Mae West: Lack of Coyness

“I first went to interview MAE WEST after the collapse of ‘Myra Breckinridge’ [1970]. Like almost everyone else, I was in awe of the woman,” wrote Jacoba Atlas. Let’s read her fascinating first-hand account from 1974. This is Part 7 of 19 segments.
• • Image from a Cracked Mirror • •
• • nothing traditionally feminine about Mae West • •
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Also, despite the satin and lace clothing, the soft flowing hair and the painted nails, there is nothing traditionally feminine about Mae West.
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: To be sure, it’s that very lack of helplessness and coyness that has made her a heroine to women’s liberation and sent women’s groups scurrying back to her films for an expression of open female sexual needs. But her films lead directly to a quandary: she’s no Norma Shearer, thank God, but just who and what is she?
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Close friend and associate Stan Musgrove calls Mae West “the screen’s first leading man” and further credits her with opening the way for other “leading men” like Rosalind Russell and Katherine Hepburn; but one wonders.
• • Mae’s affinity to "gay boys" • • …
• • This long profile by Jacoba Atlas will be continued on the next post.  
• • Source: Los Angeles Free Press, Volume 11, issue 517; published on Friday, 14 June 1974.
• • On Monday, 30 April 1956 in N.Y. World-Telegram Sun • •
• • It was on Monday, 30 April 1956 that Robert W. Dana's felicitous coverage of "The Mae West Review" appeared.
• • His column "Mae West's Show Grows" [dated April 30th] indicated Mr. Dana had seen the routine previously.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •

• • Mae West carnival statues are becoming more popular. Occasionally, these are available at a local sale.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Suddenly there was a great uproar.  Someone had passed the word along that I was coming through. Faces appeared at the barred doors and they shouted wildly in greeting. 'Here comes Mae!' they yelled. And 'How do you like the dress, Mae?' . . .”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article Mae West was asked to write appeared in 1927.
• • Mae West continued: They were most courteous; they didn't want anything to happen to me before I got to Welfare Island, I guess. I was ushered into a waiting-room. There was a colored woman, with a gold badge, in charge.  . . .
• • Source: "How I Was Jailed for Sex" written by Mae West for Liberty Magazine; published on Saturday, 20 August 1927
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,464th 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 • • carnival chalkware figure (from a private collection) • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Nonphysical Sexpot

“I first went to interview MAE WEST after the collapse of ‘Myra Breckinridge’ [1970]. Like almost everyone else, I was in awe of the woman,” wrote Jacoba Atlas. Let’s read her fascinating first-hand account from 1974. This is Part 6 of 19 segments.
• • Image from a Cracked Mirror • •
• • With Mae West the legend overcrowds the person • •
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: My question is, why in the world would she want to be that same woman?
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: With Mae West, as with so many other stars of that era, the legend overcrowds the person, and the cult of the screen personality takes over. That’s fine for the audience, but one wonders what the consequences are for the person herself.
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Certainly, Mae West has avoided much of the traumas of other “sex symbols” like Marilyn Monroe and Jean Harlow, but then some people have severely questioned West’s claim to that dubious title. She always seemed to me to be the ultimate nonphysical sex-symbol — it was her manner, her humor and her words that were sexy, not necessarily that “Big Ben hour glass” figure, the marcelled blond hair or the lopping, hand-on-hip walk.
• • nothing traditionally feminine about Mae West • • …
• • This long profile by Jacoba Atlas will be continued on the next post.  
• • Source: Los Angeles Free Press, Volume 11, issue 517; published on Friday, 14 June 1974.
• • On Friday, 29 April 1938 in the Boston Herald • •
• • Beantown readers were treated to this titillation on 29 April 1938, announced with a boldface headline:  Clutching, Squealing Crowd Greets Mae West with Mob Scene Here.
• • The Boston Herald reporter wrote: Complete with the publicized curves and husky, slurring accents that have made her practically a symbol of what she is pleased to call “the sex personality,” Mae West crashed into Boston yesterday morning through a clutching, squealing crowd of 3000 eager admirers who turned the South station into a mob scene.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Richard Meryman's exotic cover feature, "Mae West: Going Strong at 75," was published in Life Magazine. 
• • In Her Own Words • •

Mae West and Barry O'Neill on trial in NYC

• • Mae West said: "I enjoyed the courtroom as any other stage."  
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article Mae West was asked to write appeared in 1927.
• • Mae West wrote: He then escorted me to the side of the courtroom, through a cage effect, and then out a door, where there were a few steps leading down to another door. That door was opened and two gentlemen who stood there said, "Right this way, Miss West."  …
• • Source: "How I Was Jailed for Sex" written by Mae West for Liberty Magazine; published on Saturday, 20 August 1927
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,463rd 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 • • in court, April1927 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Legend Overcrowds

“I first went to interview MAE WEST after the collapse of ‘Myra Breckinridge’ [1970]. Like almost everyone else, I was in awe of the woman,” wrote Jacoba Atlas. Let’s read her fascinating first-hand account from 1974. This is Part 5 of 19 segments.
• • Image from a Cracked Mirror • •
• • Mae West’s actions are above reproach • •
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Despite her “sexpot” image, Mae West’s personal actions are above reproach, not in terms of some trumped-up phony sexual morality, but the good old-fashioned “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” morality that is rarely in rich supply in Hollywood.
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Therefore, the sadness I felt at meeting and talking to West was not based on any personal transgression, rather it stemmed from the fact that here was this terrific woman who readily admits to her age and then turns around and insists that she is the same woman she was when she was 26.
• • With Mae West the legend overcrowds the person • • … 
• • This long profile by Jacoba Atlas will be continued on the next post.  
• • Source: Los Angeles Free Press, Volume 11, issue 517; published on Friday, 14 June 1974.
• • On Thursday, 28 April 1927 • •

• • On Thursday, 28 April 1927 The New York Times ran this article: “Mae West Departs from Workhouse.” 
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West is a little undecided about doing "I'm No Angel." Aw, go ahead, Mae! All God's chillun got wings.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said (to director Henry Hathaway): "Nobody gets laughs in my pictures but me, see?" 
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article Mae West was asked to write appeared in 1927.
• • Mae West wrote: The court attendant leaned toward me and said, "Are you feeling all right, Miss West?"   I replied, "Quite all right."
• • Mae West explained: He then escorted me to the side of the courtroom, through a cage effect, …
• • Source: "How I Was Jailed for Sex" written by Mae West for Liberty Magazine; published on Saturday, 20 August 1927   
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,462nd 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 • • on 28 April 1927 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Turned Tigress

“I first went to interview MAE WEST after the collapse of ‘Myra Breckinridge’ [1970]. Like almost everyone else, I was in awe of the woman,” wrote Jacoba Atlas. Let’s read her fascinating first-hand account from 1974. This is Part 4 of 19 segments.
• • Image from a Cracked Mirror • •
• • Mae West answers questions with the same old answers • • 
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Like Alfred Hitchcock and Frank Capra, Mae West answers any question with the same answers she has given many times in the past. She is not interested in breaking new ground in interviews and certainly that is her prerogative.
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: But where is the woman?

Mae West fantasy artwork

• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Robert Fryer, who produced “Myra Breckinridge,“ once said of Mae West, “The only time I’ve seen her turn into a tigress is when someone knocks someone she likes. She is as loyal as a lamb.”
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: It is true that some small-minded historian would have to pile through more quotes than Watergate has produced to find an unkind word about this woman.
• • Mae’s actions: above reproach • •  …
• • This long profile by Jacoba Atlas will be continued on the next post.  
• • Source: Los Angeles Free Press, Volume 11, issue 517; published on Friday, 14 June 1974.
• • On Saturday, 27 April 1935 • •
• • Columnist Louella Parsons mused in the weekend edition of the Los Angeles Examiner on Saturday, 27 April 1935, that maybe this long-lost husband story was a publicity gimmick dreamed up by Paramount Pictures as they released "Goin' to Town" starring Mae West.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • "She Done Him Wrong," the novel based on Miss West's picture, which skyrocketed her to film fame, already is one of the world's best-sellers, and nearly a million copies have been sold.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Frank Wallace? Never heard of the guy!!"
• • Mae West said: "I do things right because I follow what my astrologer says."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A Pittsburgh daily mentioned Mae West.
• • "’Diamond Lil’ — — Final Performances, Week of April 24, 1950" • • 
• • "The Nixon Theatre Goes West with Mae's 'Diamond Lil': And the Sounds of Farewell Are Just a Little Off-Key," was the headline of Harold V. Cohen's thoughtful and poignant article  ...
• • Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; published on Tuesday, 25 April 1950
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,461st 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 • • illustration • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Much Sexier

“I first went to interview MAE WEST after the collapse of ‘Myra Breckinridge’ [1970]. Like almost everyone else, I was in awe of the woman,” wrote Jacoba Atlas. Let’s read her fascinating first-hand account from 1974. This is Part 3 of 19 segments.
• • Image from a Cracked Mirror • •
• • Mae West was astonishingly youthful • •
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Certainly part of that proved true. She is astonishingly youthful, vigorous and the humor is intact; yet there is a pathetic streak that flashes through an atmosphere that includes a woman dressed like a too rich wedding cake, who, despite her wit and intelligence, placed photographs (and an article in National Enquirer) of herself and Raquel Welch before me to indicate that she was sexier than the 30-year-old cheesecake beauty.
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: There was, of course, no way to confront West with comments about the impropriety of impoverishing old age by making it compete with youth.
• • Mae West answers questions with the same old answers • • …
• • This long profile by Jacoba Atlas will be continued on the next post.  
• • Source: Los Angeles Free Press, Volume 11, issue 517; published on Friday, 14 June 1974.
• • On Thursday, 24 April 2008 • •
• • Goldmine Magazine featured Mae West on Thursday, 24 April 2008.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Between scenes, Mae West usually can be found scanning letters in her dressing, room and dictating, or suggesting answers to a "secretary." Also, there's a circle of admirers within earshot, and Mae always expands before an audience.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “And as for me, I never trust men anyway."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A music site mentioned Ian Whitcomb who collaborated with Mae West.
• • Ian Whitcomb [1941 — 2020] • •

Ian Whitcomb and Rollo (2011)

• • Jeff Tamarkin wrote: Ian Whitcomb, the British-born singer and performer who scored a lone top 10 hit in the U.S., 1965’s “You Turn Me On (Turn On Song),” died on Sunday [19 April 2020], according to Barret Hansen, host of The Dr. Demento Show, and several other online sources.
• • Jeff Tamarkin wrote: Ian Whitcomb, who had suffered a stroke in 2012, died from natural causes; the place of death has not been reported, but it was believed to be at a hospital in the Los Angeles area.
• • Jeff Tamarkin wrote: Ian Timothy Whitcomb was born in Woking, Surrey, England, on 10 July 1941.
• • Jeff Tamarkin wrote: Although Whitcomb continued to release singles and albums on the Tower label (unrelated to the Tower Records retail chain), he did not achieve further commercial success and moved on to other pursuits, including production (he produced an album by actress Mae West in 1972, among others).
• • Jeff Tamarkin wrote: Ian Whitcomb, who was 78, had been in ill health for some time. …
• • Source: Best Classic Bands; posted on Wednesday, 22 April 2020
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,460th 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 • • Ian Whitcomb with Mae's LP • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Was Indestructible

“I first went to interview MAE WEST after the collapse of ‘Myra Breckinridge’ [1970]. Like almost everyone else, I was in awe of the woman,” wrote Jacoba Atlas. Let’s read her fascinating first-hand account from 1974. This is Part 2 of 19 segments.
• • Image from a Cracked Mirror • •
• • I had been in awe of Mae West • •
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: I first went to interview West after the collapse of “Myra Breckinridge.” Like almost everyone else, I was in awe of the woman — her movies, her witticisms, her whole presence seemed to indicate one of the last of the great champions.
• • a rude awakening • •

• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: The interview that ensued was not what could be called a rude awakening, but it was an awakening of sorts, only the better descriptive word would be “sad.”
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Like almost everyone else, I had been lulled by publicity handouts and writers like Jim Bacon: Mae West was not only indestructible, they said, but totally sure of herself, with a sense of humor to boot. 
• • Note: Columnist James Bacon, called "a Stargate into the hidden worlds of Hollywood," once told his readership how Mae West once bought four blocks on Van Nuys Boulevard and that, although she had paid only $6,000, it was probably worth over a million per block now. Bacon also extolled her active sex life into her eighties.
• • Mae West was astonishingly youthful • • . . .
• • This long profile by Jacoba Atlas will be continued on the next post.  
• • Source: Los Angeles Free Press, Volume 11, issue 517; published on Friday, 14 June 1974.
• • On Tuesday, 23 April 1935 in The Hollywood Reporter • •
• • A review of "Goin' to Town" appeared in The Hollywood Reporter in their issue dated for 23 April 1935.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • In time Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Mae West, Louis B. Mayer, Samuel and Francis Goldwyn, Norma Shearer and Irving Thalberg, Anita Loos, Bebe Daniels, Jack Warner, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, and Paulette Goddard would all have homes in Santa Monica on what was dubbed by some "The Gold Coast."
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Here's a guy says he's going to name a gold mine after me. Tell him it would be a big mistake. I'm a digger, not a producer."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The Eagle Rock Advertiser mentioned Mae West was back in Eagle Rock, California for an onscreen engagement.
• • On April 16th, 17th, and 18th, "She Done Him Wrong" was booked at the York Theatre, on York Boulevard at Avenue 50. Movie-goers could call for information: ALbany 5015. What a treat from Sunday through Tuesday.
• • The second feature was "Face in the Sky" with Spencer Tracy and Marian Nixon. …
• • Source: Eagle Rock Advertiser; published on Monday, 17 April 1933
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,459th 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 • • record cover released in 1974 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Cracked Mirror

“I first went to interview MAE WEST after the collapse of ‘Myra Breckinridge’ [1970]. Like almost everyone else, I was in awe of the woman,” wrote Jacoba Atlas. Let’s read her fascinating first-hand account from 1974. This is Part 1 of 19 segments.
• • Image from a Cracked Mirror • •
• • “Mae West is ageless. She hasn’t changed in 30 years. She looks as if she invented sex yesterday, not in the twenties." — — James Bacon, syndicated Hollywood columnist, 1972.

"Image from a Cracked Mirror" by Jacoba Atlas [1974]

• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Mae West isn’t ageless, but then no one really is. The legend that’s grown up around the woman writer Richard Schickel calls “the biggest blonde of them all” is formidable, perhaps a more potent fantasy than any other living star possesses, Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo notwithstanding.
• • Jacoba Atlas wrote: Carefully shielded from daylight, ensconced in a perpetual perfect setting, Mae West is a phenomenon who keeps on going. She will be 82 this August, and no doubt a spate of articles extolling her youth and vigor will greet the birthday celebrations. But what will they tell us of the woman behind the facade?
• • I had been in awe of Mae West • • . . . 
• • This long profile by Jacoba Atlas will be continued on the next post.  
• • Source: Los Angeles Free Press, Volume 11, issue 517; published on Friday, 14 June 1974.
• • On Sunday, 22 April 1928 • •
• • On Sunday, 22 April 1928, The New York Times was purring about Mae West. On the theatre page was an announcement that "Diamond Lil" was the most prosperous of all the recent stage productions. Broadway backers paid attention, noticing that Mae had given the Royale Theatre its first hit — — a non-musical, no less.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West is doing very well for herself as the writer and star of a picture to be called "Klondike Lou." Naturally, too, she is pretty good.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "A guy in Iowa wanted me to send him $500 to start a barber shop. Says he has invented a special Mae West haircut. I told him I'm sorry, but $500 is too much to pay for a haircut."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The New York Times discussed the Mae West trial.
• • The "Pleasure Man" trial, and the fear of being remanded to jail, took its toll on Mae West.
• • The jury's letter emphasized this point: "The failure to agree tends to demonstrate that censorship of plays by criminal litigation is not the most effective and reliable means of assuring to the play-going public of New York that no play will be presented that tends to corrupt the morals of the young. Our disagreement tends to demonstrate the unreliability, if not the futility of criminal litigation as a means of censoring plays." . . .
• • Note: These suspenseful events are dramatized in the play "Courting Mae West: Sex, Censorship, and Secrets."
• • Source: "Jury Sends Letter to the Governor" in The N.Y. Times; published on Wednesday, 16 April 1930
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,458th 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 • • in 1974 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Morse Coded

MAE WEST sang “Smooch Around” and a drawing of her appeared on the song sheet. Let’s find out more about the husband and wife songwriting team (who were also NYC music publishers).
• • “Smooch Around” [composer Theodore Morse, lyricist D.A. Estrom; 1913] • •
• • Performer: Mae West
• • First line of verse:     Little Willie Green loved a little queen …
• • First line of chorus:     Then he would smooch around …

• • Theodore F. Morse [13 April 1873 — 25 May 1924] was an American composer of popular songs.
• • Born in Washington D.C., Morse was educated at the Maryland Military and Naval Academy. He went on to study both violin and piano.
• • He and his wife, Theodora Morse, became a successful songwriting team for Tin Pan Alley. Listed as Terriss and Morse, they were one of the earliest Tin Pan Alley husband-wife songwriting teams.
• • Alfreda Theodora Strandberg [11 July 1883 — 10 November 1953] was born in Brooklyn, New York.
• • On Thursday, 7 March 1907, she married Theodore F. Morse, who was ten years older.
• • Alfreda Theodora Strandberg hid her identity with pen-names. Professionally, she often used these pseudonyms: Dorothy Terriss, Dolly Morse, and D. A. Esrom [i.e., Morse spelled backwards].
• • Versatile and talented, Theodora not only wrote with her husband — — but she also collaborated with other composers on wildly popular hits such as “Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Here.”
• • After they teamed up, the married couple also became music publishers. Theodore Morse Music Company was located here: 143-145 West 40th Street, New York, NY.
• • On Sunday, 25 May 1924, Theodore F. Morse died in New York City. He was 51.
• • Almost 30 years later, on Tuesday, 10 November 1953, Alfreda Theodora Morse died in White Plains, NY. She was 70.
• • On Monday, 21 April 1975 • •
• • Released in a hardcover edition on Monday, 21 April 1975 was "Mae West on Sex, Health and E.S.P." written by Mae West.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West has taught radio a lesson.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “I’m supposed to be a good woman and my fans don't like to see me in certain kinds of pictures."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article in The Chicago Tribune in April 1945 mentioned Mae West.
• • The Chicago Tribune wrote: "Mae West has Chicago's Hotel Stevens in a dither over her widely-broadcast invitations to friends to come up for a spiritualistic seance some time." . . .
• • Source: The Chicago Tribune; published on Friday, 13 April 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,457th 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 • • song sheet in 1913 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Secretive Life

When MAE WEST wrote “The Drag: A Homosexual Comedy” in 1926, the law stepped in and shut down the productions in 1927. Mae’s hopes of reviving her stage play came to nothing. She’d be delighted at this new surge of interest. Jeanne Huff’s article refers to the recent Boise, Idaho staging. This is Part 2 of 2 segments.
• • “The Drag” by Mae West is anything but • •  
• • What is the cost of living a secret life? • •
• • Jeanne Huff wrote: According to a synopsis on the Boise State website, the play focuses on the cost of living a secret life. "Socialite Rolly Kingsbury is trapped in a loveless marriage and living with a secret. Rolly’s father is a homophobic judge, his father-in-law, a therapist specializing in gay conversion. Colorful characters, including Minerva Jayne, give audiences a glimpse of the underground world of 1920s queer life, culminating in a lavish drag ball."
• • Jeanne Huff wrote: The Drag is supported in part by funding from the Boise State University School of the Arts and presented by special arrangement with the Mae Company, Robert A. Finkelstein, and the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
• • Jeanne Huff is the community engagement editor for the Idaho Press.
• • This article has now been concluded (with Part 2) on today’s post.
• • Source: The Idaho Press; published on Sunday, 1 March 2020.
• • On Wednesday, 20 April 1927 • •
• • The New York Herald Tribune ran with this headline — — Mae West And Two Men in Jail for Play Sex — — on Wednesday, 20 April 1927. Think of all the different ways a reader might have interpreted that headline.
• • On Wednesday, 20 April 1927 • •

