Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Mae West: View Magazine

MAE WEST was an unabashed supporter of gay men. Following up on a few poorly chosen remarks made about Mae by the part-time arts curator Chuck Ross (in a recent column), several Mae collectors sent in their own opinions.
• • But let's hear from the Brooklyn bombshell herself, who saved a copy of this letter mailed to the editors of View Magazine many years ago.
• • • • Dear Editor: I was astonished to read this sentence in the November 16th View story about bodybuilders: “They either became objects for Mae West who called them fags or went on to other things such as making Hercules movies in Italy.” Never in my life have I used the word fag, and certainly I’ve not made blanket statements about bodybuilder’s sexual orientation. Some may be gay, many from intimate acquaintances I know are straight. Anyone familiar with my history knows I’ve always glorified both the muscle men and the gays. In fact, I hold good will for everybody except liars, cheats, bigots, hypocrites, and sloppy reporters. Sincerely, Mae West
• • In his biography of Mae, George Eells pointed out: “She wrote her plays at a time when homosexuals were banned to the ghetto of musical comedy chorus lines.”
• • Regarding this letter written by Mae West — — a copy was submitted to the Mae West Blog by Canadian Mae-maven R. Mark Desjardins and we thank him kindly.
• • "Troubled Waters" recorded on 7 May 1934 • •
• • "Troubled Waters" by New York City lyricist Sam Coslow and composer Arthur Johnson was created expressly for the motion picture "Belle of the Nineties." Backed by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, Mae archived her performance in the recording studio on 7 May 1934 in Los Angeles. Duke Ellington was on the piano during this session.
• • Herb Geller's CD "At The Movies" (Hep) ws released a few years ago when the musician was 79 years old. It is an interesting motion picture inspired compilation by the veteran alto saxophonist, and the rhythm section is handled by bassist Martin Wind and pianist Don Friedman. This collection of instrumentals contains “Troubled Waters,” a superb yet rarely heard ballad from the 1934 Mae West picture "Belle of the Nineties," as well as "Laura," “Close Enough for Love,” “Invitation” and other standards that began life in film.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Mae West is coming to Pennsylvania on May 28th. BWW News Desk notes: Randy Roberts, the nationally known female impersonator, will return to New Hope, PA with his newest version of Randy Roberts Live! for one special show, Saturday, 28 May 2011 at 8:30 pm. Randy Roberts will bring with him startling and entertaining versions of Carol Channing, Lady Gaga, Cher, and of course that ravishing red head himself — Randy Roberts! Randy Roberts Live! is a live and multimedia tribute to some of the world's most loved performers. Randy's uncanny impersonations of Joan Rivers, Cher and Bette Midler have kept him in the spotlight for the past twenty years. His roster of famous and infamous ladies also includes: Mae West (a perennial favorite), Joan Crawford, Carol Channing, Ann Miller, Phyllis Diller . . . .
• • Source: Article: "Randy Roberts in New Hope" written by BWW News Desk for Broadway World; posted on 9 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004.
You are reading the 1926th 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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