Mae West: Houdini & Hollywood

MAE WEST was interviewed by the reporter Douglas Gilbert, who often chronicled variety acts for the New York World-Telegram. It was at the end of October — — on 31 October 1933 — — when his article appeared. By then an established Hollywood highness, Mae offered these opinions about females. "Women prefer to be feminine, believe me," the Paramount Pictures star insisted. "Why, I couldn't spot a woman, three years ago. They got headed away from their natural lines, and I think what did it more than anything else was their addiction to sports and the silly idea that they looked well, by appearing mannish, in sports styles. Naturally, this leads to rough manners and a general carelessness in attitude."
• • Speaking while Prohibition was still in effect, the 40-year-old movie queen continued: "Good Lord, if there's anything more awkward than a woman draped over a bar! You see, the speakeasy influence. Sit at a table, dearie, I always say. And don't forget your frills and ruffles and anything else that feminizes you. It's the icing on the cake for a gal. See what I mean?"
• • In this gown from "I'm No Angel," Mae (in character as Tira) is quite the glamour girl.
• • In October, Let's Remember Houdini [1874 — 1926] • •
• • Mae West appeared on the same bill with Houdini in New York City a few times.
• • Born Erik Weisz on 24 March 1874, the Hungarian-American magician took the stage name of Harry Houdini.
• • Harry Houdini [24 March 1874 — 31 October 1926], the popular escape artist and stunt performer (as well as a debunker of sham spiritualists and an amateur aviator), has been the subject of numerous biographies. In 2007, one author's book raised the suspicion that the physically fit vaudevillian was murdered, perhaps by poison. His body, buried in November 1926 in a Jewish cemetery in Glendale, Queens, New York, was going to be exhumed based on that research.
• • Thanks to Oscar Hammerstein, Mae West and Houdini were on the same stage for seven days during August 1913. On 4 August 1913, Mae (almost 20 years old then) began a week-long engagement at Hammerstein's Victoria. She was hired to open for Evelyn Nesbit Thaw, whose act was promoted in a hand-painted sign with four-feet high letters: "Modern Ballroom Dancing performed by Evelyn Nesbit Thaw!"
• • Also featured on the same stagebill with Evelyn and Mae were: vaudevillian Aida Overton Walker, reprising her role as Salome; Harry Houdini; Edgar Berger; Fields and Carroll; Dan the talking dog; and the usual "nut" acts.
• • It was on 25 June 1926 that Mae West (32 years old then) appeared with Houdini, age 52, on the same stage for one last time. The star of "Sex" was performing with the magician and other entertainers (such as George M. Cohan, Fannie Brice, the Marx Brothers, Al Jolson, Ann Pennington, Hazel Dawn, Eddie Foy, etc.) at the Polo Grounds on West 155th Street in Manhattan's Washington Heights area. The fundraiser, organized for the benefit of the United Jewish Campaign, was staged by Mae's old dancing teacher Ned Wayburn.
• • Harry Houdini died of peritonitis from a ruptured appendix on 31 October 1926. He was only 52 years old.
• • On 31 October 1919 in Variety • •
• • In the write-up of Ned Wayburn's "Demi-Tasse Revue" at the Capitol Theatre (a movie house on Broadway with a wide stage for vaudeville acts), Variety mentioned Mae West on 31 October 1919, noting that she "also scored as a single with a burlesque 'shimmy' number."
• • On 31 October 1932 in The New York Times • •
• • It was on 31 October 1932 that a review of "Night After Night" was published in The New York Times.
• • Critic Mordaunt Hall wrote: The narrative takes up two old flames of Joe Anton's — — Iris Dawn, who is vengeful when she realizes that Joe has centered his attention on Miss Jerry Healy, and Maudie Triplett, impersonated by Mae West, who cares not whether the moon is out or the sun is shining or Joe has a new interest in life, so long as she is not short of alcoholic beverages. Maudie gives a lesson on drinking to Mrs. Jellyman, who, it might be noted at this point, is impersonated by Alison [sic] Skipworth. ...
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West wrote her own lines for "Night After Night" [1932]. Her character was Maudie Triplett, a former girlfriend of the speakeasy owner Joe (played by George Raft).
