a girl prisoner who charged she'd been "framed" because she would not pay a bribe to a detective on the vice squad.
• • The resultant story started the inquiry into the women's courts, and it was this inquiry that brought Judge Samuel Seabury into such high esteem in the public mind. And it was Seabury whose master minding helped put LaGuardia in the mayor's office.
• • In December, Remember Dewey Robinson [1898 — 1950] • •
• • Wearing a derby, he took the role of Spider Kane and had some scenes with Lady Lou played by Mae West.
• • Born in New Haven Connecticut on 17 August 1898, Dewey Robinson was solidly booked as a character actor for several decades. He looked right at home in Gus Jordan's Bowery saloon in "She Done Him Wrong" [filmed in 1932 when Dewey was 34].
• • According to movie maven Hal Erickson: Barrel-chested American actor Dewey Robinson was much in demand during the gangster cycle of the early 1930s. Few actors could convey muscular menace and mental vacuity as quickly and as well as the mountainous Mr. Robinson. Most of his roles were bits, but he was given extended screen time as a polo-playing mobster in Edward G. Robinson's "Little Giant" (1933), as a bored slavemaster in the outrageously erotic "No More Love" number in Eddie Cantor's "Roman Scandals" (1933), and as a plug-ugly ward heeler at odds with beauty contest judge Ben Turpin in the slapstick 2-reeler "Keystone Hotel" (1935).
• • Hard-working Dewey Robinson, who appeared in over 250 films between 1931 — 1950, died in Las Vegas, Nevada in the month of December — — on 11 December 1950. A fatal myocardial infarction finished him off. The cinema veteran was 52 years old.
• • In December, Let's Remember Maila Nurmi [1921 — 2008] • •
• • Maila Nurmi was born in Pechenga, Finland in the month of December — — on 11 December 1922.
• • When "Catherine Was Great" opened on 2 August 1944 at the Shubert Theatre, the Empress of Sex ran into other over-heated complications.
• • One of the actresses who played a Lady-in-Waiting in the czarina's court was billed as Mila Niemi. More commonly known as Maila Nurmi, the five-feet-six Finnish-American performer brought a heavy accent to the role and, apparently, an even heavier ego.
• • Maila Nurmi, 23 years old in 1944 and a striking high-cheeked beauty, was soon fired from the Broadway cast because Mae West feared she was being upstaged.
• • On 11 December 1928 • •
• • In the month of July 1927, Peter Markus, an inventor, applied for a patent for an inflatable life vest, which in press accounts was also called the "Mae West Vest" [back on 15 July 1927], and Markus was granted a patent by the U.S. Patent Office on 11 December 1928.
• • On 11 December 1939 in Hollywood • •
• • W.C. Fields sent Mae notes and script suggestions. Often these musings did not make it into the "My Little Chickadee" script.
• • In a note dated 11 December 1939 — — Dressing Room, Fields wrote:
• • Dear Mae, Eddie [Sutherland] told me that you asked him if I had any suggestions for the finish. This is it. The finish leaves us just the two of us at the end of the picture with no attempts at comedy or wise cracks from either of us. I think it will leave a nice human, homey feeling in the audience's mind. . . .
• • However, this vague, unfunny conclusion Fields sketched out was rather toothless and too wispy to be used. Wiser heads prevailed.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "It takes two to get one in trouble."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • From a capsule review of a biography of Mae West.
• • The San Francisco Chronicle noted: Here are some noteworthy new titles our critics regard highly: BECOMING MAE WEST: The Shaping of an Icon, Emily Wortis Leider (Farrar, Straus & Giroux; 431 pages; $30): The San Francisco writer's serious, seamless and lively biography of the "menace to art, if not to morals," as West was dubbed in her time, doubles as a history of the New York theater world in the early part of this century. ...
• • Source: List "The The Editors Recommend" for The San Francisco Chronicle; published on 8 June 1997
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2142nd blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • on trial with Barry O'Neill, March 1927 • •
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Mae West: Missed Rehearsal

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 07:09:00 +0000

It was Friday evening on 10 December 1937 and MAE WEST failed to report for the first rehearsal of "The Chase & Sanborn Hour." The suits at NBC were nervous and the sponsor's reps were baffled.
• • Matthew Murray wrote: A copy of the show's script was delivered to her apartment; she found it boring and made revisions. At NBC's Los Angeles studio on Saturday afternoon a conference was held between the performers, J. Walter Thompson representatives, and NBC executives, culminating in a final script that was acceptable to Mae West, Chase & Sanborn, and Andrew Love. During the final rehearsal, West recited her lines "straight" and in "snappy fashion" — — without the insinuations that were to characterize the broadcast rendition. ...
• • Source: Matthew Murray, page 144 in Radio Reader: Essays in the Cultural History of Radio [Psychology Press, 2002]
• • In December, Remember Victor McLaglen [1886 — 1959] • •
• • Mae West worked with one burly British actor — — born on December 10th — — who relocated to Hollywod and was cast, invariably, whenever the script called out for a large, gruff, brutish, but soft-hearted man of action.
• • Born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Victor McLaglen [10 December 1886 — 7 November 1959] was an English boxer and World War I veteran who became a leading American film actor.
• • Tsk-tsking over "Klondike Annie" in his film review for The New York Times on 12 March 1936, Frank S. Nugent wrote: As a Westian improvisation, the story is no worse than most of her English compositions, but that, alas, does not apply to its dialogue and treatment. It is downright discouraging to hear Miss West perplex Mr. McLaglen by saying she was "heading for the arms of Morpheus" and it is worse when McLaglen remarks, "I can always tell a lady when I see one" and she comes back with a "Yeah? What do you tell 'em?" If that is what the Legion of Decency meant when it rated "Annie" as objectionable in part, then we agree with the legion. ...
• • Victor McLaglen eventually became a U.S. citizen. He died on 7 November 1959 of a heart attack. He was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
• • A Mae West Slot Canyon • •
• • How many knew this one? A "Mae West slot canyon" is a passage that is too narrow at the bottom for a hiker to traverse on foot. Instead, the hiker must use chimneying techniques to negotiate above the floor.
• • On 10 December 1930 • •
• • Referring to a meeting in Hollywood on 10 December 1930, and what had been decided by a Board of Directors, Will Hays wrote to remind Adolph Zukor that he must not register the titles "Diamonds" or "Diamond Lady" for any film project with Mae West [Will Hays memo dated 18 October 1932].
• • On 10 December 2011 enjoy some "Sex" • •
• • "Sex" written by Mae West in 1926 is being revived in Tulsa. Artistic Director John Cruncleton is the producer and, in this staging, the character Margy LaMont will do an exotic and unbearably sultry fan dance. Taking the leading female role is Sara Wilemon, who plays the tough-minded prostitute.
• • WHERE: Nightingale Theatre, 1416 E. Fourth Street [just East of Peoria on 4th St.]. Tulsa, OK.; T. (918) 633-8666. No credit cards, so please bring cash.
• • WHEN: 8pm premiere on Friday, 9 December 2011 [show runs until December 17th]
• • EMAIL: info (at) nightingaletheater (dot) com
• • Tell them you heard about it on the Mae West Blog.
• • On 10 December 2011 see "I'm No Angel" • •
• • "I'm No Angel," starring Mae West and featuring Cary Grant, will be screened on Long Island today.
• • WHERE: Massapequa Public Library, 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park, NY 11762
• • WHEN: 2:00pm on Saturday, December 10, 2011
• • Tell them you heard about it on the Mae West Blog.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "My advice to those who think they have to take off their clothes to be a star is, once you're boned, what's left to create the illusion? Let em wonder. I never believed in giving them too much of me." [Excerpt from "Mae West On Sex, Health and E.S.P."]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article on a new accessories line mentioned Mae West.
• • As uncertain times push consumers to seek comfort in nostalgia, screen legend Mae West is returning in a modern form. Jo Roberts reports.
• • Jo Roberts wrote: Old-style glamour is making a comeback. Legendary Hollywood actress and playwright Mae West is to become the face of a fashion brand — — 29 years after her death. It is hoped the late icon will bring some star quality to a range of bags and wallets, which will be sold in boutique stores from spring 2009.
• • Jo Roberts wrote: Using the well-known faces of a bygone era in advertising is not unusual. Gene Kelly has danced to Singing in the Rain for Volkswagen, while Elvis adorned the television screen for defunct mobile brand One- to-One. But featuring a dead celebrity on new products is less common. Could this manner of generating comforting nostalgia in difficult economic times become a wider trend? ...
• • Source: Article: "Vintage Glamour: Mae West gets a makeover" written by Jo Roberts for Brand Strategy Magazine; published on 10 December 2008
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2141st blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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Mae West: Mike Mazurki

