Mae West: Every Inch

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 9 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • Mae West knew the power of her walk • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: She was an expert at using every inch of her body as an extension of her character. Even in her private life, away from photographers’ lenses, the movie cameras, and the gaze of adoring fans, West would always be “on,” even for herself, staying true to her self-serving image [sic].

• • Sabina Stent wrote: I once read a description of her “gliding” into a room. Mae West knew the power of her walk, and in the movies, the way a woman walks can prove central to her character.
• • Sabina Stent wrote: In I’m No Angel (1933)—also written by West—she plays Tira, the glittering carnival queen in “Big Bill Barton’s Wonder Show.” Barton, the manager, uses his star attraction to lure more seedy men into the establishment as if she were a trophy and a prize.
• • "you don’t have to have feet to be a dancer” • • . . . 
• • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Tuesday, 31 December 2019 • •

• • Wishing all our Mae-mavens and readers a very happy, safe, joyful New Year's Eve.
• • On Tuesday, 31 December 1935 • •
• • According to Breen's letter to Hays, dated on Tuesday, 31 December 1935, Joseph Breen's brief evaluation in his weekly written report to his boss echoed the optimism Will Hays had expressed at the project's outset: 'The Mae West picture presents a new type of characterization for the star, depending for her entertainment less on her wisecracks and more on a legitimate story and sincere characterizations’ . . ."
• • Source: Ramona Curry’s book "Too Much of a Good Thing: Mae West as Cultural Icon" [U of Minnesota Press, 1996].
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Shirley Temple is the biggest box office draw since Mae West.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said:  "I'll never believe the worst about anybody without complete proof, nor will I believe it's useless to struggle against so-called Fate."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The London paper, The Guardian mentioned Mae West.
• • Chris Petit wrote:  Compared to Brando, Beatty or Granger, Mae West was a paragon of the Protestant work ethic. Few worked harder in Hollywood. Her famous sexual innuendo and throw-away style were the products of much rewriting and rehearsal. She remains a theatrical, and rather Victorian, figure and the film career was limited by censorship battles and studio politics . . .
• • Source: Article in The Guardian [UK]; published on Saturday, 31 December 2005 
• • 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 4,378th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • a red silk platform shoe worn by Mae West • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Power Walk

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 8 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • Mae West’s Pepenie platform heels • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: Even in my position as a devotee of old Hollywood movies and glamour—even as a scholar who has written and lectured on Italian fashion courtier Elsa Schiaparelli’s Shoe Hat—I was spellbound by their effect, completely awestruck at this feat of engineering; something I had heard about, but never seen, as if they were urban legend. It’s impossible to separate the footwear from the woman who once wore them.

• • Sabina Stent wrote: To see Mae West without these shoes would be akin to see her stripped bare, naked, not herself; this is footwear entwined with personality, character, and image. Aside from masking her petite stature, these Pepenie heels allowed West to hone that trademark sidle across the stage, a maneuver as synonymous with West as her naughty smile.
• • Mae West knew the power of her walk • •  . . .
• • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Saturday, 30 December 1933 • •
• • Picturegoer, a British publication sold in movie houses, ran a three part series: "Making Love to Mae West." The first installment ran on 10 December 1933, then it continued on Saturday, 30 December 1993, and the final portion appeared on 6 January 1934.
• • Cary Grant's byline appeared. The actor either wrote it or, more likely, merely signed it.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • "Tropicana" — — Gregory Ratoff and Mae West (Columbia) just completed shooting with Xavier Cugat. 
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "You're never too old to become younger."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The Good Men Project mentioned Mae West.
• • Hollywood, Hot and Outspoken Leading My Way! • •
• • Jessica Griffiths wrote: I was thinking about the same three women I'm always intrigued by: Marilyn Monroe, Mae West and Elizabeth Taylor. Three women, that weren’t afraid to be real, act real, and talk real.
• • Jessica Griffiths wrote: They were loved by many, chastised by some, judged for choices, labeled by mistakes and still all lived a life of great poise, intelligence and love. …
• • Source: The Good Men Project; published on Sunday, 15 December 2019
• • 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 4,377th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • black platform shoes worn by Mae West • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Her Secret

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 7 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • Fascination with Mae West’s footwear • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: “A five-foot-tall woman in four-inch heels has increased her physical stature by 6.6 percent,” writes Summer Brennan in her brilliant book High Heel. “Not quite the average 8 percent size advantage that men have over women on average, however, she is getting close.” As the actress Marilyn Monroe famously said, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

• • Sabina Stent wrote: Fascinated by Mae West’s footwear ever since learning her secret, I eventually saw them for myself in 2016 on a trip to the Hollywood Museum. In the old Max Factor building located just off the famous Boulevard, with history embedded into the golden stars that make up the sidewalk, two pairs of West’s shoes reside.
• • Mae West’s Pepenie platform heels • • . . .  
 • • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Monday, 27 December 1937 • •
• • "Every Day's a Holiday" starring Mae West was reviewed (on page 8) for Film Daily on Monday, 27 December 1937.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • John Kobal was on the set of "Myra Breckenridge," the notorious 1970 vehicle for an older Mae West. Photographer George Hurrell, who first worked for MGM in 1930, was on the set to take pictures of Leticia Van Allen (portrayed, of course, by Mae West).
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “I have always been too busy with my own affairs to be envious of anyone else.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article about Broadway tours mentioned Mae West.
• • Mark Kennedy of The Associated Press wrote: The Hudson operated as a theater on and off until 1960, with shows starring some of the biggest names in show business, including Ethel Barrymore, Douglas Fairbanks, Sidney Lumet, Mae West, Lena Horne and Maureen Stapleton. The Price Is Right with Bob Barker once originated from the Hudson, and American Idol auditions have been held on its stage.
• • Mark Kennedy of The Associated Press wrote: After 1960, it narrowly escaped a wrecking ball four times  . . .
• • Source: The Associated Press;  published on Sunday, 15 December 2019
• • 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 4,376th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • a right-foot platform shoe worn onscreen by Mae West • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Barely 5 Feet

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 6 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • Mae West was barely five feet tall • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: I first learned the secrets of West’s walk on a televised biography where clips of Hollywood actors’ beloved movies interspersed with insights from film scholars and critics. It was on one of these shows where I first heard about Mae West’s height, documented to be around five feet, but varying slightly depending on the source. In certain circles, it remains a lesser-known fact about the star, primarily due to the combination of West’s vivaciousness and the enchantment of costuming; long gowns designed to conceal all but her toes.

• • Sabina Stent wrote: All too often, we make assumptions on a personality’s height, primarily when their reputation and character is “larger than life.” If this were true, West would have stood at over six feet tall.
• • Fascination with Mae West’s footwear • • . . .
• • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Thursday, 26 December 1946 • •
• • "When She Whips 'em Off" • •
• • On Thursday, 26 December 1946, the Milwaukee Sentinel wrote: "It cannot be said that 'Come On Up' is not on the corny side, but it is cheerful, crude, well-plowed corn, grown that way on purpose.  Many women in the audience giggled delightedly ...  Miss West's wisecracks are good in spots and almost always seem to be funny when she whips them off."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • After he served in Korea, Joe Gold heard about a casting call for a Las Vegas revue starring Mae West. When Joe Gold and a few of his fellow bodybuilders visited Mae West's apartment, she looked them over and said, ''I'll take all of you.''
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: ''I like movies about strong women. I was the first liberated woman, y'know. No guy was gonna get the best of me.''
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A British daily mentioned Mae West.
• • Mae West turns up in the strangest places. Karen Nugent, of the Telegram and Gazette Staff in London, used this anecdote in her profile of a colorful New England artist and gallerist.
• • Tom Stanford, who assembled a storehouse of paper memorabilia by attending auctions, painting old houses, visiting yard sales, and stumbling upon archival goodies, once found a photo of Mae West autographed to Anne Bancroft in a New York City trash container. Stanford, owner of Ladybird's Gallery in Lancaster, Massachusetts, put it up for sale in his gallery. Asking Price: $500.  …
• • Source: The Telegram and Gazette [U.K.]; published on Sunday, 25 December 2011
• • 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 4,375th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • platform shoes with T-straps owned by Mae West • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Jingle Belle

