Mae West: John Reid

During the November 1st MAE WEST auction in Beverly Hills, The Mae West Blog noticed some woefully inaccurate descriptions. Perhaps some items would have sold better had these been faithfully described by a hired hand who truly had been her “personal assistant” — — instead of a fan who was never on her payroll as an employee, eh?

• • Example: the gown labeled “Lot 16” had a fascinating history, woefully undercut by a yawn-worthy caption.
• • The real back-story was deliciously documented in many publications such as Cash Box News. Mae’s couture gown — — ivory silk with a silk satin center panel, embellished with rows of silver tone beads, simulated pearls and iridescent sequins — — was created expressly for John Reid’s extravagant Hollywood party, which was organized by his lover Elton John, and which took place on Monday, 9 September 1974.  
• • This ivory silk gown sold for $1,875.00 on Friday, 1 November 2019.
• • “Old Hollywood Revived at Reid Birthday Bash” • •
• • Hollywood — — Monday evening (9) brought back a taste of “old Hollywood.” John Reid, president of John Reid Enterprises, Inc. and manager of British star Elton John, was given one of the biggest birthday parties Hollywood has seen in years.

• • Held at the chic Le Restaurant, the top names of Hollywood’s old and new generations turned out to honor Reid. . . .
• • Source: Cash Box News has all the coverage and many photos. Published on Saturday, 21 September 1974.
• • Note: John Reid, born 9 September 1949, hailed from Scotland. He was memorably portrayed in the Elton John bio-pic “Rocketman.” 
• • On Friday, 26 November 1954 • •
• • In a vintage catalogue that kept track of Decca's 78 rpm platters, it was listed that Mae West recorded "Frankie and Johnny" and the B-side "All of Me" [Decca # 29452] on these dates: Friday, 26 November 1954 and Monday, 29 November 1954.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • A movie review of "The Heat's On" mentioned that Mae West was "nearly crowded out."
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "There’s only one way to get what you want — — that is, to work for it and take it."
• • Mae West said: "When I wrote 'Diamond Lil,' I determined to bring it to the Pacific Coast. This is the first time I have ever been here. I like it very much.” 
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Variety mentioned Mae West.
• • In Atlantic City • • 
• • I.B. Pulaski wrote: SAVOY (Grant Laferty, mgr.; agent, U.B.O.). — Joe Boganny Troupe, solid hit; Genaro A. Dalley, big success; Frank Morrell, applause; Mae West, good; Gillette's Animals, scream; Lorraine, Dudley and Company, did nicely; Elmer Claren, good.
• • I.B. Pulaski wrote: Show this week was exceptionally fine— one of the best ever seen here.  …
• • Source: Variety; published on Friday, 21 March 1913
• • The evolution of 2 Mae West plays that keep her memory alive • • 
• • A discussion with Mae West playwright LindaAnn LoSchiavo — — 
• • http://lideamagazine.com/renaissance-woman-new-york-city-interview-lindaann-loschiavo/

• • The Mae West Blog celebrates its 15th anniversary • •  

• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past fifteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 4,300 blog posts. Wow!  

• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,353rd 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 • • in September 1974 • •
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