• • • Mrs. Jellyman: Chemistry's a wonderful thing.
• • • Maudie: I'll say it is — — but I know a couple of druggists that never made a dime 'til Prohibition.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An announcement about restless spirits on October 31st mentioned Mae West.
• • Michael Rechtshaffen writes: Hollywood — — Maybe it has something to do with a colorful (some might say sordid) past filled with larger-than-life antics, but it should come as no surprise that many old Hollywood haunts are indeed said to be haunted. ... One such location can be found on 1714 Ivar Avenue, not too far away from the iconic Capitol Records building. While the non-descript structure is now a seniors' home, back in the day it was the glamorous Knickerbocker Hotel, playing host to a who's who of Tinseltown luminaries from Mae West to Frank Sinatra to Lana Turner to Laurel and Hardy.
• • The Spanish Colonial Revival building was quite the Hollywood hotspot, with a happening bar frequented by Rudolf Valentino, Marilyn Monroe, and Joe DiMaggio. ...
• • And for 10 years following the death of her famous husband, Harry Houdini's widow would hold Halloween rooftop séances attempting to communicate with the great escape artist, who passed away on 31 October 1926.
• • Given all that, it's not surprising that folks claimed The Knickerbocker was haunted, and that even when it fell into major disrepair there were those who'd swear they saw Marilyn's ghost in the bar's ladies' room. ...
• • Source: Article: "Scary Hollywood ghost stories" written by Michael Rechtshaffen, QMI Agency for The Calgary Sun; posted on 30 October 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2100st 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 • • 1933 • •
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Mae West: Professional Voluptuary

A short story "Single Night" written by Louis Bromfield and published in Cosmopolitan became the backbone of the Paramount film "Night After Night" [released on 30 October 1932] — — which was a triumphant screen debut for MAE WEST. Conceived as a serious dramatic vehicle for George Raft, a major star in gangster pictures (who was once an employee of speakeasy sultan, Owney Madden), this slow-moving and overheated melodrama would have been forgotten long ago if Mae had not made her short scenes so remarkable. You know you're a marquee name when your photo is prominently pictured on the DVD box despite your brief screen time.
• • In real life, Mae and George remained lifelong friends and often chatted on the phone, though their careers went in very different directions. They reunited briefly in 1978 on the screen in "Sextette"; Raft played himself in a walk-on part.
• • In October, Let's Remember Craig Russell [1948 — 1990] • •
• • Born in Canada, Russell Craig Eadie [10 January 1948 — 30 October 1990], known by his stage name Craig Russell, was a female impressionist. As a teenager, Russell became the president of Mae West's fan club, and also worked briefly as West's secretary in Los Angeles.
• • On 30 October 1929 in West Virginia • •
• • A creative young lady, who had either seen "Diamond Lil" onstage or heard about this Broadway hit, decided to dress up as Mae West's character for Hallowe'en. She looks exceptionally lovely in her freshly ironed, newly completed homemade costume and picture hat, doesn't she?
• • On 30 October 1933 in Time Magazine • •
• • Mae West got an unusual sort of recognition in October 1933 — — from the Governor of Kentucky. It was reported in the weekly publication Time Magazine in the 30 October 1933 issue.
• • Kentucky colonel is an honorary title bestowed upon individuals by approval of the governor of Kentucky. It is not a military rank, requires no duties, and carries with it no pay or other compensation other than membership in the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. The title Kentucky Colonel originated in 1813.
• • Governor Ruby Laffoon made a Kentucky Colonel of Mae West, professional voluptuary. In the same batch he made a Colonel of Miss Betsy Helburn, graduate of the University of Kentucky, dietitian of The Bronx's Lebanon Hospital. Said Colonel West in Hollywood: "I guess he wants me to help him keep his troops under control. When do I get my uniform?"
• • On 30 October 1948 in New York City • •
• • It was on 30 October 1948 that Mae West signed an Actor's Equity Association Stock Jobbing Contract on Equity's letterhead in New York. The Broadway star of "Diamond Lil" was agreeing to a weekly salary of $2,500, and the play would be opening in Montclair, New Jersey on 21 November 1948.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "He who hesitates is a damned fool."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An announcement about radio programming on October 31st mentioned Mae West.
• • Sirius XM Radio writes: SiriusXM will broadcast Halloween programming across multiple talk and entertainment channels this year.
• • OutQ (SiriusXM channel 108) the nation's 24/7 LGBT channel, will feature a special edition on 31 October 2011. Lance Bass wil broadcast live from the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles . . . airing on Halloween at 8:00 pm ET. . . . Frank DeCaro throws a Hallowe'en "Dead Celebrity Party" on 31 October 2011 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm ET to celebrate his new book "The Dead Celebrity Cookbook: A Resurrection of Recipes from More Than 145 Stars of Stage and Screen." DeCaro will welcome top-notch performers in studio to "channel" stars including Mae West, Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, and Miss Peggy Lee. ...
• • Source: Sirius XM Radio; posted on 24 October 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2099th 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: October Almost Over

MAE WEST, with the rough baritone voice she had as a child, was often cast as a male in stock productions. She played the leading role of Little Lord Fauntleroy several times in Brooklyn theatres.
• • The British-born playwright and author Frances Hodgson Burnett [24 November 1849 — 29 October 1924] is best known for her children's stories, especially The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and (of course) Little Lord Fauntleroy.
• • Born in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, in England, Frances emigrated to America (Knoxville, Tennessee) after her father died in 1865.
• • Following the death of her mother in 1872, Frances became the head of the household. Pressed with the demands of supporting herself and four younger siblings, she looked for income from writing assignments.
• • Serialized in St. Nicholas Magazine in 1885, Little Lord Fauntleroy is a sentimental children's narrative that became a huge hit for the publication. In 1886, this work was separately published as a novel. The book was a commercial success for its author, and its fanciful sketches by Reginald Birch set fashion trends.
• • Frances Hodgson Burnett lived for the last 17 years of her life in Plandome Manor, New York, where she died in the month of October — — on 29 October 1924 — — at the age of 74. She is buried in Roslyn Cemetery nearby, next to her son Vivian.
• • On 29 October 1932 • •
• • Paramount Pictures held a star-dusted premiere of their speakeasy movie starring George Raft — — and which introduced Mae West to the silver screen — — on 29 October 1932. This was the red carpet debut for "Night After Night" in Hollywood. Mae was seen in a few scenes as Maudie Triplett, the vivacious and unstoppable ex-girlfriend of Joe Anton, Raft's character. Afterwards George Raft told a reporter, "She stole everything but the cameras."
• • Co-star Allison Skipworth may have walked away with different memories. She resented Mae's directions on how to deliver a line to her. When Allison retorted, "You forget that I have been an actress for 40 years!" the answer she got from Mae was, "Don't worry! I'll keep your secret."
• • On 29 October 1959 in New Statesman • •
• • Mae West's memoir was reviewed by Maurice Richardson. His critique of "Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It" [NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1959] appeared on page 657 of the New Statesman on 29 October 1959. Published when Mae was 66 years old, the sunny-side-up narrative focuses on her triumphs and downplays (or omits) any inconvenient setbacks.
• • On 29 October 2009 "Sex" in Chicago • •
• • Just think. On 29 October 2009 you could have enjoyed "Sex" with Mae West in the Windy City. According to Chicago Broadway World's news desk: Prologue Theatre presents "Sex" by Mae West. The original cast of the 1926 show was arrested for "corrupting the morals of youth," and Mae West herself was sentenced to ten days in jail.
• • Progressive staging in a historical Edgewater mansion allows the audience to follow Margy Lamont, a sassy prostitute, from a night in Montreal's red light district through her escape to Trinidad to her bid for a straight life in a Westchester manor.
• • WHERE: The North Lakeside Cultural Center is located at 6219 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois. [Hope you caught this enticing show in Chicago in October 2009.]
• • On Saturday, 29 October 2011 in Long Beach • •
• • About "Screaming Mimi," the producers explain that this show spoofs everything from Mae West, Perry Mason, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price, Stephen King, witches, "Psycho," "Rebecca," "Silence of The Lambs," "Twilight" and Freddy Krueger. Staged in a dinner theatre setting, this comedy-thriller runs until the first week in November. There is one evening performance on Saturday, 29 October 2011.
• • WHERE: ACT Out Mystery Theatre in Long Beach, California.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West wrote this comeback for her character Maudie Triplett:
• • • Miss Mabel Jellyman: Maudie, do you believe in love at first sight?
• • • Maudie: I don't know, but it saves an awful lot of time. [From "Night After Night" featuring Mae West]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about Australian politicians mentioned Mae West.
• • Australian columnist Tony Wright writes: What is it about Mae West, Australian political leaders, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting? Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday offered one of the weirder, and saucier, greetings in modern diplomacy when she met New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Murray McCully (right), at the official opening of CHOGM. ''You got an apple in your pocket?'' she said as she met Mr McCully in the greeting line. ...
• • Source: Article: "She'll be apples, Foreign Minister" written by Tony Wright for The Sydney Morning Herald; posted on 29 October 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2098th 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: Aggie Herring

MAE WEST, who was often cast as an Irish or a French maid on Broadway, probably had a special feeling in her heart for those women who rarely broke loose from the cinema's apron strings — — such as character actress Aggie Herring who was in "She Done Him Wrong."
• • Born in San Francisco on 4 February 1876, Aggie was in Hollywood by the age of 39 and in regular demand when a matronly presence was required. Working steadily in Tinseltown from 1915 — 1939, Aggie Herring was often seen in minor roles such as the cook, housekeeper, flower vendor, charwoman, seamstress, Irish washerwoman, landlady, mother-in-law, and once as a nun. Steadily employed for twenty four years in the screen trade, her name was attached to 122 projects. The year she died, she was seen as Mrs. Diggs in "Everybody's Baby" [1939]. Casting agents often saw her as an Irish character such as Maggie O'Shea in "Island in the Sky" [1938], Mrs. McGillicuddy in "The Curtain Falls" [1934], or as Mrs. Flaherty in "She Done Him Wrong" [1933].
• • Active until the end, Aggie Herring died in Santa Monica, California during the month of October — — on 28 October 1939. She was 63 years old.
• • In October, Let's Remember Alice Brady [1892 — 1939] • •
• • A daughter of an eminent Broadway producer, who waged a battle against censorship, was featured in one motion picture with Mae West.
• • Born in Manhattan on 2 November 1892 (just nine months before Mae), Alice Brady's life was cut short and she died during the month of October — — on 28 October 1939 — — at 46 years old.
• • Like the Brooklyn bombshell, Alice Brady was also a native New Yorker and of Irish descent. Her father's theatre career drew William A. Brady's daughter to the stage early on. And her appearances in the legit attracted the attention of motion picture moguls. Her first movie was in 1914 when she was 22. She made the transition from silents to talkies, perhaps because she was versatile enough to tackle a role in a serious drama such as O'Neill's "Mourning Becomes Electra" on Broadway as well as the silver screen's screwball comedies.
• • Kept busy in Hollywood dramas and comedies, in 1936 she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Carole Lombard's upper-crust mother in "My Man Godfrey" [released on 17 September 1936].
• • Directly after this success for Universal Pictures, Alice Brady was off to Paramount Pictures for a minor role in Mae West's latest project.
• • In "Go West, Young Man" [released on 18 November 1936], Alice Brady played the role of Mrs. Struthers.
• • Though a year later, she would be winning her first Oscar, unfortunately, she never got to enjoy its powerful impact on her career. Cancer [the ultimate red-hued carpet] claimed her a few days before her 47th birthday.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West wrote these lines for her character Lady Lou: "I wasn't always rich, Pearl. No, there was a time I didn't know where my next husband was coming from." [From "She Done Him Wrong" by Mae West]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A chapter about Cary Grant and Hollywood's high-profile romantic leads mentioned Mae West.
• • Movie critic Pauline Kael explained: There were no Cary Grants in the sticks. He and his counterparts were to be found only in the imaginary cities of the movies. When you look at him, you take for granted expensive tailors, international travel, and the best that life has to offer. Women see a man they could have fun with. Clark Gable is an intensely realistic sexual presence; you don’t fool around with Gable. But with Grant there are no pressures, no demands; he’s the sky that women aspire to. When he and a woman are together, they can laugh at each other and at themselves. He’s a slapstick Prince Charming.
• • Mae West’s raucous invitation to him — — “Why don’t you come up sometime and see me?” — — was echoed thirty years later by Audrey Hepburn in Charade: “Won’t you come in for a minute? I don’t bite, you know, unless it’s called for.” And then, purringly, “Do you know what’s wrong with you? Nothing.” That might be a summary of Cary Grant, the finest romantic comedian of his era: there’s nothing the matter with him. . . .
• • Source: Book Excerpt: "The Age of Movies: Selected Writings on Pauline Kael" quoting Ms. Kael for The N.Y. Times; posted on: 27 October 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2097th 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: Rumba Number

MAE WEST had a thing for swing, a groove for the blues, and a passion for Latin. No wonder the Rumba King appeared in two of her motion pictures (albeit briefly).
• • Talented and versatile, Xavier Cugat died in Barcelona of heart failure during the month of October — — on 27 October 1990 — — after 90 years of hard work, many successes, and five marriages.
• • Born in Spain in 1900 and raised in Cuba, the musically gifted hispanic relocated to Los Angeles, where he toiled as a cartoonist for The Los Angeles Times by day while he struggled to put together a band after hours. After paying his dues with gigs at smaller clubs, in 1928 he got a big break with a booking at the high-flying Coconut Grove nightspot. Even more fortunately, his style of music found fans and propelled him forward. The composer and bandleader appeared in several notable MGM musicals during the 1940s.
• • In "Go West Young Man" [1936] Cugat played the role of the Orchestra Leader in 'Drifting Lady' — — how many remembered that?
• • In "The Heat's On" [1943] he portrayed himself again, that is, an Orchestra Leader.
• • Like Mae West, Xavier Cugat has a presence on the Walk of Fame.
• • On 27 October 2009 in The New York Observer • •
• • "Mae West Wrote Plays; Pity We Can Only Read Them" was the title of an intriguing book review written by Rick Whitaker, which was published on 27 October 1997 in the peach-colored newspaper The New York Observer. The title under discussion was this: "Three Plays by Mae West: 'Sex,' 'The Drag' and 'The Pleasure Man'," edited by Lillian Schlissel [Routledge, 246 pages]. A good book to own.
• • On 27 October 2009 in Canyon News • •
• • Many moons ago, Michael St. John interviewed Mae West. On 27 October 2009 he decided to share an intimate peak with the Hollywood legend with readers of Canyon News. Here is an excerpt from his article: "My Time with Mae West."
• • Tune in on Michael St. John writing about his time in Hollywood and his visit to her apartment: In my book "Hollywood Through the Back Door," I included something of my experience with Ms. West. . . . When Mae West finally made her grand entrance, she was dressed completely in white, looking amazingly youthful and unbelievably stunning. “Well, Michael,” she purred, “you made it — — hope I didn’t keep ya’ waitin’ long.”
• • Michael St. John continues: Hearing that familiar speech pattern and rhythm gave me chills of excitement. All the characters I had seen her portray on the screen suddenly came to mind. Somehow, she picked up that I was one of those worshipping fans, and quickly tried to put me at ease.
• • “Relax, sweetie,” Mae West insisted, “there’s no rush. Anything good, I mean really good, takes time. If you know what I mean.”
• • Mae: "After I leave the bathroom, you can go in and fry an egg!" • •
• • Michael St. John reveals: Mae had me totally under her spell, so much so, I had difficulty posing my first question. As I was about to ask about the time she spent in jail for lewd conduct in New York City, she asked me how old did I think she looked. Oh, no — — why in hell did she have to ask a question like that! After all, I knew she was in her 80s — — what was I suppose to say? I don’t know how I managed, but I indicated that she looked like a woman in her 40s. Well, she was horrified! She made it very clear that most people believe she still looks at least 25. My god, the woman is crazy, I thought. She looks fantastic, but 25! When I asked Mae how she managed to look so young, she said with great pride: “I take an enema every single day of my life — — after I leave the bathroom, you can go in and fry an egg.”
• • Michael St. John recalls: Quite early in the interview, I learned that Mae enjoyed talking about sex. She claimed that Cary Grant was a beautiful looking man, but was nothing to brag about in bed. “He was like a nice piece of jewelry.” She offered this comparison: “It’s nice to have around your neck for an occasion, but I wouldn’t want to make it a habit.” When she mentioned Anthony Quinn, for some reason, she wouldn’t reveal too many details, except that the actor gave her a night she would never forget. ...
• • There's more to this candid interview and it seems that Michael St. John has a good memory.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West wrote these lines for her character Lady Lou: "You know, it was a toss up whether I go in for diamonds or sing in the choir. The choir lost." [From "She Done Him Wrong" by Mae West]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about a politician Down Under was cheeky enough to mention Mae West.
• • Writing from Perth, Australia, Tony Wright begins his Op-Ed like this: Kevin Rudd, having talked himself to a rasp but certainly not a standstill, batted his eyes and requested his audience forgive him his husky ''Mae West voice.'' Mae West! The juxtaposition of the luminous and pneumatic Hollywood siren West with Kevin Rudd initially seemed about as fitting as inserting human rights and the Commonwealth in the same discourse, though Rudd, naturally, managed it. He opened yesterday's pre-Commonwealth Heads of Government talkfest by attending a press conference . . . .
• • Source: Op-Ed: "Husky-voiced Rudd does a Mae West" written by Tony Wright for The Sydney Morning Herald; posted on: 27 October 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2096th 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: Louise Beavers

When Will Hays suggested toning down references to Lady Lou's past affairs, MAE WEST cleverly added a maid character (played by Louise Beavers) who knew of her past so the two could discuss it in a series of veiled references in the Pre-Code hit "She Done Him Wrong" [1933].
• • Born on 8 March 1902 in Cincinnati, Ohio, when Louise Beavers was 11, her family relocated to Pasadena. Her mother, a voice teacher, trained her daughter for the concert stage. But the girl chose the low road over high culture, joining an all-female minstrel group called "Lady Minstrels" and even touring for awhile in vaudeville. She inched closer to a Tinseltown career when she was hired as a personal maid and assistant to Paramount star Leatrice Joy (and later the actress Lilyan Tashman). By 1924 she supplemented her maid's salary with a few walk-on parts. Subsequently, a talent scout selected her for a more noticeable role in "Uncle Tom's Cabin" [1927]. In 1932, because Mae West knew her personally, she invited Louise to play Pearl, personal maid to the sultry Bowery singer Lady Lou.
• • After about 100 roles for the silver screen, her film offers dried up in 1952. Fortunately, the short and stout character actress managed to transfer her talents to a new medium: television. She was one of a number of black performers hired to play the sensible, warm-hearted, wise-cracking, problem-solving maid "Beulah" [for 5 episodes in 1952) during its run. "Beulah" was one of the first sit-coms to star a black actress; though she was still in a maid's uniform, she was the heroine of the show.
• • During the mid-1950s, the five-foot-four actress put on a frilly apron and reprised this role as maid and right-hand gal in "The Mae West Revue," traveling the circuit with Mae and the musclemen.
• • Louise Beavers had a heart attack in Hollywood and died in the month of October — — on 26 October 1962. She was 60 years old.
• • In October, Let's Remember Hattie McDaniel [1892 — 1952] • •
• • Born in Wichita, Kansas on 10 June 1892, Hattie McDaniel was billed in the credits of "I'm No Angel" as Tira's Maid-Manicurist. After a remarkable career, Ms. McDaniel died at age 60 in the month of October — — on 26 October 1952 in Woodland Hills, California.
• • On 26 October 1995 • •
• • "Mae West and the Men Who Knew Her" [57 minutes] — — the VHS format was released on 26 October 1995.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West wrote these lines for her character Lady Lou: "I always did like a man in a uniform. That one fits you grand." [From "She Done Him Wrong" by Mae West]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about a TV show mentioned Mae West.
• • Paul Merton explains: On his last night he gets some advice from 6-foot Colombian transsexual Catalina who helps him go out in style. “It’s a touch Mae West, a touch Diana Dors,” Paul Merton says of his new persona Elastica, who makes quite a splash. ...
• • Source: Article: "Paul Merton’s Adventures" written by Paul Merton for The Daily Express [U.K.]; published on 26 October 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2095th 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: Head of the Claassen

MAE WEST wore her costumes in two motion pictures and the women stayed friends. Movie buffs will remember the gorgeous emerald green, jewel-encrusted come-up-and-see-me-sometime gown Lady Lou donned in "She Done Him Wrong" [1933].
• • The real Edith Head was born in California in the month of October [28 October 1897 — 24 October 1981] and often said, "Mae West taught me all I know about sex, clothes-wise." For a few years, audiences have been seeing Edith Head onstage, thanks to actress Susan Claassen who stars in "A Conversation with Edith Head" (written by Paddy Calistro and Susan Claassen). Susan Claassen strongly resembles the bespectacled Hollywood designer, who never changed her look over the decades. "She took her philosophy from Mae West," Claassen said. "Mae West said when you have a magic that does something for you, honey, stick with it. Never change It. And she never did."
• • When: "A Conversation with Edith Head" onstage from Thursday, 27 October 2011 —13 November 2011
• • Where: Odyssey Theatre Ensemble [2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles]
• • On 25 October 1934 • •
• • Historic Lamar Square is where they built the Plaza Theatre [107 West 11th Street, Lamar, MO], which opened its doors on 25 October 1934 with all sorts of hoopla. Every major studio at that time sent representitives for opening night. Telegrams were sent from Mae West, Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Al Jolson, and many others. The Plaza Theatre, designed by architect Larry P. Larsen of Webb City, has been restored and is still in business.
• • In October, Let's Remember Jennie Dolly [1892 — 1941] • •
• • In the cast of "A Winsome Widow" (and onstage with Mae West, who played La Petite Daffy) was pretty Jennie Dolly.
• • Twin sisters were born in Hungary in the month of October — — on 25 October 1892. They emigrated to the USA in 1905.
• • The private life of Rozsika Dolly and her twin Yansci Deutsch turned out to be a tabloid tsunami. They shared lovers, won a fortune gambling, and bought extraordinary diamonds and pearl adornments, all of which made for curious headlines.
• • This frisky lifestyle turned sad in 1933. Jennie was involved in a serious car crash near Bordeaux, France with her former lover Max Constant. Surgeries were paid for by selling her jewels.
• • Unfortunately, lovely Jennie Dolly took her own life on 1 June 1941. She committed suicide by hanging herself in the shower of her apartment in the Shelton Hotel in Hollywood, California. Yikes.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West wrote these lines for her character Margy Lamont: "I'm paying the freight on this joint, and what I say goes. Come on and have a drink with us, Agnes. Agnes lives across the hall. Her idea of a good time is listening to the church bells ring and having a good cry. She's all right when you know her. Sit down." [From "Sex" by Mae West]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about a funeral home mentioned Mae West.
• • NYC lawyer and journalist Bernard Stamler writes: With a client list that reads like a who's who of American celebrities — — Mae West, George Gershwin, Arthur Ashe, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis among them — — it is no ordinary funeral home. So when Frank E. Campbell, a genteel, nondenominational mortuary, decided to celebrate its 100th anniversary last week, it organized an extraordinary event: an open house with white roses for the ladies and refreshments served by tuxedo-clad attendants. New Yorkers turned out in droves. ...
• • Source: Article: "For Once, the Living Get the Roses at Campbell's" written by Bernard Stamler for The N.Y. Times; published on 25 October 1998
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2094th 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
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1932 costumed by Edith Head • •
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Mae West: Dressing Table

The artist who helped create the cover for the Beatles’ Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band — — the icon album front-side that featured MAE WEST — — is having an exhibition of additional works inspired by The Empress of Sex.
• • Once based in London (while married to the painter Peter Blake), and now a resident of Sundance, Utah, Jann Haworth returned to England two years ago for a gallery show at Wolverhampton Art Gallery in December 2009. This week Ms. Haworth will give a talk that's billed as "Mae West Dressing Table." This is supposed to include work from the museum's collection.
• • When: 11:30 AM on Wednesday, 26 October 2011
• • Where: Pallant House Gallery, 9 North Pallant, Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.
• • On 24 October 1935 • •
• • Mae West's pal Texas Guinan got on the wrong side of Arthur Flegenheimer, better known as "Dutch Schultz" [6 August 1902 — 24 October 1935], the NYC-born mobster slaughtered at age 33 by a rival's gunmen in The Garden State. Briefly, during the late 1920s, all three were regularly in the same premises on West 54th and Seventh Avenue. Bad feelings began to brew and dangerous Dutch was actively pursuing Texas Guinan for awhile (until she died after a performance in Vancouver, Canada in November 1933).
• • Gunned down: The Calabrian immigrant Albert Anastasia was ordered to arrange Schultz's assassination and assigned Jewish mobster Louis Buchalter to take care of it. At 10:15 PM on 23 October 1935, Schultz was shot at the Palace Chophouse at 12 East Park Street in Newark, New Jersey, an eatery that he was using as his new headquarters. Two bodyguards and Schultz's accountant were also killed. Schultz was in the men's room when he was shot.
• • Extreme Unction: Before Schultz was taken into surgery, he received Last Rites from a Roman Catholic priest at his request. Schultz lingered for 22 hours, speaking in various states of lucidity with his wife, mother, a priest, policemen, and hospital staff, before dying of peritonitis. The career criminal was only 33.
• • On 24 October 1942 • •
• • Short-tempered policemen, court officers, and judges were not some of the Brooklyn bombshell's favorite folks. But James C. Morton had been cast as all of them during his long silver screen career. In his modest role as an 1890s bartender, James C. Morton had appeared with Mae in "Every Day's a Holiday" [released in the USA on 18 December 1937]
• • Born in Helena, Montana on 25 August 1884, the balding character actor often worked for Hal Roach and, typically, he was the the butt of shenanigans by such comics as The Little Rascals, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, The Three Stooges. As Mae did, he had worked with W.C. Fields.
• • James C. Morton died in Reseda, California in the month of October — — on 24 October 1942. He was 58 years old.
• • In October, Let's Remember John Kenley [1906 — 2009] • •
• • Fifty Years Ago: In 1961, the Kenley Players featured Mae West in a play billed as "Sex-Tette" and staged in Warren, Ohio. That happened half-a-century ago.
• • John's group, the Kenley Players, was a summer stock circuit that had its beginnings in 1957 in Dayton, Ohio. Over time, this theatre company would feature a galaxy of stars: Mae West, Arthur Godfrey, Ethel Merman, Burt Reynolds, Billy Crystal, Gypsy Rose Lee, Tommy Tune, William Shatner, and Robert Goulet.
• • According to The New York Times, John Kenley was born John Kremchek in Denver on 20 February 1906. His parents were saloon keepers who later moved the family to Cleveland. In the 1920s he made his way to New York, hoping to break into show business.
• • The vibrant Midwestern impresario was celebrated for his producing clout, casting coups, and a passion for live entertainment that brought pleasure and glamor to hundreds of thousands of hard-working coal miners and Ohio residents.
• • John Kenley died at the Cleveland Clinic from complications of pneumonia in the month of October — — on 23 October 2009. He was 103.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I don't like myself — — I'm crazy about myself."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A book chapter on another actress mentioned Mae West.
• • Brian Kellow writes: Tired of having her achievements overlooked, Ethel got a little testy with the Hollywood press when it was suggested that her performing style owed something to Mae West's. Although they occupied different floors of the Ravenswood, West had not been particularly friendly, and Ethel got even by telling reporters that it was she who had started the Mae West vogue, not the other way around. "I was singing 'Eadie Was a Lady' all dressed up with the wiggly hips an' everything before Mae West's first picture, Night After Night, came out," Ethel said, ". . . so I shall always claim Mae sailed to glory on my vogue." In fact, West's style was fully evolved by the time of her big stage successes of the 1920s, long before she hit Hollywood. But Ethel's rewriting of history was a good indication of her defensiveness over her treatment in Hollywood. ...
• • Source: Biography: "Ethel Merman: A Life" written by Brian Kellow (Chapter 5)
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 2093rd 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
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1967 album • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
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Mae West.