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 07:23:00 +0000

A former athlete got his first chance on the silver screen in "Belle of the Nineties" because MAE WEST ushered him onto the set.
• • Born on 25 December 1907 in Tarnopol, Galicia, Austria-Hungary (now Ternopil, Ukraine), Mike Mazurki loved to read and graduated from Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. His height assisted him when he decided to become a professional athlete. Known primarily for wrestling, he also distinguished himself in basketball and football.
• • According to the reporter Burt A. Folkart: "Years ago Mike Mazurki told The Los Angeles Times that Mae West, whose father was a fighter, had been his benefactor. She found odd jobs at the studios for the boxers and wrestlers in pre-war Los Angeles."
• • They first met in Pasadena, where Mae and Timony used to enjoy attending the wrestling matches every Monday evening. At the end of 1933, when Mazurki won a trophy for being the most popular wrestler in California, it was Mae who presented it. Then after the infamous jewel heist, Mae was frightened and hired Mazurki as her bodyguard.
• • When she was in "Belle of the Nineties" [1934], she finagled a bit part for the six-foot-five Ukrainian as a New Orleans audience admirer and insisted he get screen credit.
• • Though that would be the first line on his Hollywood resume, his cinema career did not kick into gear until 1941 when Josef von Sternberg gave him a bit part in his film "The Shanghai Gesture." This led to a long film and television career, 156 appearances between 1934 — 1990. His intimidating face coupled with a harsh voice and towering presence typically scored him roles playing dull-witted tough guys, gangsters, thugs, convicts, or strong men.
• • Mike Mazurki was married twice and had children. He died in Glendale, California in the month of December — — on 9 December 1990. He was close to his 83rd birthday.
• • In December, Let's Remember Mabel Stark [1889 — 1968] • •
• • Mabel Stark, whose real name was Mary Haynie, was born in Kentucky in the month of December — — on 9 December 1889. In 1922, she joined the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus and performed in Madison Square Garden with snarling tigers and a black panther. By the end of that season, of the six wild animal acts featured with the circus, Mabel Stark's was the most popular and she was featured on a poster with her favorite big cat Rajah. At one point in her career, she would face eighteen snarling beasts in the ring.
• • Mabel Stark was the beautiful blonde wild animal tamer who doubled for Mae West during some of the big top scenes in "I'm No Angel" [1933].
• • In 1968, most unfortunately, her employer Jungleland was sold to a new owner who disliked Mabel Stark and fired her. Soon after she left, one of her tigers escaped and was shot. Stark was angry and hurt about the animal's destruction and felt that she could have safely secured the tiger if the owners had asked for her assistance. Three months later, she killed herself by an overdose of barbiturates.
• • At the age of 78, in her home in Thousand Oaks, California, Mabel Stark drew her last breath and left the world on 20 April 1968.
• • In December, Remember Margaret Hamilton [1902 — 1985] • •
• • Severe looking and sharp featured, Margaret Hamilton was born in Cleveland, Ohio in December — — on 9 December 1902. In "My Little Chickadee," Margaret Hamilton played the role of prudish Mrs. Gideon, who faints on the train when Flower Belle Lee, Mae's character, pulls out two guns.
• • Then there is a memorable scene where Cuthbert J. Twillie [W. C. Fields] is told that there is nothing good about Flower Belle Lee by the holier-than-thou Mrs. Gideon, the town gossip, and he responds: "I can see what's good. Tell me the rest!"
• • The American actress, best known for her terrifying portrayal of The Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz" [1939], died on 16 May 1985.
• • On 9 December 1936 • •
• • The Evening News printed an article about the legal proceedings between Mae West and her former husband Frank Wallace.
• • On 9 December 2011 enjoy some "Sex" • •
• • "Sex" written by Mae West in 1926 is being revived in Tulsa. Artistic Director John Cruncleton is the producer and, in this staging, the character Margy LaMont will do an exotic and unbearably sultry fan dance. Taking the leading female role is Sara Wilemon, who plays the tough-minded prostitute.
• • WHERE: Nightingale Theatre, 1416 E. Fourth Street [just East of Peoria on 4th St.]. Tulsa, OK.; T. (918) 633-8666. No credit cards, so please bring cash.
• • WHEN: 8pm premiere on Friday, 9 December 2011 [runs until December 17th]
• • EMAIL: info (at) nightingaletheater (dot) com
• • Tell them you heard about it on the Mae West Blog.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Now you're down off your pedestal. You're down where you can see — — it's just a matter of circumstances. The only difference between us is that you could afford to give it away." [dialogue written for Margy LaMont in "Sex"]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article on a Los Angeles golf course mentioned Mae West.
• • The sycamore that guards the 12th green at Riviera Country Club? That's where Humphrey Bogart used to sit with a trench coat and a thermos — — contents undetermined — — to watch players go by.
• • Some people still refer to the spot as "Bogart's tree," so with the PGA Tour at the Pacific Palisades course for the Nissan Open this week, the pros might hear the story.
• • But will they know that Errol Flynn once got arrested for trying to seduce a married woman at a party in the clubhouse? Will they know that Greta Garbo used to walk the course, sneaking out from her house on a ridge overlooking the 13th hole? ...
• • The 12th hole was known as "Mae West" because of two grassy mounds that obstructed the green (they were later removed). ...
• • Source: Article: "Celebrity hijinks on the links were a matter of course" written by David Wharton, Chicago Tribune Staff Writer; published on 19 February 2003
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2140th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • as Ruby Carter in 1934 • •
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Mae West: Tulsa Has Sex

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 10:40:00 +0000

MAE WEST wrote "Sex" and brought it to Broadway in 1926 and, for the first time, sin became a domestic product. There have been several revivals of this stage play and now it's Tulsa turn to have "Sex." Here is a lengthy excerpt written by Oklahoma reporter Brad Morris, who interviewed the leading lady and the artistic director.
• • Tulsa drama critic Brad Morris writes: Artistic Director John Cruncleton has produced the play "Sex" once before in 2003, but this time he brings it to the Nightingale stage. . . . But Cruncleton maintains that the show is relevant, though with its share of quaintness. "It's a fairly pedestrian script in a lot of ways," he said. "It's melodrama and conventional in a lot of ways. But where it rises above that, I think, is in this characterization of the lead role which Mae West wrote for herself."
• • Mae West seems to have been a forerunner of the empowerment of women — — celebrities in particular — — and "Sex" bears that out. "It's sort of a distillation of her worldview, or the one she was tapping into. She was embodying one element of the times. It had a lot to do with female independence — — taking control of one's sexuality for one's own purposes," Cruncleton said. "That maneuver is smart. You see a lot of pop stars doing that."
• • Digging a little deeper into West and the production of her work here in town reveals some surprises -- perhaps first and foremost that she was writing plays about sex and drag queens, and quite a few ideas and issues that are a bit controversial even today, depending on to whom you're speaking. So many of us perceive West as the bombshell from a more apple-cheeked era -- one where her "Come up and see me sometime" catchphrase actually meant, "Come up and see me sometime," rather than, "Let's have sex."
• • Sara Wilemon, who plays Margy LaMont, the Mae West character, said that West was trying to bring out societal elements that we, even today, tend to try to ignore, hoping they'll go away, or at least not bother us. "She was bringing this sort of — — well, I don't want to say, 'seedy underbelly,' but ..." Wilemon trails off. "It's not conventional work. At the time, she was talking about drag queens and talking about prostitutes and sex and these things that weren't being put on stage. For me, I feel like that's what Nightingale does."
• • And she's right. Not that the Nightingale promotes prostitution. But the theater (and its resident troupe) does things a little differently. ...
• • Again, though, Cruncleton referred to Mae West's delivery and writing style. While she wrote about criminals and sexual escapades, she wasn't doing so in a way so as to flaunt it, nor was she defiantly shoving anything into her audiences' throats. "Depicting the underclass and the criminal world — — she's certainly not the first writer to do that on American stage, but she did it in a fun way," Cruncleton said. "It's social commentary, but it's got all the spice of comedy, and that makes it easier to go back to that than some of the more earnest work of the time."
• • The play was a self-conceived and self-powered star vehicle for West, and things in the 1920s were pretty much the same as they are today in terms of sex and sensationalism selling tickets. But in order for that to work, there has to be a formidable force in the driver's seat. In describing that force present in the Nightingale's production, Cruncleton has high praise for Wilemon.
• • Margy LaMont does a fan dance in "Sex" in Tulsa • •
• • "If you don't have an actress that is going to go out there and project a star persona, there's really no point in doing it," he said. "We happen to have the queen of Kansas City burlesque available to perform in this." Wilemon has performed burlesque for several years, perfecting a sexy-as-hell fan dance that ends up making an appearance in Sex. Fan dance? Burlesque? Sexy? Really? Yes, really. And one look at Wilemon reveals all you need to know about her, at least in terms of seeing the show: she's a bombshell in her own right, and there's really no other way to put it.
• • As if on cue, and to ensure that she is not perceived as a flighty exhibitionist with no real brains, Wilemon dropped some knowledge: "This show started reviving in the 1990s in New York, and drag queens were playing this lead role. And there was the language. It's not really a barrier, but when West was talking about 'straight,' it meant 'legit.' When a drag queen says it, it ends up being a wink at the audience."
• • And then there's the prostitution that keeps sneaking into West's work. "She kind of pokes at society, comparing prostitutes to these women who are marrying for money," Wilemon said. "And is there a difference between those two?" . . .
• • Source: Article: "Sexual Satisfaction: Early twentieth-century 'Sex' teaches modern lessons" written by Brad Morris for Urban Tulsa Weekly; published on 7 December 2011
• • WHERE: Nightingale Theatre, 1416 E. Fourth Street [just East of Peoria on 4th St.]. Tulsa, OK.; T. (918) 633-8666. No credit cards, so please bring cash.
• • WHEN: 8pm premiere on Friday, 9 December 2011 [runs until December 17th]
• • EMAIL: info (at) nightingaletheater (dot) com
• • Tell them you heard about it on the Mae West Blog.
• • In December, Let's Remember Beverly West [1898 — 1982] • •
• • Born in Brooklyn, NY was Mildred Katherine West [8 December 1898 — 12 March 1982].
• • Mae's kid sister never liked her birthname and so, upon launching a professional career, she became "Beverly Osborne." A talented performer in her own right, she is commemorated with great affection on her birthday.
• • In December 1975 • •
• • An intriguing interview with Mae West appeared in the December 1975 issue of Oui Magazine. Lawrence Grobel sat down with the icon in Hollywood.
• • On 8 December 2011 in NYC • •
• • "I'm No Angel" [1933], starring Mae West and featuring Cary Grant (as the leading man again), will be shown at the Clearview Chelsea Cinemas, where it is an entry in its weekly Chelsea Classics. Notable NYC drag queen Hedda Lettuce will host the screening.
• • WHERE: Clearview Chelsea, 260 West 23rd Street, NYC; T. 212-777-3456.
• • WHEN: Thursday, 8 December 2011 at these showtimes: 7:00pm and 9:30pm.
• • Tell Hedda Lettuce you heard about it on the Mae West Blog.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I'd rather be looked over than overlooked."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article on a sexy actress in India mentioned Mae West.
• • According to reporter Pratish Narayana: Vidya Balan is terrific as Silk, who fires brazen zingers throughout “The Dirty Picture” with chutzpah that would have made 1930s Hollywood temptress Mae West proud.
• • Pratish Narayana explains: The Bollywood movie is ostensibly based on the life of “Silk” Smitha, a southern Indian femme fatale who gained notoriety in the late 1980s playing sexually charged roles in otherwise conservative films featuring virginal heroines. ...
• • Source: Review: "Bollywood’s ‘Dirty Picture’ Evokes Seductress Mae West" written by Pratish Narayana for Bloomberg News; published on 7 December 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2139th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: "Angel" in Chelsea

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:25:00 +0000

Tomorrow evening "I'm No Angel" [1933], starring MAE WEST, will be shown at the Clearview Chelsea Cinemas, where it is an entry in its weekly Chelsea Classics. The Program states: West plays a lion tamer caught in intrigue and the attention of Cary Grant (in their second screen pairing). A pre-code classic, “Angel” includes some of West’s best-known sexual entendres. Notable NYC drag queen Hedda Lettuce will host the screening to double your pleasure.
• • WHERE: Clearview Chelsea, 260 West 23rd Street, NYC; T. 212-777-3456.
• • WHEN: Thursday, 8 December 2011 at these showtimes: 7:00pm and 9:30pm.
• • Not only is it a comfortable moviehouse, but we can't say enough about humorist Hedda Lettuce except this — — better not miss it!
• • In December, Let's Remember Arch Obler [1909 — 1987] • •
• • Script writer Arch Obler suffered no consequences for the infamous "Garden of Eden" skit that featured Mae West in the role of Eve, the disgruntled wife of Adam.
• • Hired pen Arch Obler was born in the month of December — — on 7 December 1909 — — and chances are good that Mae did not waste much money sending him birthday cards.
• • Arch Oboler [7 December 1909 — 19 March 1987] was a scriptwriter, novelist, producer, and director who was active in films, radio, and television. Born in Chicago, to a Bavarian-Jewish German father and an Irish Catholic mother, he grew up Protestant.
• • Arch Oboler generated much attention for his radio scripts, and his work in radio remains the outstanding period of his career. Although some noted a tendency for gruesomeness, he received praise as one of broadcasting's top talents, and he is regarded today as one of the innovators of old time radio.
• • On 7 December 1925 • •
• • The Biltmore Theatre opened on Broadway on 7 December 1925. And the first exciting event that happened was in October 1928 when "Pleasure Man," a highly controversial play written by Mae West, was raided by the police.
• • On 7 December 1931 "Cary Grant" Was Created • •
• • "She Done Him Wrong" was filmed with Mae West and Cary Grant in 1932.
• • According to the BBC News: When Bristol-born Archibald Leach landed himself a Hollywood film contract in 1931, the 27-year-old actor decided his real name wouldn't sit easily on cinema marquees. Having just completed a stage show playing a character called Cary Lockwood, Archie considered adopting the name full time. Studio advisors said "Cary" was fine, but that "Lockwood" was far too long in a business dominated by Gables, Coopers, and Bogarts. Sturdy and reliable Grant "jumped" out of a list of monosyllabic names compiled for Leach's perusal and on 7 December 1931, the euphonious Cary Grant was born.
• • On 7 December 1936 in Life Magazine • •
• • The issue of December 7th, 1936 in Life Magazine featured two people on page 33: Mae West and Napoleon.
• • On 7 December 1973 in Colorado • •
• • Mae West was in Telluride for a special ski area dedication gala that took place from December 7 — 10, 1973.
• • On 7 December 1993 • •
• • "The Mae West Murder Case" by George Baxt (208 pages) was published by St. Martin's in early December, right before Christmas, on 7 December 1993.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "A man in love is like a clipped coupon — — it's time to cash in."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article on awards for actresses mentioned Mae West.
• • According to the BBC News: Kathy Burke was also among the winners, taking the creative originality award, while Maureen Lipman took the prestigious Mae West Award for her many respected television performances [sic].
• • The annual event celebrates the talents of women in the film and television industries and winners are chosen by a panel of judges from the worlds of media and politics. ...
• • Source: Article: "Diana Rigg receives lifetime award" written in the U.K. by the BBC News Staff; published on Friday, 7 December 2001
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2138th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
________
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Mae West: Jose Collins

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

On 6 December 1911 "Vera Violetta" was still on Broadway, however, MAE WEST had been dismissed for her attempts at up-staging the star. One of the women Mae had rehearsed with was the British beauty Jose Collins, age 24, who was cast in this musical as Mme. von Gruenberg.
• • Born in London on 23 May 1887, Jose Collins was born to a famous music hall star and got into the business quickly as a child performer. By her 17th birthday, the vivacious brunette had appeared in both pantomime and music hall as a singer and actress. In 1908, she made her West End debut in a principal role in The Antelope (1908). On Broadway, she appeared in Vera Violetta (1911), The Merry Countess (1912), and The Whirl of Society (1912), in which she performed a duet with Al Jolson, etc. Her revue appearances included the Ziegfeld Follies (1913), and The Passing Show (1914). Starring roles in London and on Broadway and in revivals came her way in 1916.
• • Though her movie career was brief, lasting from 1915 — 1933, after appearing in 13 features for the silver screen — — including her role as Bessie, the vengeful model, in "The Light That Failed" [1916] based on Rudyard Kipling's poem — — Jose Collins would spend the remainder of her career in revues, variety, and also non-musical roles.
• • Though Jose Collins was married three times, she had no children. She died in London in December — — on 6 December 1958. She was 71.
• • In December, Let's Remember John Lorenz [1886 — 1972] • •
• • More than anything, variety artist Mae West wanted to be "in the legit" — — on The Gay White Way — — and Jesse Lasky gave her an opportunity. The extravaganza, produced by Ned Wayburn, Mae's dancing teacher, was titled "A La Broadway."
• • In 1911, Jesse Lasky opened the Folies-Bergere, a plush dinner theatre restaurant on West 46th Street and he cast a pretty 18-year-old Mae to appear in the revue along with a comedy duo, Cook and Lorenz. Supposedly, these comedians could not master their props in time to accompany her, therefore, Mae was unable to perform her first song, a ballad called "They Are Irish," the way it had been staged originally.
• • But what if the real explanation had to do with racial bias instead? James Cook was a black man and maybe that's why the producers yanked the team away from sharing a spotlight with Mae.
• • John Lorenz was cast as Nick O'Teene in "A La Broadway." Born in Buffalo, NY in December — — on 6 December 1886 — — his Broadway career began in 1909 when he was attached to a musical comedy "The Motor Girl." After doing several shows, he took his final bows in "Ramshackle Inn," a farce, in 1944.
• • He seems to have teamed up with a mature performer James Cook by 1910 and they actively toured on the vaudeville circuit. Considered to be one of the "monarchs of minstrelsy," James Cook had done a blackface act in 1885 with Rankin's Minstrels. (Blacks were recognized as musicians of talent, due to the popularity of minstrel shows.) Additionally, James Cook was an early member of the White Rats. James Cook was cast as Jim Jamb in "A La Broadway" and he may have been cast in another production on the Gay White Way in 1932.
• • John Lorenz died in Paramus, New Jersey on 30 April 1972.
• • On 5 December 1939 • •
• • In the year 1939, December's first musical on Broadway was "DuBarry Was a Lady," which opened on 6 December 1939 at the 46th Street Theatre, where Mae had once shared the stage twenty years before with Sophie Tucker. The female lead was said to have been tailored at first for Mae West.
• • On 6 December 1994 in NYC • •
• • It was on Tuesday, 6 December 1994 that Christie's New York held an auction listed as "Film and Television Memorabilia." One light-hearted Mae West item was "A box of approximately 120 red, white, and blue poker chips; a deck of cards from the Roosevelt Hotel." This lot of goodies was sold for $345.00 and now the deck is stacked at someone's house.
• • On 6 December 2008 in Santa Monica • •
• • Michael Gregg Michaud devoted his exhibit to Mae West figurines and it opened on Saturday, 6 December 2008 in the Project Room of the Lora Schlesinger Gallery in Santa Monica, California.
• • At the opening, on December 6th, attendees were handed programs. This is the text the West Coast gallery on Michigan Avenue had composed: With one hand firmly on her hip and the other primping her blond curls, Mae West represented the promise of good times ahead. Beginning in the 1930s, her figure was reproduced as a “chalk doll,” which became a popular prize at carnival games. These so-called “Carnival Dolls” were made of plaster of paris using a mould, and individually hand-painted. Several companies located on the West Coast produced these “Carnival Dolls.” One of the largest manufacturers was located in Venice, California and called the Venice Doll Company. Seventy years later, Mae West Carnival Dolls not only invoke a sense of nostalgia, but still represent the promise of fun. Mae West said it best, “It’s better to be looked over, than overlooked.” Mr. Michaud's display was on view there until 17 January 2009.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "To me the most difficult part of placing a successful motion picture story is getting it cast correctly."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article on the initial Cannes Film Fest mentioned Mae West.
• • Kenneth Turan writes: The initial Cannes film festival was scheduled for the first three weeks of September 1939. Hollywood responded by sending over "The Wizard of Oz" and "Only Angels Have Wings" along with a "steamship of stars" including Mae West, Gary Cooper, Norma Shearer, and George Raft. The Germans, however, chose 1 September 1939 to invade Poland, and after the opening-night screening of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," the festival was cancelled and didn't start up again until 1946. .. .
• • Source: Article: "A festival of art and prostitution" written by USA critic Kenneth Turan for The Guardian [UK]; published on Thursday, 9 May 2002
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2137th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: Racy, Red, and Repeal

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:50:00 +0000

It was Tuesday, 5 December 1933 and Beverly West, MAE WEST's only sister, was performing in Chicago, Illinois. She had bookings for her popular "Mae West Act" in the heartland during most of the winter of 1933.
• • Meanwhile, in sunny California on 5 December 1933, the date Prohibition was repealed, Mae was being photographed in a Hollywood speakeasy with Gary Cooper. What a huge glass of beer they are embracing.
• • Numerous pictures were snapped that night showing Mae, wearing a dark, long dress with a large glittering brooch and a server's cap, standing behind the bar pulling a draft; or standing next to "the Coop" holding a Bavarian pretzel, etc. I hope they had a chance to have a tall cold one themselves, after all that posing.
• • Mae's friend, speakeasy hostess Texas Guinan, had died the month before.
• • In December, Let's Remember Paul Harvey [1882 — 1955] • •
• • In 1935, Paul Harvey was in one motion picture with Mae West.
• • A versatile actor, Paul Harvey hailed from Sandwich, Illinois where he was born on 10 September 1882. The dapper six-foot-two leading man enjoyed success on Broadway, creating several memorable roles from 1916 — 1933.
• • When he went out to Hollywood, he was cast in nearly 180 motion pictures. Fans will remember him as Donovan in "Goin' to Town" [1935].
• • Paul Harvey died in Los Angeles due to a coronary thrombosis in December — — on 5 December 1955. He was 73.
• • On 5 December 1945 • •
• • The date was 5 December 1945 and five Grumman Avenger Torpedo bombers took off from the Fort Lauderdale Naval Air Station on a routine patrol. The group of planes was designated Flight 19 and they were to fly a standard patrol pattern; 160 miles due east, then 40 miles north then 120 miles southwest on the home leg. There were fourteen crew members on board the five bombers, all with plenty of flight time under their belts, all wearing Mae West life jackets, and each plane was equipped with a self inflating life raft. ... [author unknown]
• • On 5 December 1965 • •
• • Joseph Breen died at age 75 during the month of December — — on 5 December 1965. It is doubtful that Mae West attended his funeral.
• • On 5 December 1999 in The N.Y. Times • •
• • Emily Wortis Leider's article ran in The New York Times on Sunday, 5 December 1999. The article was called "On Stage, Mae West Was Even Racier."
• • Emily Wortis Leider began her article like this: Impersonators and cartoonists have always gravitated to Mae West because in performance she usually seemed to be impersonating herself, exaggerating her femininity and commenting on her own outrageousness.
• • Emily Wortis Leider wrote: As she gained recognition in the 1920's and 30's, her highly stylized drawl and sashaying gait spawned imitation and invited caricature. Still later, before Miss Piggy stole her cleavage, long eyelashes and penchant for self-celebration, Disney used her as the model for the top-heavy Jenny Wren, and Edie Adams pitched cigars by borrowing her signature slogan (originally spoken with a slightly different word order to Cary Grant in the 1933 film "She Done Him Wrong"): "Why don't you come up and see me some time?" ...
• • On 5 December 2008 in Germany • •
• • Van Ham Fine Art Auctions held a Celebrity Photo Auction in Cologne, Germany on 5 December 2008. Two photographs by Diane Arbus were auctioned off. One gelatin silver print was "Mae West in a chair at home, Santa Monica, California."
• • On 5 December 2010 in Malibu • •
• • In 1982 in Pittsburgh, Mae West fan Red Grooms first unveiled his 1981 work entitled "Mae West Visits New England." He positioned his figure of Mae West in a glittering gown before a severe New England church.
• • It's fitting that in 2010 the work traveled to the West Coast for a show that ended on December 5th. This very funky modern art group show was held at Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art, Pepperdine University [24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263-4462]. The exhibition was on view to the public from 28 August 2010 — 5 December 2010. One of the amusing works chosen for this colorful array was Red Grooms's 1981 work "Mae West Visits New England" [mixed media].
• • Fascinated by theater as a child, the artist experimented with designing scenarios for underground films in the 1960s. Like good drama, the art of Red Grooms [born 1937] will often satirize the tension between image and reality. For example, in "Tut's Fever," Red Grooms had featured Mae West stationed behind a concession stand in a moviehouse [1986 — 1988, mixed media], and surrounded by other Hollywood icons who were manning the ticket booth, etc.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Some women know how to get what they want — — others don't. I always knew how."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Excerpt from a review of "Becoming Mae West" by biographer Emily Wortis Leider
• • Book critic Maria Braden wrote: Leider shows just how hard West worked to maintain her image as a sex goddess. For example, as she moved from vaudeville to theater to movies, West refused roles that cast her as a woman with children, because she thought mothers couldn't be sex symbols.
• • Book critic Maria Braden noted: She also hid that she had been married twice because she wanted to be perceived as single and available. And although West was a businesswoman, she refused to portray such a character on the screen because it might compromise her "femininity."
• • Book critic Maria Braden continued: West's mother had encouraged her to press the bounds of propriety, and she grew up admiring those who could flout social convention and still be successful. She had a gift for comic dialogue, and wrote much of her own material. She was bold in her use of language and enjoyed playing with double meanings. She peopled her work with strong women and characters at the fringes of conventional society. ...
• • Source: Book Review: "A Hollywood Legend Who Wasn't Always What She Seemed" written by Maria Braden, Knight-Ridder Newspapers; published on 7 August 1997
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2136th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: Walter Walker

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 08:55:00 +0000

Not unlike Kris Humphries, 26, who has decided to seek an annulment of his sham marriage to Kim Kardashian, 31, on the basis of fraud, MAE WEST's storyline for "I'm No Angel" had her character Tira haul a handsome fiance into court for breach of promise.
• • Actor Gregory Ratoff played the prosecutor; Walter Walker, age 69, was the kindly old magistrate; and Cary Grant portrayed Jack Clayton, who is being sued for breach of promise.
• • A box office bonanza, "I'm No Angel" premiered on 14 October 1933 at the Paramount Theatre during the Great Depression.
• • Walter Walker [1864 — 1947] • •
• • Native New Yorker Walter Walker was born on 13 March 1864 and began working in front of the camera in 1917 when he was 53 years old. Over the next three decades, he was featured in 95 motion pictures, often in authority roles. From 1917 — 1947 he would be cast as a mayor, governor, senator, judge, lawyer, physician, Secretary of War, Benjamin Franklin, capitalist, priest, etc.
• • Walter Walker was seen briefly in three different comedies that starred Mae West. In addition to sitting on the bench in "I'm No Angel," he was the New Orleans Admirer in "Belle of the Nineties" [1934], and Andy Kelton in "Go West Young Man" [1936]. Did you recognize the familiar face of "his Honor" in the other two movies?
• • Employed in Hollywood until the very end, Walter Walker died in Honolulu, Hawaii in the month of December — — on 4 December 1947. According to his obit in The New York Times, his wife and a daughter (Mrs. L.H. Riley) survived him. He had been visiting his daughter and her husband, Lieut. Col. Riley, when he passed away. He was 83 years old.
• • In December, Let's Remember Archie Mayo [1891 — 1968] • •
• • Born in New York City, Archie Mayo [29 January 1891 — 4 December 1968] was a stage actor who relocated to the West Coast in 1915 and soon began working as a film director.
• • Mayo directed the speakeasy motion picture "Night After Night" [1932] — — a George Raft vehicle that did more for Mae's career than for the tough guy actor known best for "Scarface."
• • Mayo retired in 1946 — — shortly after completing A Night in Casablanca with the Marx Brothers and Angel on My Shoulder with Paul Muni, Anne Baxter, and Claude Rains.
• • Archie Mayo died in Guadalajara, Mexico in the month of December — — on 4 December 1968. He was 77. Mayo has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• • On 4 December 1888 • •
• • Irish actor Colin Kenny, who was seen with Mae West in "The Heat's On," was born in Dublin on 4 December 1888.
• • On 4 December 1944 • •
• • The photographer Arthur Fellig, more commonly known as Weegee, made his silver gelatin prints sing and knew how to cleverly caption his portraits for large-format magazines such as Life and Look. On 4 December 1944, Weegee took himself downtown to the "poor man's Stork Club" — — i.e., Sammy's Bowery Follies, which somehow became a refuge for him. Sammy employed many old vaudevillians in his nightly stage shows. This was the spot for numerous humanistic and playful images such as a photo he took on December 4th of Sammy's "Mae West" — — the boisterous Bowery entertainer Norma Devine.
• • Mae West would visit her old colleagues at Sammy's place, whenever she was in town.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I'm no angel."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article by Associated Press mentioned Mae West and her Hollywood attire.
• • A Los Angeles based stringer from AP wrote: Buxom Mae West, colorfully attired in a typical Hollywood outfit of lounging-pajamas, gave a deposition today preliminary to trial of the suit of Frank Wallace, who claims she is his wife.
• • AP noted: Miss West gave the deposition behind closed doors in the office of A. M. Blount, counsel for Frank Wallace. She was dressed in blue lounging pajamas, blue silk sandals, white hat, and carried a white handbag. ...
• • Source: Article: "Buxom Mae West Gives Trial Deposition" written by AP; published on 8 May 1937
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2135th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: Lux Town Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 10:15:00 +0000

An enormous international cast was assembled to do justice to MAE WEST's ambitious screenplay "Now I'm a Lady" centered around the main character Cleo Borden, who wishes to be part of the tony horsey set. Script approval was granted, at last, by the Hays Commission on 1 April 1935. Produced by Emanuel Cohen Productions (as Major Pictures), the 74-minute comedy was released in the USA on 25 April 1935 under the new title "Goin' to Town."
• • Once again, Mae's marvelous and memorable costumes were the work of talented Travis Banton. The key makeup artist was Dorothy Ponedel. Even Mae's horse-riding ensemble, hat, and "outdoor look" were eye-catching.
• • Certainly, Mae-mavens will recognize this perfectly enchanting daywear from one of the scenes she has with with British actor Paul Cavanagh (cast as Edward Carrington). Perhaps because Lady Lou is seen in bed reading the National Police Gazette to hilarious effect in "She Done Him Wrong," a quick thinking prop master in 1935 stuck a copy of Town and Country Magazine in Cleo Borden's hands in this scene.
• • On 3 December 1936 • •
• • At the end of the following year — — on 3 December 1936 — — Mae was seen in this ultra-feminine dress again in a Lux Toilet Soap advertisement. This charming portrait [16 inches X 10 inches] was printed in The Los Angeles Evening Herald & Express in black and white.
• • The exaggerated "rhumba" flounce on the sleeve is photographed horizontally in the movie scene to convey a robust attitude of nearly Napoleonic determination. Compare that with the playful mood in the Lux ad, where the flounce is almost in flight and giving Mae angel wings. This is a dress you can't forget, even though the tag line suggests her upcoming picture for 1936 "Go West Young Man" and not 1935's "Goin' to Town." Thank you, Travis Banton.
• • In December, Let's Remember Monte Collins [1898 — 1951] • •
• • Mae West doted on sailors — — and several actors portrayed men in military garb in her motion pictures.
• • Born in Mae's hometown, New York City in the month of December, Monte Collins, Jr. [3 December 1898 — 1 June 1951] was the son of Monte Collins, Sr. [1856 — 1929], a durable silent screen actor.
• • Throughout the 1930s he appeared in secondary roles (businessmen, butlers, soldiers, salesmen, etc.) in both feature films as well as short subjects. He is seen briefly as a sailor in one of the circus scenes in "I'm No Angel." He appeared in 167 films between 1920 — 1948. Also a screenwriter, he penned original scripts or contributed gags and other material to 32 motion pictures between 1930 — 1951.
• • According to Columbia film historian Ted Okuda, Monte Collins was the Dan Aykroyd of his day — — a reliable, skilled comedian who usually assisted other stars in getting laughs, rather than driving the action by himself.
• • At the age of 52, the five-foot-ten performer altered the spelling of his first name to "Monty" as he was about to launch his TV career when, unfortunately, he suffered a fatal heart attack in 1951 in North Hollywood, California on the first day in June.
• • In December 1933 • •
• • "Writer's Review" was a serious monthly publication for the wordsmith and a continuing first-person column was "How I Write" (usually 3000 — 4000 words). But Mae West would title her article "How I Write My Stuff." With a sketch of Mae on the cover, "Writer's Review" [Vol. 2, No. 3 for December 1933] probably became a collector's item. The cover caption read "She Found the Popular Pulse" — — yes, indeed.
• • On 3 December 1965 • •
• • "Day Tripper" is a song by The Beatles, released as a double A-side single with "We Can Work It Out" on 3 December 1965 in the U.K. Mae West covered this song on her 1966 album "Way Out West." Her album was re-released in 2008 on CD.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I'm single because I was born that way."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article on Michael Jackson mentioned Mae West.
• • Linda Deutsch writes: A leading expert on the licensing and branding of dead celebrities believes the trial engendered so much sympathy for Michael Jackson that in the long run it will eclipse negative fallout from his past.
• • Linda Deutsch adds: "I don't think any tawdry revelations that may have come out of the trial will have any impact on his lasting legacy," said Martin Cribbs, who is based in New York. "We as a society tend to give everyone a second chance. Michael's legacy will be like Elvis and the Beatles. It will be his music, his genius. and his charitable works " Cribbs has represented the estates of such deceased luminaries as Mae West, Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, Steve McQueen, and others. ...
• • Source: Article: "Jackson legacy expected to thrive after trial" written by Linda Deutsch for AP; posted 2 December 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2134th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: William Gaxton

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:29:00 +0000

MAE WEST played Fay Lawrence in "The Heat's On," a motion picture released in the USA in early December — — on 2 December 1943. It's interesting that two gentlemen in the cast are linked to the date December 2nd as well.
• • The character Tony Ferris was played by William Gaxton. The vaudeville song and dance man was born as Arturo Antonio Gaxiola in San Francisco in early December — — on 2 December 1890. During 1922 — 1945 he could be found headlining on The Gay White Way. During the 1930s, he was in a Broadway musical with actor Victor Moore [1876 — 1962], who was cast as Hubert Bainbridge in "The Heat's On." The theatre was his metier and he was only seen in eleven motion pictures between 1926 — 1945. William Gaxton died of cancer in New York City on 2 February 1963. He was 72 years old.
• • Colin Kenny was seen briefly as a night club patron in "The Heat's On." Born in Dublin, Ireland on 4 December 1888, the veteran character actor was featured in more than 200 projects. Active in Hollywood until 1966 and also a guest star on TV until the mid-1960s, Colin Kenny died in Los Angeles in early December — — on 2 December 1968. He was 79 years old.
• • In December, Let's Remember Sylvia Syms [1917 — 1992] • •
• • Born like Mae West in good old Brooklyn, New York, Sylvia Syms [2 December 1917 — 10 May 1992] was a jazz singer whose birthname was Sylvia Blagman.
• • When she was a child, Sylvia contracted polio — — a disease that also afflicted Mae's sister Beverly and which causes some sufferers to put on weight.
• • As a teen, Sylvia found her way to jazz joints on New York's "Prohibition Row" [West 52nd Street]. In 1941, the 24-year-old debuted at a club called Billy's Stable.
• • During 1948, Mae West went to performances at the Cinderella Club in Greenwich Village to see Rae Bourbon and listen to keyboard king Willie "The Lion" Smith. Fortunately for Sylvia Sims, Mae caught her act onstage there, too. Mae West gave her the part of Flo the Shoplifter in a Broadway revival of "Diamond Lil."
• • Thanks to this big break and the exposure Mae West afforded her, Sylvia Syms appeared on the stage as Bloody Mary in South Pacific and as Dolly Levi in Hello, Dolly! — — and also acted in straight roles. Sinatra was among the biggest fans of Miss Syms.
• • On 2 December 1943 in Hollywood • •
• • • • "The Heat’s On" [released on 2 December 1943] • • • •
• • Critic Guy Savage summed it up: "The Heat’s On" (AKA "Tropicana") is a sly knock at censorship and how it affects the entertainment industry. Broadway legend Fay Lawrence (Mae West) is in "Indiscretions" — — a show destined to flop — — until producer Tony Ferris (William Gaxton) gets the bright idea to rustle up free publicity on an indecency issue. ...
• • The director responsible for this rum-soaked cinematic mirth-quake was Gregory Ratoff.
• • The appealing costume designs for Mae West were done by Walter Plunkett.
• • On 2 December 1989 • •
• • "Mae West, Wilt, and the King" was written by Ira Berkow, who had interviewed Charles Miron. This article appeared in The N.Y. Times on 2 December 1989.
• • On 2 December 2001 in The N.Y. Times Book Review • •
• • Reviewing a biography of Potemkin on 2 December 2001, NYT critic Harlow Robinson begins with this sentence: When Mae West starred on Broadway in her critically panned but crowd-pleasing entertainment ''Catherine Was Great,'' she apologized nightly for omitting many events in the rich and ribald life of the brilliant 18th-century Russian sovereign: ''Catherine was a great empress. She also had 300 lovers. I did the best I could in a couple of hours.''
• • Harlow Robinson continues: In fact, according to Simon Sebag Montefiore, the reliable count of Catherine's lovers was more like a baker's dozen. But about which lover occupied the No. 1 spot there is no doubt, as Sebag Montefiore makes abundantly clear in ''Prince of Princes,'' a discursive, meticulously researched and mostly absorbing new biography of Prince Grigory Alexandrovich Potemkin [1739 — 1791]. ...
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Those who are easily shocked should be shocked more often."
• • Mae West said: "Saving love doesn't bring any interest."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Does the sham marriage (onscreen) between Flora Belle Lee and card sharp Cuthbert remind you of anyone? Mae West is mentioned in this spoof by parody writer William Russo, who has confused her film "Every Day's a Holiday" with "My Little Chickadee," co-starring W.C. Fields as Cuthbert J. Twillie.
• • Satirist William Russo writes: Kris Humphries now realizes how he was duped by Kim Kardashian. He has now admitted that he also considered buying the Brooklyn Bridge.
• • Old film star Mae West once played a woman of dubious morals who sold the famed New York bridge to gullible young men who were attracted to her.
• • Mae's counterpart, W.C. Fields, even starred in a movie called "Never Give a Sucker an Even Break." Kim Kardashian clearly was not about to let this 'live one' jump off the bridge before forcing nuptials upon him.
• • If the Queen of Calculated Videotape Sex was going to subject herself to a fraudulent marriage, she chose wisely. Kris Humphries was big, handsome, and dumb.
• • In the old movie "My Little Chickadee," Mae West "married" W.C. Fields out of convenience [sic]. She had no intention of sleeping with him — — ever. Each night she would turn out the lights and put an old goat in the bed with Fields who was so near-sighted that he felt she was cold, wearing a fur coat to bed. When the old goat cried out, "mmmaaaa," Fields was touched that the nervous girl was calling for her mother.
• • We suspect that Kris Humphries may have fallen into the same trap game.
• • Of course, the other side of the coin was that Kris Humphries was locked out of his NBA job. He feared that there would be no paychecks for the season, and his wife was one of the greatest moneymakers in cable television history. He knew a sucker when he bedded one. ...
• • Source: Satire: "Kris Humphries: Dumb, Dumber, and Snookered" written by William Russo for The Spoof; posted 1 December 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2133rd blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: Henry B. Harris

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 09:24:00 +0000

Performer MAE WEST played the Irish maid Maggie O'Hara in the musical revue "A la Broadway" during September 1911. Since the 18-year-old Brooklynite was an expert mimic who could deliver her lines with dash in different Irish accents, Mae was often cast as an impudent servant off the boat from the land of shamrocks and blarney. Produced by Henry B. Harris and Jesse L. Lasky, the show ran on The Great White Way from September 22nd — September 30th for eight performances at the Folies-Bergere (210 West 46th Street, NYC).
• • PHOTO CREDIT: Mae West in 1911, courtesy of Damon Devine. Do not copy this image from his private collection without permission. Be nice.
• • Henry Birkhardt Harris was born to stage folks in St. Louis in the month of December — — on 1 December 1866. His father, a theatre manager associated with Klaw and Erlanger, moved the family to Boston, which is where his son got his first training as a theatrical gentleman, and eventually attached himself to the famous old Howard Athenaeum there. Before long he launched his own operation.
• • He was in his mid-forties when he was producing "A la Broadway" in September 1911. By then he was President of the Henry B. Harris Company and the National Producing Managers of America, Director in the Theatre Managers’ Association of Greater New York, Treasurer of the Actors' Fund of America, and Trustee of the Hebrew Infant Asylum of New York. Harris belonged to the Lambs and Green Room Clubs. At the time, his New York residence was at 50 Central Park West, and he had offices in the Hudson Theatre building.
• • A dozen years before that show, in 1898, Henry B. Harris had wed Irene ["Rene"] Wallach of Washington and she became a partner in every way. An article in The N.Y. Times explained how much Rene Harris guided him. His wife was keen on "assisting him materially in his decisions regarding plays submitted to him. He stated once that he always consulted her before accepting a play, being a firm believer in the value of a woman's point of view regarding matters theatrical. She usually accompanied him on his trips to the various cities of the United States to be present at the opening nights of Harris productions."
• • Seven months after "A la Broadway" closed, Rene and Henry Harris booked passage on the RMS Titanic. He died when the ship went down on 15 April 1912. The successful theatre owner and operator was 45 years old.
• • His obituary was printed in many newspapers. This excerpt is from Billboard:
• • New York, April 20 (Special to Billboard). — — Henry B. Harris, the well-known theatrical manager, was among those who met death in the sinking of the White Star Liner Titanic on last Monday morning. Mr. Harris was returning from Europe, accompanied by Mrs. Harris.
• • When the ship was sinking, Mr. Harris carried Mrs. Harris, who had been a victim of an accident the day before, fracturing her shoulder blade, from her cabin and placed her in one of the boats along with other women. It is said that he asked the officers if he would be allowed to accompany Mrs. Harris to attend her, but when informed that he could not stepped aside saying, "I understand. The women must go first."
• • When Mrs. Harris saw her husband last, he was calmly waving goodbye to her from the deck of the Titanic. Henry B. Harris died like a brave man. ...
• • In December, Let's Remember Aleister Crowley [1875 — 1947] • •
• • Born in Great Britain, Edward Alexander Crowley [1875 — 1947] took the more exotic first name of Aleister. The occult master has been an influence for numerous musicians throughout the 20th century.
• • The British band The Beatles included him as one of the many "heroic" figures on the cover sleeve of their 1967 album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," where he is situated between the guru Sri Yukteswar Giri and Mae West. It's been said that the title song was influenced by Aleister Crowley, who died twenty years before the release of this 1967 album. The track begins: "It's was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play . . .".
• • Aleister Crowley died in Hastings, East Sussex, England in the month of December — — on 1 December 1947. He was 72.
• • 1 December 1976 in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West starred in "Sextette" [1978], and the cinematography was done by James Crabe.
• • Shooting began in December — — on 1 December 1976 — — and was wrapped up during March 1977. James Crabe captured his leading lady in medium shots. There would be no close-ups in "Sextette" of Mae West.
• • James Crabe missed this little goof and so did the film editor. The boom microphone is visible when Mae West and Dom DeLuise are leaving the hotel gymnasium. Did you spot this?
• • In 1994, Christie's auctioned off a most intriguing bit of memorabilia: a bound copy of the stage play "Sextette" [1927] by the actress and dramatist Charlotte Francis.
• • 1 December 2009 • •
• • "Mae West: An Interview & Biography" by Clive Hirschhorn was published by the San Francisco vanity press Grand Cyrus Press on 1 December 2009.
• • Reviewing this peculiar, error-riddled paperback, Mae-maven R. Mark Desjardins wrote a very diplomatic assessment: "Clive Hirschhorn attempts a whirlwind Mae West history lesson in ninety five pages of text, but unfortunately trips and stumbles with incorrect facts along the way. Considering the considerable knowledge base Hirschhorn has amassed over the four decades of his entertainment writing career, such oversights can be considered either unforgivable, or simply confused quotes and information from films he reviewed in the past. ..."
• • Check out the other reviews and comments at Amazon.com, for instance:
— — "Painfully inaccurate in so many ways ..." by Damon Devine
— — "This author wrote previous Hollywood books? YIKES!" by Baby Jane Hudson
— — "This is NOT the Mae West Biography you've been waiting for" by James Stettler
• • It would seem that Mr. Desjardins spent as much time composing his review in Canada as Mr. Hirschhorn did in Britain to tape, smush, and patch this poor construct together. Moreover, nearly every photo is either mislabeled or positioned on the page without regard to chronology nor its suitability to the chapter at hand, as if tossed together by a toddler who meant to be helpful but speaks no English.
• • Not an essential part of your Mae West collection, and not a credit to the author's reputation. But do look over the comments on Amazon for instructions on how NOT to write a biography.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said this is how she stays youthful: "No secret. I go to bed early. I meditate. I eat all the correct foods, I don't smoke or drink, and I believe with a passion in myself. You can only beat nature when you show the bitch who's boss!"
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Here are quotes from a legal appeal in 1960 involving Mae West.
• • We turn now to the facts revealed by the record. The uncontroverted evidence indicated that throughout her entire career, the appellant [Mae West] had always been billed and publicized as "Mae West as Diamond Lil," or "Mae West and her own Revue," and similar designations. At no time was she ever publicized solely by the name "Diamond Lil." Appellant testified that she was famous as "Mae West" and that she had used other stage names in her career such as "The Baby Vamp," "The Siren of the Screen," "The Screen's Bad Girl," and "The Original Brinkley Girl." It was conceded that the appellant had written and copyrighted a book and stage play called "Diamond Lil" and toured extensively with the stage play. There was, however, no contention that the respondents were producing that play or any part of it or in any way infringing on the copyright. fn. * She also testified that at the time she appeared in her play "Diamond Lil," the name "Mae West" always appeared on all advertisements, programs, billings, etc., and that she had never registered "Diamond Lil" as a stage name with the American Guild of Variety Artists of which she was a member.
• • The uncontroverted evidence indicated that the respondent, Marie Lind, on entering show business had registered "Diamond Lil" as her stage name with A.G.V.A. and had used that name for several years, and that the appellant knew of this use. Marie Lind testified that she had used the name based on the clearance of A.G.V.A., and because the name was in the public domain as there had been other and earlier "Diamond Lils." The respondent, Goman, stated that when he employed Marie Lind under the name of "Diamond Lil," [186 Cal. App. 2d 567] he did not think there was a claim to the name as it had been used for many years in show business.
• • Appellant [Mae West] relying on Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences v. Benson, 15 Cal. 2d 685 [104 P.2d 650], argues that she is entitled to relief under subsection 2 of section 3369 of the Civil Code as the public identifies "Diamond Lil" exclusively with her. ...
• • Source: West v. Lind — — 186 Cal. App. 2d 563 — — [Civ. No. 19174. First Dist., Div. Two. 22 November 1960.] MAE WEST, Appellant, v. MARIE LIND et al., Respondents.
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2132nd blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:17:00 +0000

Which is your favorite book about MAE WEST?
• • There has been a University of Chicago doctoral dissertation by Pamela Robertson that Duke University Press published in book form under the title "Guilty Pleasures: Feminist Camp from Mae West to Madonna."
• • Another doctoral dissertation, by Princeton University grad student Marybeth Hamilton titled "When I'm Bad, I'm Better: Mae West, Sex, and American Entertainment" was reissued as a paperback by HarperCollins.
• • Too Much of a Good Thing . . . • •
• • In her book (printed by University of Minnesota Press) about the movie queen, "Too Much of a Good Thing: Mae West as Cultural Icon," Ramona Curry predicted that Mae West's popularity will not fade. She wrote: "As expansive and adaptable and profitable as the image has proven over most of the 20th Century, it is likely that Mae West will continue to circulate as an emblem of what is both forbidden and accessible."
• • Tell us your favorite title(s).
• • Tres Chic: A charming Mae Tray • •
• • This decoupage Mae tray is handcrafted by Suffolk County, New York artist, Ben Busko, who creates glass trays out of vintage maps and with endearing quotes.
• • After coloring and producing cheerful cards (designed around a motto or saying) since he was a child of eight in Setauket, Long Island, Ben Busko has branched out. The 27-year-old North Shore Long Islander currently owns Ben's Garden stores in Oyster Bay and Huntington Village, shops that sell his greeting cards and other household decor — — handmade découpage artworks he and his team create by hand.
• • Image: Ben Busko's Mae West Tray — — "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
• • In November, Let's Remember Tommy Gray [1888 — 1924] • •
• • The "Bard of Broadway" was born in New York City, Mae's hometown in the month of March — — on 22 March 1888.
• • Talented and prolific, Thomas J. Gray was a lyricist and an author who had attended Holy Cross School and was a charter member of ASCAP (1914). He served overseas during World War I, and later wrote scripts for silent movies, songs for Broadway and London revues, plus special material for Mae West, Bert Williams, Blossom Seeley, Frank Tinney, Savoy & Brennan, Trixie Friganza, and many others. His column "Gray Matters" ran in Variety and his byline appeared in the New York Dramatic Mirror as well. His chief musical collaborators included Fred Fisher and Ray Walker.
• • Booked at Hammerstein's Victoria in September 1912, Mae performed jokes and songs that she commissioned from Tommy: "Isn't She a Brazen Thing?", "It's an Awful Easy Way to Make a Living," "The International Rag Song," and "Good Night, Nurse."
• • In 1913, Variety raved: "Thanks to Tommy Gray and her own comedic ability, Miss West looks set as a big-time feature."
• • Bronchitis cut short his brilliant career. Tommy died in November — — on 30 November 1924. He was 36 years old.
• • Though Mae often did not pay his bills until a judge intervened, and she was taken to court more than once by Tommy, she attended his funeral at St. Malachy's in midtown, a standing-room-only affair.
• • 30 November 1948 in The N.Y. Times • •
• • Mae West revived "Diamond Lil" for a Montclair, New Jersey audience. Brooks Atkinson responded to her performance in The New York Times on 30 November 1948: "A fine, full-bosomed woman with lots of glitter and gaudiness, Mae is an original unclassified phenomenon . . . ."
• • 30 November 1969 • •
• • Mae West was featured in The N.Y. Times Magazine on 30 November 1969.
• • 30 November 1980 • •
• • An affectionate remembrance by Richard Meryman, "The One and Only Mae West," was printed in The Los Angeles Herald-Examiner on 30 November 1980.
• • November 1994 in The Collector • •
• • An article "Sex Legend's Apartment Sale" appeared in the November 1994 issue of a magazine, The Collector.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Too much of a good thing can be wonderful."
• • Oscar Wilde said: "Nothing succeeds like excess." Oscar Wilde [16 October 1854 — 30 November 1900] was an Irish writer and poet. Wilde died of cerebral meningitis at the end of the eleventh month — — on 30 November 1900. Like Mae, he appeared on the cover of "Sgt. Pepper." And like the controversial Brooklynite, Mr. Wilde was hounded and dragged through courtroom trial. In Paris, the Oscar Wilde tomb at the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris has traditionally been covered in lip prints left by his adoring fans. A new glass barrier has been erected, however, preventing guests from kissing the tomb and "causing damage."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Would Mae West have been susceptible to the charms of the romantic menace from Venice, Giacomo Casanova [2 April 1725 — 4 June 1798]?
• • Book reviewer Elizabeth Benedict thinks so. Ms. Benedict wrote this: Had the great matchmaker in the sky arranged for Giacomo Casanova and Mae West to meet, they surely would have been notches on each other's holsters, reveling in West's motto: "Too much of a good thing is wonderful.'' In this fecund season of Casanova — — a dazzling new biography, "Casanova: The Man Who Really Loved Women,'' and the paperback of his 12-volume autobiography have just appeared — — we learn that it was not only seduction and dalliance that filled his calendar. By the time this Venetian-born Proteus died, in a castle in Bohemia in 1798, he had had a dozen careers . . . .
• • Source: Book Review: "A Real Casanova: The Man Who Gave His Name to Love Was Far, Far More than a Dashing Roue" written by Elizabeth Benedict for The Boston Globe; published on Sunday, 30 November 1997
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2131st blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: Dale Van Sickel

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:44:00 +0000

MAE WEST starred in "Goin' to Town" [1935] and Dale Van Sickel was seen as a party guest.
• • Dale Harris Van Sickel hailed from Eatonton, Georgia where he was born in November — — on 29 November 1907. An All-American football player at University of Florida, the handsome six-footer coached at the university until 1932. He headed to Hollywood when he was 25 years old, where he found work as a double for Clark Gable, Robert Taylor, and Dana Andrews.
• • As an actor, Dale Van Sickel was attached to 288 titles on TV and in the cinema between 1932 — 1971. As a stunt man, Dale Van Sickel was attached to 165 titles between 1933 — 1976. Founding member of Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures, he was their first president.
• • After a long illness, Dale Van Sickel died in Newport Beach, California on 25 January 1977. He was 69 years old.
• • In November, Let's Remember Cary Grant [1904 — 1986] • •
• • Mae West discovered Cary Grant and introduced the handsome young Brit to Hollywood by having him co-star in two of her most successful films: "She Done Him Wrong" and "I'm No Angel."
• • One hundred and seven years ago, Cary Grant (or back then "Archibald Leach") was born at home on 18 January 1904. His home address at the time was: 15 Hughendon Road, Horfield, Bristol, England.
• • Cary Grant died in the month of November — — on 29 November 1986. The dashing leading man was 84 years old and had been married multiple times.
• • On 29 November 1941 • •
• • Liberty Magazine published a quiz "The Comedians' Comedians" supposedly penned by W.C. Fields. Several clues were about actress Mae West and actor W.C. Fields. The publication date was in November — — on 29 November 1941.
• • On 29 November 1960 in The N.Y. Times • •
• • As costume designer at Paramount Pictures, Edith Head took on a side chore: the custodian of a score of costumes — — worn by Mae West et al — — that had been sentimentally preserved because they contributed to movie history.
• • On 29 November 1960, an article in The New York Times discussed the final appearance of these glamourous gowns. "I'm only managing to hold them together with emergency sewing now. This will be about their last time out," said Edith Head. The collection, referred to as a "million dollar" affair, included Mae West's emerald green, jewel-encrusted come-up-and-see-me-sometime gown from "She Done Him Wrong," Texas Guinan and Clara Bow outfits, and Ginger Rogers's mink dress from "Lady in the Dark." . . .
• • Source: The N.Y. Times on 29 November 1960
• • 29 November 1998 in the Chicago Tribune • •
• • Famous quotes would appear in the section "Fast Track/ Replays" in the Chicago Tribune and this quote by Mae West — — "I only like two kinds of men: domestic and foreign" — — was printed on 29 November 1998.
• • On 29 November 2010 • •
• • Mae West's "A Guy What Takes His Time" was performed by Christina Aguilera in the (alas, poorly received) musical motion picture "Burlesque" costarring Cher and produced by Sony Pictures.
• • Additionally, "Burlesque" (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) was released to the CD-buying public by RCA Records / CD on 29 November 2010.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Judge, wherever there's a man concerned, I always do my best. " [Cleo Borden's movie dialogue from "Goin' to Town" in 1935]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about electric power in the state of New Mexico mentioned Mae West. It might be difficult to believe that when people think of public utilities in the Southwest, the first name that comes to mind is the controversial Brooklyn bombshell, but there you have it.
• • Albuquerque Journal Staff Writer Larry Calloway began his article this way: It's not recorded how Mae West felt about the issue of retail wheeling, or open access, to electric power, but her philosophy was cited by both sides in a legislative committee. And it's clear the consumer issue pits the state's most conservative city against the state's largest city.
• • Larry Calloway continued: You want to know what on earth the sultry 1930s film star could have said that's remotely relevant to 1990s public utility deregulation. You want to know how her philosophy resolves the issue of "stranded costs." You want to know if "open access" was what she had in mind with her famous reprise: "Why don'cha — — come on up an' — — see me sometime?" ...
• • Source: Article: "Mae West Influence" written by Larry Calloway for Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, NM); published on 27 July 1997
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2130th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: Rocky River

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:18:00 +0000

MAE WEST will be in Rocky River at 7 o'clock this evening.
• • The local library is featuring their 5th annual festival of films from the era when Cowan was first popular (1920s — 1940s), and they have selected classic screen gems to show on the 4th Mondays during autumn. Tonight on Monday, 28 November 2011, viewers will enjoy "She Done Him Wrong" [1933] starring Mae West as Lady Lou and featuring Cary Grant as Captain Cummings, keeping watch over the Bowery saloon owned by Gus Jordan. Rocky River's tradition is to screen films at 7:00 PM in the library’s Auditorium along with fresh, hot popcorn.
• • WHERE: Rocky River Public Library: 1600 Hampton Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116; T. (440) 333-7610
• • Tell them you heard about it on the Mae West Blog.
• • In November, Let's Remember Russ Powell [1875 — 1953] • •
• • Russ Powell worked with Mae in the motion picture "Go West Young Man" [1936].
• • Born in Indianapolis, Indiana on 16 September 1875, the rotund fellow wound up in his very first silent flickers in 1915. The 40-year-old was cast in "The Fashion Shop" as a fat customer and then in "The Boob and the Baker" as a fat man. The busy bit parts player found work in more than 200 feature films from 1915 — 1943.
• • Paramount Pictures used him as Andy, a country farmer mending a fence in "Go West Young Man" but more often he was seen onscreen as a fat chef, a cannibal chief, a hefty dinner guest, or as an all-purpose counterman.
• • Russ Powell died in Los Angeles in November — — on 28 November 1950. He was 75.
• • On 28 November 1936 • •
• • Did you spot Mae West in the animated cartoon "The Coo-Coo Nut Grove" [1936]?
• • The storyline escorted a viewer through an amusing visit to a Hollywood night club, featuring caricatures of (among others): Mae West, Walter Winchell, Hugh Herbert, W.C. Fields, Katharine Hepburn, Johnny Weissmuller, Harpo Marx, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Clark Gable, Groucho Marx, Edward G. Robinson, etc.
• • The 60-minute cartoon feature was first aired in November — — on 28 November 1936.
• • Ingmar Bergman, Mae West Fan • •
• • Recently reported in The New Yorker — — Swedish director Ingmar Bergman [14 July 1918 — 30 July 2007] said that the first time he saw Mae West in a movie he “went home and jerked off.”
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Oh, yes, you will. You've got the kind of stuff in you that makes women of my type. If our positions were changed, Clara — — you in my place, and I in yours — — I'd be willing to bet that I'd make a better wife and mother than you are. Yeah, and I'll bet without this beautiful home, without money, and without any restrictions, you'd be worse than I have ever been. ..." [dialogue written for her character Margy LaMont in "Sex"]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about the first edition of "Who's Who in America" mentioned that Mae West was not included.
• • Chicago Tribune reporter Joanne Kaufman wrote on November 28th: The first edition of Who's Who in America contained 8,602 listings, and Marquis was besieged by people who wanted to reserve space for themselves in subsequent editions. But Marquis had stern standards. The first book was dominated by profiles of obscure educators, clergymen, and welfare workers, reflecting Marquis` personal interests in his church, the Republican Party, the study of genealogy, and the rehabilitation of prisoners. It leaned against athletes (Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey never made it) and people in the arts.
• • Some took the snub with aplomb. Mae West, when asked why she failed to make the cut, replied, "Well, the old boy who published it isn't in my little black book, either." ...
• • Source: Article: "The 'Big Red Book' And 75,000 Big Shots" written by Joanne Kaufman for the Chicago Tribune; published on 28 November 1986
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2129th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Mae West: Supreme Court

noreply@blogger.com (Mae West NYC) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:41:00 +0000

MAE WEST told the court they couldn't put anything over her — — including an umbrella.
• • It was November 1936 when Supreme Court Justice Joseph M. Callahan ordered Frank Wallace to supply further information concerning his alleged life with the buxom actress. Callahan gave Wallace, who sought a judgment declaring him to be Miss West's husband, until 27 November 1936 to serve and file an affidavit saying: Whether the plaintiff claimed he and the defendant actually lived together as husband and wife in the state of New York since 1911 . . . and, if so, to specify the times and places where such residences occurred.
• • The justice's order for additional information resulted from Miss West's refusal to appear in the New York court which, she said, had no jurisdiction over her.
• • In November, Let's Remember Eugene O'Neill [1888 — 1953] • •
• • At a time when City Hall was monitoring "dirt plays" and policing the ever present threat of theatrical innovations, both Eugene O'Neill and Mae West aroused the finger shakers in the New York City mayor's office. Joab Banton, N.Y.'s District Attorney, was especially severe on both playwrights. "Desire under the Elms" [produced in 1924] really got Banton's knickers in a knot. This drama was "too thoroughly bad to be purified by blue pen," said Banton.
• • Eugene O'Neill was born in New York, NY on 16 October 1888 and introduced to the theatre world via the Provincetown Playhouse during the 1920s. The Pulitzer-winning "Beyond the Horizon" [published in 1920] was O'Neill's first important play.
• • Though Mae found O'Neill's outlook depressing, she was well aware of his enormous popularity and made sure to go and see his plays. In 1922, she rehearsed the song "Eugene O'Neill, You've Put a Curse on Broadway" for "Ginger Box Review."
• • "Mae West was better suited to writing gritty realism than Eugene O'Neill," explains Frank Cullen in the book "Vaudeville, Old and New" [2007].
• • It was during the eleventh month that the prize-winning dramatist died — — on 27 November 1953. He was 65 years old.
• • On 27 November 1932 in Hollywood • •
• • Jon Tuska, writing about "She Done Him Wrong," notes that production commenced on 27 November 1932, and concluded in December of that year.
• • 27 November 2007 • •
• • Released by the U.K. publisher St. Martin's Griffin on 27 November 2007 was "Mae West: It Ain't No Sin" by the biographer Simon Louvish. The paperback edition had 491 pages.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I don't read. Never have and guess I never will. I write in my books what I learned myself, from life."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A review of "The Heat's On" mentioned that Mae West was "nearly crowded out."
• • The N.Y. Times noted: Even so, the sumptuous siren — — and Victor Moore and William Gaxton, as well — — is nearly crowded out of her own picture by a series of dull production numbers. Miss West, you see, is the turbulent musical comedy star caught in the intrigues of two rival crooked producers, and the plot has been used as little more than an excuse to place Hazel Scott, Xavier Cugat and some lesser folk through their paces — — none of which are particularly startling. ...
• • Source: Film Review written by T.S. for The N.Y. Times; published on 26 November 1943
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2128th blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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