MAE WEST got diamonds for Christmas on Tuesday, 25 December 1934.
• • "Santa Leaves Gems in Socks of Film Stars" • •
• • "Mae West Gets Diamonds; Ruby Keeler Sapphires; Gracie Toys" • •
• • Hollywood — Dec. 25 — United Press — Film folk and their children awoke today to find any and all manner of gifts in their stockings. Gems and jewelry were the most popular, perhaps, for the adults, but it fell upon Norman Taurog [1899 — 1981] to be the Santa Claus to give the most unique gift. Out in the garden of the Taurog home the director's daughter, Patsy Ann, found a miniature merry-go-round all set up and ready to whirl. With five wooden horses, it was complete in every detail down to the electric piano.
• • "Diamonds for Mae" • •

• • Diamonds sparkled at the home of Mae West. "Diamond Lil" justified her screen sobriquet by giving "sparklers" to her sister, brother, and father. A necklace, studded with similar stones, was the present she received in return.  ...
• • Source: Syndicated article "Mae West Gets Diamonds; Ruby Keeler Sapphires; Gracie Has Toys" printed in The Ogden-Standard Examiner; published on Tuesday evening on 25 December 1934.
• • On Saturday, 25 December 1937 • •
• • The article "Mae West's Eve Brings Eden's Curse on Radio — Apology, Alibi, Indignation and Investigation" was printed in Motion Picture Herald on Saturday, 25 December 1937.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West took an enema every day. When someone suggested this unorthodox regimen would not be approved by any doctor, Mae replied, ''Naturally. It kept me from going to any of them.''
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Every day's a holiday, Santa Claus, and the biggest and best one is right around the corner."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Sabina Stent discussed Mae West.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent wrote: Mae West’s legs were always covered. Even on the rare occasion when she is wearing “ordinary” heels, she is sitting.
• • Sabina Stent pondered: Did we ever see Mae West walk in a regular shoe? . . .
• • Sabina Stent’s fascinating article will be continued on Thursday, 26 December 2019. Come up to read Part 6 . . .
• • Source: Santa-season , Issue 2; posted in December 2019
• • 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 4,374th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • an updated red-green version of Mae (copied from Modern Screen's September 1933 issue) • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Occasional Peep

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 5 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • The totemic power of clothing, shoes, and accessories • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: Sometimes the power comes from concealed items, like the shoulder-padded jackets worn by Joan Crawford, accredited to costume designer Gilbert Adrian, to accentuate her slight frame and enhance the commanding presence of her characters.
• • Sabina Stent wrote: Mae West, however, had a slightly different way of flaunting her sartorial potency. These platform heels would become another tool for her to wield, and a part of cinematic and personal magic.

• • Sabina Stent wrote: Wearing them ensured she never broke her “Mae West” persona. The exhibition curator, Emily Stoehrer, reiterated that “under a long dress, you wouldn’t notice that these shoes were being worn.” West’s long gowns would shield the public glare from all but the occasional peep: “silver toes would just peep out through the hem of the dress.”
• • Mae West was barely five feet tall • • . . . 
• • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on December 26th.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Tuesday, 24 December 1935 • •
• • "Hitler and Mae West — A Broadcast Cancelled" • •
• • Melbourne, Australia, December 23 — — At the request of the Vice Consul for Germany, Dr. Koeltzoch, an imaginary conversation between Herr Hitler and Miss Mae West was not broadcast over the national network on Saturday night as had been arranged.
• • "The proposed item was a brief sketch of the type often given on the vaudeville stage," the Victorian manager of the Australian Broadcasting Commission, Mr. T. W. Bearup, said to-day. "We did not believe anyone could take exception to it. But we cancelled it in deference to the wish of the consul."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Built in 1946, Ingo’s Tasty Diner (in Santa Monica, Calif.) has hosted its fair share of the glitterati, from Mae West to The Rolling Stones. 
• • In Her Own Words • •

• • Mae West said: "My left leg is Christmas and my right leg is New Year's. Why don't you visit me between the holidays?"  
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The New York Times discussed Mae West’s bawdy play.
• • A theatre review of a New York City revival of the play "Sex" by Mae West was printed on 24 December 1999 under this title: "Mae West's First Play (for the Stage, That Is)" and the drama critic seemed satisfied. An excerpt follows.
• • Man-on-the-aisle from the Times D. J. R. Bruckner wrote: If it helps a writer to know a lot about her subject, Mae West brought great authority to her first play, ''Sex,'' written and first produced in New York in 1926. The writing is not as accomplished as it is in some of her later film scripts, but there are enough characteristic West lines to let you know who the author was . . .
• • Source: The New York Times; published on Friday, 24 December 1999
• • 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 4,373rd 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • Mae's black suede platform heels circa 1950s • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Perfect Illusion