• • Bruce Gould's article "'Sex' on Trial" was printed in New Republic on Wednesday, 20 April 1927 on pages 246 — 248.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West's train passed through Harrisburg, PA the other day but Mae denied herself to autograph seekers and such during the pause at the station. Those who were 'roundabout said that she had "six husky-looking bodyguards."
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I'm for clean pictures and clean everything."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The Nostalgia Merchant mentioned Mae West in a press release.
• • Capitalizing on the excitement of "Sextette," Snuff Garrett approached the legendary actress to do an autographed print run. Prints would be a limited edition run of 2,000 for the company Nostalgia Merchant — — then located at 6255 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, California 90028.
• • On Friday, 14 April 1978 Mae West did her first autograph for Snuff Garrett when she affixed her signature to their two-page agreement. By signing this paper, Mae was giving her commitment to "Autograph 2,000 Prints as Follows: Sin-cerely Mae West — — At A Time And Place Mutually Agreeable To You And Me." After she did all of her autographing duties, the Hollywood icon would be receiving her compensation: "Upon Completion of Said Autographing, You Shall Pay Me The Sum Of $6,500."
• • On April 14th, Snuff Garrett secured a run of collectibles for Nostalgia Merchant. …
• • Source: The Nostalgia Merchant; signed on Friday, 14 April 1978
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,456th 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 • • at the police precinct in 1928 • •
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Mae West: A Secret Life

When MAE WEST wrote “The Drag: A Homosexual Comedy” in 1926, the law stepped in and shut down the productions in 1927. Mae’s hopes of reviving her stage play came to nothing. She’d be delighted at this new surge of interest. Jeanne Huff’s article refers to the recent Boise, Idaho staging. This is Part 1 of 2 segments.
• • “The Drag” by Mae West is anything but • •  
• • Jeanne Huff wrote: Sometimes what goes around really does come around.
• • Jeanne Huff wrote: "The Drag: A Homosexual Comedy," a controversial, gender-bending comedy written in 1927 by Mae West, is set for a run at the Danny Peterson Theatre at the Morrison Center, March 5— 22, 2020.
• • Jeanne Huff wrote: Darrin J. Pufall-Purdy, director of University Theatre and Costume Design, department of Theatre, Film and Creative Writing is the director of the play. Also contributing to the show with original devised choreography work is Anne McDonald of Frankly Burlesque.
• • What is the cost of living a secret life? • • . . .
• • This article will be concluded (with Part 2) on Monday’s post.
• • Source: The Idaho Press; published on Sunday, 1 March 2020.
• • On Saturday, 17 April 1937 • •
• • "Mae West Disappears — Star in Retreat" • •
• • From London, the snippy, snooty British gossip columnist Greville Bain wrote: It cannot have escaped the notice of the film public that it is a long while since we had any news or even rumors of Mae West.
• • Giving his own snarky opinion, Greville Bain wrote: Even her greatest admirers had to admit that Miss West's more recent pictures were not calculated to enhance her reputation.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • 'Tis being said here and there that "Diamond Lil" herself may come to the screen if Mae West and Columbia come to terms.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “The curve is the loveliest distance between two points.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Movie Classic discussed Mae West in 1932.
• • Mae West, Broadway's Most Daring Actress, Is in Hollywood • •
• • Playwright—Actress, Whose Plays about Sex Have Often Been Raided, Will Make One Film — — Is Different from What Hollywood Expected • •

• • Madge Tennant wrote: You will see her in "Night After Night," with Nancy Carroll and George Raft. And if the public likes her in this picture, you will probably see more of her.
• • "Divine!" says Mae West of Hollywood.
• • Madge Tennant wrote: But Mae did not look especially happy when we saw her at the Legion boxing matches the other night, with James Timony, her manager. She looked about her, frowning, and few people noticed her.
• • "Oh, it's divine not to be recognized," Mae insists. "I'm so happy to be able to go about without being followed by crowds." . . .
• • Source: Article written by Madge Tennant for Movie Classic; issue dated for September 1932
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,455th 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 • • movie poster in 1932 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Drag Racy

When there is a revival or a staged reading of a controversial MAE WEST play, people flock to the venue. This is Part 7 of 7 segments.
• • “Banned 1927 Mae West Play Gets a Reading at Vermont Pride Theater” • •
• • “The Drag: A Homosexual Comedy in Three Acts” • •
• • Mae West’s credo was about self-acceptance • •
• • Dan Bolles wrote: "That's something that we're only now discovering," Holbrook said. "That you shouldn't hide behind someone, because you're hurting them."
• • Dan Bolles wrote: As for those more progressive present-day attitudes toward sexuality, she believes West would approve.  "I think one of her main things was accepting one's sexuality, embracing it and being more open about sex in general," Holbrook said. "I see that in the dialogue in this play."
• • Dan Bolles wrote: The original print version of this article was headlined "Drag Racy | A once-banned Mae West play gets a staged reading in Randolph, Vermont"
• • “The Drag” by Mae West was presented at Vermont Pride Theater.
• • This seven-part article by Dan Bolles has now been concluded with this post.  
• • Source: Seven Days Vermont; published on Wednesday, 22 January 2020.
• • On Monday, 16 April 1934 • •

• • Here's what Mae was doing on Monday, 16 April 1934, during the height of the Depression: the Paramount Pictures star had ordered and signed for a 1934 V-12 Cadillac Town Cabriolet. The specifications indicated: a black chassis; wire wheels; the top (or roof) in Landau black leather; upholstery in black leather.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Styled as “the blonde bombshell of filmdom," Jean Harlow would usher in a new category of sexy starlets who were usually buxom, often blonde, and frequently full-figured. Others — — like Mae West — — and, to a degree, Jean Harlow, established a genre of sexual, defiant characters on the silver screen.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “If I wanted local color, I sure got it in that [jail] place.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • “The Singular Boldness of One Mae West” • •
• • Rachel Wager-Smith mentioned Mae West.
• • Rachel Wager-Smith wrote: “She then served eight days in jail, eating dinner with the warden and his wife [sic] and ultimately getting two days off for good behavior. . . .
• • Note: This error-riddled article (which refused to post my corrections) mentioned Warden Schleth’s “wife,” who never met Mae. Depressed and lonely on Blackwell’s Island, Mrs. Schleth committed suicide months before Mae West arrived.
• • Source: InSession Film; published on Wednesday, 16 October 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,454th 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 • • one of her automobiles (from 1934) • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Sexuality Masked

When there is a revival or a staged reading of a controversial MAE WEST play, people flock to the venue. This is Part 6 of 7 segments.
• • “Banned 1927 Mae West Play Gets a Reading at Vermont Pride Theater” • •
• • “The Drag: A Homosexual Comedy in Three Acts” • •
• • “The Drag” did not hold up to modern views on sexuality and gender • •
• • Dan Bolles wrote: The director conceded that certain elements of “The Drag” don't hold up to evolved modern views on sexuality and gender. But she said much of the play was well ahead of its time.
• • Dan Bolles wrote: Specifically, Holbrook cited a scene in which a straight character, Allen Greyson, chastises Rolly Kingsbury for hiding his sexuality behind his wife. It's not Kingsbury's sexuality that's despicable, argues Greyson — who, by the way, is in love with Clair — but the act of using someone else to hide who he really is.
• • Mae West’s credo was about self-acceptance • •  … 
• • This seven-part article by Dan Bolles will be concluded on the next post.  
• • Source: Seven Days Vermont; published on Wednesday, 22 January 2020.
• • On Friday, 15 April 1927 • •

• • Taking advantage of the legal woes of his sister-in-law Mae West, Beverly's husband Sergei Treshatny obtained a divorce on Friday, 15 April 1927. Well, somebody had a nice weekend, eh?
• • The play "Courting Mae West" dramatizes aspects of Beverly's relationship with Sergei, her divorce, and her hot — cold bond with her older sister Mae.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Quoting Mohandas K. Gandhi and Mae West and stopping his motorcade by arrangement to greet a sixth-grade, learning-disabled student who had written to him, President George Bush sought support for his newly unveiled education program.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “Take all you can get… and give as little as possible.” [movie dialogue from “I'm No Angel”]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Gold Derby mentioned Mae West.
• • Remarkably strong female characters: 40 greatest films starring heroines, ranked • •
• • “I’m No Angel” (1933) • •
• • Gold Derby wrote: Mae West, the queen of sexual innuendo, wrote and starred in this classic of the Pre-Code era. As sideshow performer Tira, Mae West shimmies, flirts and enthralls men with her daring lion-tamer act. West was a woman ahead of her time, saying, “I wrote the story myself. It’s about a girl who lost her reputation and never missed it.”  …
• • Source: Gold Derby; published on Wednesday, 25 March 2020
• • 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,453rd 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 Beverly and Tillie in 1927 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest