Mae West: 39 Steps on Broadway

Mae-mavens recall when MAE WEST is mentioned in Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller "The 39 Steps" [1935].
• • On 4 January 2008, "The 39 Steps" debuts at the American Airlines Theatre [227 West 42nd Street, NYC 10036] in the Roundabout Theatre Company's production. A theatrical reinterpretation of Hitchcock's famous film will follow Richard Hannay, who is lured into a world of intrigue by a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy.
• • In honor of the Broadway opening this week — — described as part espionage thriller and part slapstick comedy — — here is the famous Mae West moment with "Mr. Memory."
• • How many remember the opening sequence of the 1935 thriller "THE 39 STEPS"? Actor Wylie Watson [1889-1966] played the role of Mr. Memory. When a rowdy customer stands up during the Music Hall scene in Alfred Hitchcock's film classic, and repeatedly yells, "How old's Mae West?" Mr. Memory politely refuses to reveal the lady's age.
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• • Scene 1 went something like this: • •
• • • Barker: Ladies and gentlemen... with your kind attention and permission... I have the honor of presenting to you... one of the most remarkable men in the world.
• • • Crowd: How remarkable?
• • • Crowd: He's sweating.
• • • Barker: Can you be surprised at that, gentlemen? Every day he commits to memory new facts... and remembers every one of them. Facts from history, from geography, from newspapers... from scientific books, millions and millions of them. Think of the strain involved by his prodigious feat.
• • • Crowd: His feet ain't half as big as yours, cully.
• • • Barker: I'm referring to his feats of memory. Test him, please. Ladies and gentlemen, ask him your questions... and he will answer you, fully and freely. Mr. Memory. I also add, ladies and gentlemen, before retiring... that Mr. Memory has left his brain to the British Museum.
• • • Crowd: Hurray!
• • • Barker: A question, please.
• • • Crowd: How old is Mae West?
• • • Mr. Memory: I know, sir, but I never tell a lady's age. Next, please. ...
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• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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