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 4 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • never in my life have I seen another pair of shoes like Mae’s • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: “The hemline of the wearer’s dress must be designed at such a length that it covers the upper portion of the shoe,” observed Charles Carballo of the website Footwear News, “lest the illusion be discovered.” The illusion is perfect: Hollywood’s very own magic slippers. “I have never in my life have seen another pair of shoes like this,” remarked FIDM curator Kevin Jones. “She [West] may have developed this [the shoes] with a cobbler, and she likely worked with a dressmaker because it had to cover the hemlines.”

• • Sabina Stent wrote: The power of clothing, shoes, and accessories is notoriously well known. Even cosmetics imbue strength to their wearer. Red lipstick, for example, a noted cosmetic weapon for centuries, is a well-documented to both embolden and empower.
• • The totemic power of clothing, shoes, and accessories • • . . . 
• • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Monday, 23 December 1929 in Los Angeles • •
• • Mae West took her "Diamond Lil" cast to the West Coast where she hoped to meet with Hollywood producers who would help bring the popular stage play to the silver screen. After a booking in San Francisco, Mae moved to her final California destination: Los Angeles. An article about Mae was published in The L.A. Times on Monday, 23 December 1929.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Hollywood — "Belle of the Nineties," starring Mae West, has a "beef trust" chorus and a choir of 100 voices.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said:  "We must do all that only and exclusively with the eyes."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Associated Press discussed the NBC ban on Mae West.
• • "NBC Bans the Name of Mae West from the Airwaves" • •
• • "Joking References to Adam-Eve Skit are Barred" • •
• • New York, Dec. 23. [AP] Word went out from the National Broadcasting Company today to keep the name of Mae West out of all programs over which it has control.  Issued privately to 16 stations, in 12 cities, the order was designed to forestall any joking references that might be made to the widely discussed Adam and Eve sketch broadcast from Hollywood on December 12th.  
• • Although not made public, it was understood the inter-station communique said in effect:  Please watch scripts for any mention of Mae West's name and keep it out. . . .
• • Source: Associated Press, published on Friday, 24 December 1937
• • 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 4,372nd 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • Mae's black suede platform heels circa 1960s • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Double Deckers

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 3 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • Instead of glass slippers Mae West favored skyscrapers • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: The answer could be found in 2014, at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where a pair of West’s shoes were displayed amongst an array of silver-screen costumes from the 1930s and 1940s. These were not any ordinary pair of heels.

• • Sabina Stent wrote: Mae West wore customized “shoes within shoes” that measured an astonishing 9.5 vertical inches and were made specifically for their famous wearer. So unusual were her shoes that they acquired the nickname “Double Deckers” from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) during their 2016 footwear exhibition. West owned many pairs, in various styles, and we never saw her without them.
• • never in my life have I seen another pair of shoes like Mae’s • • . . . 
• • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Monday, 20 December 1926 • •
• • It was on Monday, 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.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West is become not only a tradition but an institution. Her style of comedy is unique and, it might be added, unchanging. She has a splendid cast in this [in "Go West Young Man"] and the comedy is well worked out.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: ”I'm here to make talkies. I hope the film can take the temperature."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Australia's Sunday Times mentioned Mae West.
• • "Says Mae" • •
• • NEW YORK, Saturday.  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."  . . .
• • Source: Sunday Times (Perth); published on Sunday, 19 December 1937
• • 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 4,371st 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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• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • Mae's red platform heels circa 1920s • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Pepenie’s Platforms

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 2 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • The image of a movie queen • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: Physical beauty, especially in a town like Hollywood, has always functioned as a currency. Careers often rested on studio demands and the public’s preconceptions of beauty, and West understood this better than most. West was unique because of her image, her wit, and her walk.

• • Sabina Stent wrote: Mae West’s walk is part of her legacy. The perfect balance of attitude and physics, it has been replicated by everybody from drag queens to Madonna. The latter’s notable appreciation of West has influenced her persona, costumes, and performances. Emulate, yes, but there was something about the walk that made it unique to West, for one — — or should we say pair? — — of specific reasons.
• • Sabina Stent wrote: What was Mae West’s secret?
• • Instead of glass slippers Mae West favored skyscrapers • • . . .   
• • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Sunday, 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.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Representative O'Toole (D. — N.Y.) filed a protest today with the communications commission against what he described as a filthy and indecent radio program in which Mae West was featured as the guest star last Sunday night.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “Sex depends on certain positions. But kissing is good in any position.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A review of a 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 Sunday, 18 December 2011
• • 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 4,370th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • Mae's platform heels circa 1940s • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Sexual Swagger

“In real life, I’m very boring, so I made up the walk and the talk,” said MAE WEST.
• • British freelancer Dr. Sabina Stent, whose area of study included “Women artists, Surrealism, and unconventional females,” penned a fascinating essay on Mae’s customized double-decker footwear. This is Part 1 of 27 parts.
• • “Get the Idea, Boys? Mae West’s Shoes” • •
• • Sabina Stent wrote: There is no mistaking the walk. It’s a saunter, a prowl, a determined stride across the screen that commands the viewer’s attention. It is the walk of a self-assured woman who knows what she wants and won’t let anything, or anyone, stand in her way. It is a march of pure attitude, sexual voracity, and swagger.

• • Sabina Stent wrote: It is a walk that could only belong to Mae West.
• • Sabina Stent wrote: With her pre-Hays Code wicked wit, devilish smile, and a naughty glint in her eye, West was the vaudeville star and Hollywood icon synonymous with scandal and sex. Glamorous, yes, but West was also a fiercely intelligent, dedicated comedian, best-selling author, and potent alpha female who understood the power of image and the allure of attraction.
• • The image of a movie queen • •  . . .
• • This long essay by Sabina Stent will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Majuscule, Issue 2; posted in December 2019.
• • On Saturday, 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 Saturday, 18 December 1937.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West, screen actress, has two favored horses competing in the Sunday races. The famous film star’s speedsters, Art Dillon and Lucky Watts will have W. E. Bakeoff driving them for a winning place at the Palm Springs Field Club. 
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “Groucho, 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."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Perth’s Daily News mentioned Mae West.
• • "Beards Do Not Repel Mae West" • •
• • New York, Friday (AAP): Actress Mae West and Broadway star Carol Channing made pertinent comments on bearded New Yorkers who missed shaving today to conserve water.
• • Mae West said: "Beards can do one of two things for men. One type becomes very distinguished-looking and the other achieves a primitive, sexy look. What's bad about that?"
• • The blonde bombshell continued: "Some women say they couldn't bear to kiss a man with whiskers. All I've got to say is, whiskers or not, he's a man, isn't he?"  . . .
• • Source: The Daily News (Perth); published on Saturday, 17 December 1949
• • 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 4,369th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • Mae's platform heels circa 1940s • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Exactly, Mr.

No other broadcast of Charlie McCarthy's show has generated more ink than the Sunday, 12 December 1937 broadcast starring MAE WEST.
• • The Mae West Blog has devoted its share of bandwidth to this phenomenon. However, an article written by Martin Grams, Jr. is so insightful and detailed that it eclipses other reportage. We’ll share a portion of his lengthy feature with you, dear Mae-mavens. Prepare to be amazed. This is Part 12 of 12 segments, the last excerpt of Mr. Grams’s fascinating analysis.
• • “The Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy Show: An Episode Guide and Brief History” • •
• • Miss West does all of her business in her bedroom • •

• • Martin Grams, Jr. wrote: Arch Obler said this: “I said, ‘In the bedroom’ because, you see, Miss West does all of her business in her bedroom. She pays her bills in her bedroom, and she rehearses in her bedroom. So the judge’s next question — — he looked at me very suspiciously as if I were the Henry Kissinger of my time — — and he said, "Exactly, Mr. Oboler, what were you doing — — and remember you’re under oath — — what were you doing with Miss West?’ And his face turned bright red and he said, ‘I withdraw the question.’ And that was the end of that."  . . .
• • Note: Martin Grams, Jr. is the author of numerous books about old-time radio.
• • Note: This episode guide was first compiled by Mr. Grams in the late 1990s and shortly thereafter, was presented in three consecutive issues of SPERDVAC’s Radiogram in late 1999.
• • The twelve brief erudite segments that we planned to share (from a much longer article by Mr. Grams) have now been offered to our readers and we end with this post, Part 12. Mr. Grams tells a fascinating story. Explore the rest of it on your own.
• • Source: Radiogram; rpt by Old-Time Radio’s webmaster; posted on (undated).
• • On Friday, 17 December 1937 • •
• • On Friday, 17 December 1937 in The Hollywood Reporter industry people surely noticed an article about Mae West on page 1:  "Legion of Decency Drive Impends on Radio 'Sacrilege'." This piece continued on page 4.
• • On Friday, 17 December 1937 • •
• • An article appeared on the front cover of The Cornell Daily Sun on Friday, 17 December 1937 — — above the fold. The title was "Propriety of Mae West Broadcast Questioned."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West loved to work with black musicians and composers.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "We must do all that only and exclusively with the eyes."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A Tasmania newspaper mentioned Mae West.
• • "Visit by Mae West" • •
• • Mae West, the Hollywood actress, who is expected to visit Australia early next year. ...
• • It is not yet known whether she will appear on the Tivoli circuit or in town halls (in capital cities).
• • Source: Advocate (Tasmania); published on Saturday, 8 December 1945
• • 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 4,368th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • with Edgar Bergen's puppet Charlie McCarthy in 1937 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Very Antsy

No other broadcast of the Charlie McCarthy show has generated more ink than the Sunday, 12 December 1937 broadcast starring MAE WEST.
• • The Mae West Blog has devoted its share of bandwidth to this phenomenon. However, an article written by Martin Grams, Jr. is so insightful and detailed that it eclipses other reportage. We’ll share a portion of his lengthy feature with you, dear Mae-mavens. Prepare to be amazed. This is Part 11 of 12 segments.
• • “The Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy Show: An Episode Guide and Brief History” • •
• • The trial was set in New York • • 
• • Martin Grams, Jr. wrote: Arch Obler said, “And at the time the suit came up, it was one of those ordinary nuisances where they want to be paid off by the network in order not to go to trial. But this time the network put its back up stiffly and the trial went on. The trial was set in New York, and so I had to appear before what would be easily an officer of the Federal Court. When I got there on Wall Street, and sat down in a courtroom, the man looked just like Lewis Stone — — and acted like him. He was very antsy and he didn’t like any part of this newfangled thing called radio, and above all, he didn’t like the whole thing discussing Mae West."
• • Martin Grams, Jr. wrote: "His first question," continued Oboler, "was ‘Mr. Oboler, where were you on February twenty-second – blah, blah, blah.’ And as long as I live, I’ll remember my answer because I was under oath.
• • Miss West does all of her business in her bedroom • • . . . 
• • This article by Mr. Grams will be concluded on the next post.
• • Source: Radiogram; rpt by Old-Time Radio’s webmaster; posted on (undated).
• • On Thursday, 16 December 1937 • •

• • It was on Thursday, 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."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West, Thelma Todd, Alice Faye, Lana Turner, et al are discussed in "Hollywood Blondes: Golden Girls of The Silver Screen" [2007] written by Michelle Vogel and Liz Nocera.
• • Books on the Golden Era of Hollywood are wonderful Christmas gifts.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "The thing that worries me most . . . is the reformers likin' me. When they do, I'll know I'm slippin'!"
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An opinion piece mentioned Mae West.
• • “When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before.”
• • Kent Syler wrote: In September 2016 we used those words from bawdy Vaudeville and Hollywood entertainer Mae West to explain how Donald Trump could win the presidency by outperforming Hillary Clinton with voters who held negative views of both candidates.
• • Kent Syler wrote: Exit polling found Trump won this nearly 20% of the electorate by 17%; more than enough votes for his narrow victories in the vital states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.
• • Kent Syler wrote: The “Mae West effect” helped elect Donald Trump, but it could defeat him in 2020.
• • Kent Syler wrote: Last election, Donald Trump was Mae West’s untried evil.  …
• • Source: The Tennessean; published on Thursday, 21 November 2019
• • 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 4,367th 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/
________
Source: https://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml  
• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • with Edgar Bergen and Charlie on radio in 1937 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest