Mae West: Mae-in-Vogue

Her rising star in Hollywood positioned MAE WEST as an influencer. Here Vogue re-caps articles about Mae from 1933. This is Part 1 of eight segments.
• • Mae West Ruled Fashion in 1933 • •
• • Laird Borrelli-Persson wrote:  A documentary of the life of Mae West, the vampy Brooklyn-born actor and writer, premiered last night on American Masters. While it seems easy to dismiss West as being simply over the top— — especially after having been schooled in all things camp in the lead up to last year’s Costume Institute exhibition and gala — — her influence on fashion cannot be dismissed. In 1937 Elsa Schiaparelli launched her fragrance Shocking in a bottle in the shape of West’s famously curvy silhouette. Schiaparelli pal Salvador Dalí was also a huge fan of the actor.

• • Mae West’s influence on hats, etc. • •  …
• • This fascinating 8-part series will be continued tomorrow.
• • Source: Laird Borrelli-Persson’s article in Vogue; posted on Wednesday, 17 June 2020.
• • On Wednesday, 30 June 1937 • •
• • The Straits Times in Singapore was up to date with Mae West, in their own fashion. On Wednesday, 30 June 1937, this was the headline on page 12: "Mae West Comes East to Singapore."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • British tabloids ran photographs of Kate Moss as she was busy purchasing a £12 T-shirt from the Camden branch of Snappy Snaps. A reporter noted that Kate Moss chose a tee featuring a print of Mae West — — with the logo "Mae the spirit be with you!" written across the front.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “I think Dior looks good — — on Dior.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A British brand mentioned Mae West.
• • Hellz-Bellz Holiday 2008 Preview • •
• • “Inspired by the infamous Vaudeville actress, and sexual liberator, Mae West, our Holiday collection represents for the “Born Bad” femme fatale. With West’s racy quotes which sprang, tough-dame style from the side of her mouth, she’s been firmly stamped as the personification of Hellz through her story of survival, persistence, independence and unshakable self-esteem. In her life which ended in 1980, at the age of 87, she became both an icon and pioneer for both men and women everywhere.” . . .
• • Source: Hellz-Bellz;  published during October 2008
• • 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,507th 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 fashion ad inspired by Mae West • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Arcane Ritual

On Friday, 25 June 1982, an excerpt appeared from a biography of MAE WEST. This is Part 6 of 6 parts.
• • Mae West’s Reputation Remained in Her Later Years • •
• • George Eells and Stanley Musgrove discuss the legendary star • •
• • Mae West is "everybody's favorite raunchy old lady” • •
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote:  Newspaper columnists helped establish her as — — in the felicitous words of Women's Wear Daily — — "everybody's favorite raunchy old lady.” Jim Bacon ran almost daily items detailing her flip responses, building a momentum that re-established her as a 1970s celebrity.
• • Mae West hinted about an arcane beauty ritual • •
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote:  But his biggest contribution was hinting at some arcane beauty ritual that was responsible for her remarkable physical preservation but that couldn't be explained in a family newspaper.
• • Jacqueline Susann, Lana Turner, and other jet-setters from as far away as Rio, Paris, London, and Rome telephoned to try to wring Mae's secret from Jim Bacon. . . . .
• • This fascinating series has now been concluded. We hope you simply adored it.
• • Source: Journal Gazette [Mattoon, Illinois]; published on Friday, 25 June 1982.
• • On Friday, 29 June 1934 • •

• • Mae heard more than enough objections about "It's No Sin" from Joe Breen, Catholic priests, and the censors in New York State.  "If they think it's too warm, I'll cool it off," Mae told a Newsweek reporter.  On Friday, 29 June 1934 an article appeared in The Los Angeles Herald.  Mae assured the paper that she wanted to satisfy the censors.  "You can never say," emphasized Mae, "I refused to meet somebody half way."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • By this time we needn't worry about Mae West's progress.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I have had to do my share of outsmarting men through necessity."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article on Asprey mentioned Mae West.
• • According to Jenny Johnston for the Daily Mail: A bona fide British institution, Asprey can trace its history back to 1781 and has been a presence on upmarket New Bond Street since 1847. It's held a Royal Warrant from every British monarch since Queen Victoria awarded it one in 1862, and everyone from Mae West to the Beckham family has been a customer.  . . .
• • Source: The Daily Mail (England); published on Friday, 27 June 2014
• • 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,506th 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 1934 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Raunchy Lady

On Friday, 25 June 1982, an excerpt appeared from a biography of MAE WEST. This is Part 5 of 6 parts.
• • Mae West’s Reputation Remained in Her Later Years • •
• • George Eells and Stanley Musgrove discuss the legendary star • •
• • Mae West donned a pink feather boa • •
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote: What followed was one of the most cleverly orchestrated examples of promotion since the disappearance of the old-fashioned circus press agent. Mae strutted, preened and somehow managed in varying degrees to convince reporters that she was unchanged.
• • "If you didn't know me, you'd think I was twenty-six” made good copy whether reported with a straight face or tongue in cheek.
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote: And there was no denying that Mae looked twenty to thirty years younger than her calendar age.
• • Mae West is "everybody's favorite raunchy old lady” • • . . .
• • This fascinating series will be concluded tomorrow with Part 6.
• • Source: Journal Gazette [Mattoon, Illinois]; published on Friday, 25 June 1982.
• • On Friday, 26 June 1970 • •
• • "Mae West Outstrips Raquel In Broadway Film Premiere" was the headline on Friday, 26 June 1970.  A marvelous Mae-moment in Manhattan, featuring 10,000 fans.

Mae in costume, 1970

• • New York, UPI — Mae West, making her first visit to New York in 20 years (sic) for the premiere of her film "Myra Breckinridge" Tuesday night caused one of the greatest mob scenes fans have staged on Broadway in the post World War II period.
• • More than 10,000 fans, many of them in their middle teens, gathered outside the Criterion to pay homage to the septuagenarian actress in her comeback.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • On the eve of its release, Mae West's new Hollywood film, 'It Ain't No Sin,' has been banned in New York State. Officials of the Paramount Company state that this film will be recalled and considerably altered before it is released.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I'd like to be on television. It would give me a chance to come up and see you some time."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Darien Library mentioned Mae West.
• • “Ahead of Her Time: The Life, Laughs and Legend of Mae West” • •
• • “Go West” with film historian Max Alvarez as he discusses the amazing life and career of the hilarious and unflappable Mae West (1893-1980). She was an actress/writer who scandalized Broadway and Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s. Her quick-witted, sexually aggressive female characters who lived life on men’s terms. And remember: when she's good, she's very good, but when she's bad -- she's better!
• • Join Darien Library on June 11 at 7 p.m. for this unmissable event on the Zoom virtual meeting platform.  …
• • Source: Darien Library; posted on Wednesday, 10 June 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,505th 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 • • costumed in 1970 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Audience Gasped

On Friday, 25 June 1982, an excerpt appeared from a biography of MAE WEST. This is Part 4 of 6 parts.
• • Mae West’s Reputation Remained in Her Later Years • •
• • George Eells and Stanley Musgrove discuss the legendary star • •
• • Mae West was a seasoned vaudevillian • •
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote: The surprised audience gasped and burst into applause before she uttered a word. Then, in a voice that was a combination of sauciness and innocence, she announced, "I've been honored many times" — — like any seasoned vaudevillian, Mae waited for her laugh — — "and for many things."
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote: Having insured her reception, she submitted to a series of biographical questions from co-chairmen Cukor and Wise, twisting her life history to conceal the seamier aspects of her career and to provide laughter.
• • With the interview completed, Mae threw a pink feather boa around her shoulders and tore into several songs that left the crowd cheering. Newspaper accounts of the evening read like love letters.
• • Mae West donned a pink feather boa • • . . .
• • This fascinating series will be continued tomorrow.
• • Source: Journal Gazette [Mattoon, Illinois]; published on Friday, 25 June 1982.
• • On Monday, 25 June 1956 at Idlewild Airport • •

• • When Mae West took a TWA flight from Los Angeles to New York City, her plane landed at Idlewild Airport on Monday, 25 June 1956.  She waved to fans, who were thrilled to greet her on the tarmac as she disembarked with Charles Krauser. 
• • The fight in her dressing room in Washington, DC had suddenly brought "Mr. California" into focus. The scuffle would lead to a name change to "Paul Novak."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • The irrepressible Mae West told us why love can't stand the gaff in Hollywood and why she'll take her romance elsewhere.  Bad, bad news for film-land gigolos!
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Half the people in the world impersonate me.  Men, women, and even children. They put their hands on their hips or something."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • WITF mentioned Mae West.
• • Fred Vigeant wrote: Mae West possessed creative and economic powers unheard of for a female entertainer in the 1930s and still rare today. Though she was a comedian, West grappled with some of the more complex social issues of the 20th century, including race and class tensions, and imbued even her most salacious plotlines with commentary about gender conformity, societal restrictions and what she perceived as moral hypocrisy. …
• • Source: WITF; posted on Wednesday, 10 June 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,504th 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 1956 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Sturdy Escorts

On Friday, 25 June 1982, an excerpt appeared from a biography of MAE WEST. This is Part 3 of 6 parts.
• • Mae West’s Reputation Remained in Her Later Years • •
• • George Eells and Stanley Musgrove discuss the legendary star • •
• • Mae West’s dramatic arrival in 1968 • •
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote:  Her big black Cadillac limousine drew up to the side entrance of the banquet hall a couple of minutes before the showing of the clips from “Klondike Annie,” “Every Day's a Holiday,” and “Goin' to Town“ ended.
• • Mae West’s escorts were four All-American football stars • •
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote:  She was whisked through the darkened banquet hall by her sturdy escorts, who then formed a huddle around her.
• • When the lights went up, All-American football stars O.J. Simpson, Adrian Young, Ron Yary, and Tim Rossovich broke their huddle to reveal Mae.
• • Dressed in her jeweled white satin gown, a plethora of diamonds and her silver-blonde wig, she perched on the edge of a beige chaise that rested on a white fur rug. A gold candelabrum and a gold-framed mirror completed her personal color scheme.
• • Mae West was a seasoned vaudevillian • •  . . .

• • This fascinating series will be continued tomorrow.
• • Source: Journal Gazette [Mattoon, Illinois]; published on Friday, 25 June 1982.
• • On Wednesday, 24 June 1970 • •
• • "Myra Breckinridge" at the Criterion Theatre (1514 Broadway) on Tuesday, 23 June 1970. The general release was on June 24th.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West is the world's only female "Roaring Lion." The Roaring Lions are a club made up of the football players of Loyola University, and the boys recently made Mae an honorary member. Being an advocate of the water wagon, Mae presented the team with a hand-carved one for next year's games.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "The popularity of Mae West will continue just as long as Mae West wants it to.  I never let anything stop me, once I set my heart on it. I've never had a wishbone where my backbone should be."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • WITF mentioned Mae West.
• • Fred Vigeant wrote: Mae West achieved great acclaim in every entertainment medium that existed during her lifetime, spanning eight decades of the 20th century. A full-time actress at seven, a vaudevillian at 14, a dancing sensation at 25, a Broadway playwright at 33, a silver screen ingénue at 40, a Vegas nightclub act at 62, a recording artist at 73, a camp icon at 85 — — West left no format unconquered. …
• • Source: WITF; posted on Wednesday, 10 June 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,503rd 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 vaudeville circa 1915 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: The Survivor

On Friday, 25 June 1982, an excerpt appeared from a biography of MAE WEST. This is Part 2 of 6 parts.
• • Mae West’s Reputation Remained in Her Later Years • •
• • George Eells and Stanley Musgrove discuss the legendary star • •
• • How Mae West spent her final days • •
• • Spats with her costar, Raquel Welch, and her antics and wisecracks helped put her back In the gossip columns again. The authors also reveal how, her health falling and her reliance on longtime lover and bodyguard Paul Novak increasing, Mae West spent her final days.
• • Note: The rest of this piece is by George Eells and Stanley Musgrove.

• • Eells and Musgrove wrote: On Sunday evening, 10 February 1968, Mae's appearance on the Program of the 30th Anniversary Honorary Award Banquet of Delta Kappa Alpha marked her elevation to a new social plane.
• • Eells and Musgrove wrote: It may be true, as one of her friends observed, that acceptance was given to Mae West the character, the survivor, rather than the actress. And the friend found that sad, but if it was true, Mae was either unaware or unfazed by it.
• • Mae West’s dramatic arrival in 1968 • • . . .
• • This fascinating series will be continued tomorrow.
• • Source: Journal Gazette [Mattoon, Illinois]; published on Friday, 25 June 1982.
• • On Friday, 23 June 1922 in Variety • •
• • Mae West and Harry Richman performed together in Manhattan during June 1922, billing their act "Bits of Musical Comedy — — Mae West assisted by Harry Richman," and most of the material was written by The Firefly of Broadway herself.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Lots of hinterland towns have been cashing in with "for adults only" ballyhoos on the exhibition of Mae West's 'She Done Him Wrong.' The word-of-mouth has now percolated into the backwoods and the old folks, particularly the men, turn out for 'Wrong,' to good grosses.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Sex is emotion in motion."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • WITF mentioned Mae West.
• • Fred Vigeant wrote: “American Masters — Mae West: Dirty Blonde” is the first major documentary film to explore Mae West’s life and career as she “climbed the ladder of success wrong by wrong” to become a writer, performer and subversive agitator for social change. . . .
• • Source: WITF; posted on Wednesday, 10 June 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,502nd 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 10 February 1968 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: She Scandalized

On Friday, 25 June 1982, an excerpt appeared from a biography of MAE WEST. This is Part 1 of 6 parts.
• • Mae West’s Reputation Remained in Her Later Years • •
• • George Eells and Stanley Musgrove will write about the legendary star • •
• • Editor's note: Few women in the past century have had a more indelible impression on American culture than the legendary Mae West, who single-handedly scandalized the world with her sultry manner, her double-entendre wisecracks, her voracious appetite for men, and her single-minded devotion to the institution of Mae West.
• • In excerpts from their definitive biography of the actress, Stanley Musgrove and George Eells attempt to separate myth from reality, only to find that even the reality was of mythical proportions.

Mae West as Leticia

• • The final excerpt from their book picks up in the late 1960s when a sudden resurgence of interest in Mae West resulted in a showy, outrageous vehicle for her, "Myra Breckenridge," which would be the next to last film of her career.
• • How Mae West spent her final days • • . . .
• • This fascinating series will be continued tomorrow.
• • Source: Journal Gazette [Mattoon, Illinois]; published on Friday, 25 June 1982.
• • On Saturday, 22 June 1935 in Picturegoer • •
• • The British film magazine Picturegoer, issue dated for 22 June 1935, offered an article "Previews of the Latest Films" and the first one was "Goin’ to Town" starring Mae West.
• • On Tuesday, 22 June 1982 in Los Angeles • •
• • Mae West's name was in the news again on Tuesday, 22 June 1982 when her former partner Paul Novak sued to have her Will overturned.  The case was listed as Charles Krauser v. Estate of Mae West, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles on 22 June 1982.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • With the banking holiday and the scarcity of cash, the downtown houses are light on attendance. The Paramount is repeating Mae West in person and on the screen In 'She Done Him Wrong.' (Paramount), which should produce about $28,000, under expectations. Ads in the dallies on the flicker carried a large cut-out of Miss West and the line 'You Can Bank on Me.'
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I prefer doing things behind closed doors."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Variety mentioned Mae West.
• • "A Brooklyn Repeat Also for Mae West after N.Y." • •
• • Instead of going out to Chicago to play a personal for B. and K., Mae West will go back to the Paramount, Brooklyn, Friday (10), with her picture, "She Done Him Wrong," for a second week there.
• • The combination played Brooklyn week of Feb. 24, doing $14,200, and was then brought back to the New York Paramount for a third week, currently.
• • As a result of the Brooklyn repeat date, the Chicago personal appearance will be set back to March 17th. On its conclusion, Miss West goes to Hollywood to prepare for her next Paramount picture, which the studio wants to put into work by April 1. …
• • Source: Variety; published on Tuesday, 7 March 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,501st 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 her personal assistant Robert Duran and her nephew John West on the set in 1970 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Knock, Knock

After years of touring in vaude, MAE WEST was happy to have one address and to relax at home — — if she felt like it — — in Apartment 611. Real estate listings praise locations but one tenant moved here strictly for the Westian history.
• • Amy Wallace wrote: Perhaps L.A.’s most famous apartment dweller is the golden age actress-screenwriter-sex symbol Mae West. The blond bombshell — known for her bawdy humor and one-liners like “When I’m good, I’m very good. But when I’m bad, I’m better”— moved into No. 611 of the Ravenswood Apartments on Rossmore Avenue in 1930 and stayed five decades. She died in the living room on November 22, 1980, at the age of 87.
• • Interior designer Kimberly Biehl Schmidt • •

Apartment 611

• • Amy Wallace wrote: Interior designer Kimberly Biehl Schmidt knows all this. She’s obsessed enough with Old Hollywood to own a set of Mary Pickford’s chairs, some books of Cary Grant’s, and a Hedy Lamarr painting, among other artifacts. So imagine her excitement when she learned that West’s unit was available. Schmidt took a look at the original light fixtures, the arched doorways, and the lavender bathroom tiles and rented it immediately. She moved in February 1.
• • Amy Wallace wrote: There are those who see apartment living not only as an affordable alternative to home ownership, but preferable to it. No property taxes to pay. No gutters to clean. There’s a sense of community in the common spaces. And if you’re lucky, like Schmidt, there’s a sense of shared history. She has read about how West loved to host séances in No. 611 and how she did her most inspired writing in bed. Schmidt hopes some of Mae West’s creative energy still resides in the apartment. “I haven’t even moved in,” she says, “and I can’t ever imagine moving out.”
• • Note: The Ravenswood Apartments: 570 North Rossmore in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. 
• • Source: Los Angeles Magazine; published on Thursday, 4 February 2016.
• • On Monday, 19 June 1933 • •
• • A line eliminated from the script of "I'm No Angel" (dated for Monday, 19 June 1933) is a statement by Tira, during her sideshow performance: "That's all, boys. Now you can go home and beat your wives." Sheesh. Who would think that was a knee-slapper?
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West got fair $14,500 on 'She Done Him wrong,' but would have bettered that If the opposition hadn't been so hot.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “It’s my home. As long as the building stands, I will never leave.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The Shubert Archive mentioned Mae West.
• • The Royale’s first big hit was Mae West’s “Diamond Lil” (1928), a drama set in a dance hall on New York’s Bowery. Jack Linder was the credited producer but the Shuberts had a 19 ¼% investment in the show and early in 1929 bought out all the production rights.
• • Mae West, who was nobody’s fool, received 52% of the net profits instead of a performer’s salary. As the author, under the standard Dramatists’ Guild contract, she was also entitled to royalties.
• • In 1931 she returned to the house in “The Constant Sinner.” . . .
• • Source: Newsletter of the Shubert Archive (Vol. 24); published in 2004/2005
• • 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,500th 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 • •  at home in 1934 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Loose Enough

“Cultivate your curves. They may be dangerous but they won't be avoided,” said MAE WEST. Magazine writers are still finding new angles on that famous figure. Let’s take a look. This is Part 4 of 4 excerpts.
• • Mae West’s Secret to Keeping Her Signature Curves • • 
• • Mae West advocated for taking care of yourself • •
• • Jess Catcher wrote: We’re not sure if she was embellishing, but there’s no denying Mae West looked amazing her whole life. She put it more simply in a chat with Anjelica Huston for Interview magazine in 1974, “I eat the right foods, exercise, take care of myself.”
• • Jess Catcher wrote: Whether West was wearing a corset, working out, or relying on a natural boost of energy to maintain her curves, there’s one thing we can all agree on — her personality was what really sealed her legendary status. We’ll leave you with one more quote to remind you: “I like my clothes to be tight enough to show I’m a woman, but loose enough to show I’m a lady.”
• • This four part series has now been concluded with Part 4. Did you enjoy it?
• • Source: Woman’s World; published on Monday, 22 July 2019.
• • On Tuesday 18 June 1935 • •

• • On Tuesday 18 June 1935, the Camperdown Chronicle in Australia printed an article. Their local Theatre Royal was going to feature, as its Wednesday attraction, Mae West in "Belle of the Nineties."
• • Camperdown Chronicle wrote: Mae West's amazing new contribution to screen history, "Belle of the Nineties," reveals the Paramount screen sensation more beautiful and alluring than ever as the foremost charmer of the gallant Southland of the Gay and Naughty Nineties.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Mae West offers a grand to any Yale man submitting an acceptable play synopsis.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises." 
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Roger Ebert mentioned Mae West.
• • Remembering Mae West • •
• • Roger Ebert wrote: Almost until the end, Miss West appeared in public in the same glamorous style. Arthur Knight, professor of cinema at the University of Southern California, recalls her appearance at his film class only five years ago. In the platinum gown and with a USC football player on each arm.
• • Mae West wore blue jeans • •
• • Roger Ebert wrote: She told the students that on "Every Day's a Holiday" (1937), "I wrote the screenplay in 57 seconds ... but it took a lot longer to make the movie." She confided that in her private life she wore jeans and a sweatshirt and worked with the horses on her ranch outside Los Angeles. But she was never, ever, photographed that way. …
• • Source: web site of Roger Ebert; published on Sunday, 23 November 1980
• • 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 4,499th 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 1937 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Free Rein

“Cultivate your curves. They may be dangerous but they won't be avoided,” said MAE WEST. Magazine writers are still finding new angles on that famous figure. Let’s take a look. This is Part 3 of 4 excerpts.
• • Mae West’s Secret to Keeping Her Signature Curves • • 
• • Mae West and the curves • •
• • Jess Catcher wrote: “What can be accomplished by the feminine figure, once it’s nipped here and there, and allowed free rein elsewhere — you’d be surprised!” Mae West said. Of course, shape-wear has changed a lot over the years, but it still serves the same purpose West was looking for. “You got to have something to put in ‘em. Know what I mean?” We do! There’s no shame in getting a little help here and there.

Mae onstage as Diamond Lil

• • Jess Catcher wrote: Mae also revealed another secret about her enviable body. “I have an extra thyroid gland,” she said. “It gives me twice the energy and twice, the, you know, everything else I guess.”
• • Mae West advocated for taking care of yourself • • … 
• • This four part series will be concluded tomorrow.
• • Source: Woman’s World; published on Monday, 22 July 2019.
• • On Friday, 17 June 1932 • •
• • Mae West would, no doubt, be capable of delivering "curdling melodrama," predicted the publication Hollywood Citizen News in its issue dated Friday, 17 June 1932.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Latest in the Mae West builder-upper series is the Society for Advancement of Feminism, purpose of which is to discourage the wearing or usage of mannish clothes and habits among women. Jack Mclnerney of Publix created the idea, which was handled last week as though a regular legal proposition. Incorporation papers were asked of Supreme Court Justice Aaron J. Levy who granted them in the usual manner.
• • Miss West is listed first among the incorporators.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “No secret marriage stuff for me."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Chicago Tribune mentioned Mae West.
• • Bombshells who followed in her footsteps • •
• • Mae West loved diamonds from the time she first encountered them at age 4. "There is nothing better in life than diamonds except maybe health," she told author Charlotte Chandler.
• • Mae West also loved pushing cultural boundaries with her still-repeated double-entendres via her most famous character, Diamond Lil, originally created for the stage. Lil was immortalized in West's 1933's "She Done Him Wrong" and came to influence generations of other sexy blonds who "always knew how." …
• • Source: Chicago Tribune; published on Friday, 24 April 2009
• • 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 4,498th 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 • • onstage in 1928 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Showing Off

“Cultivate your curves. They may be dangerous but they won't be avoided,” said MAE WEST. Magazine writers are still finding new angles on that famous figure. Let’s take a look. This is Part 2 of 4 excerpts.
• • Mae West’s Secret to Keeping Her Signature Curves • •   
• • Mae West believed in regular exercise • •
• • Jess Catcher wrote: The actress was known for her dedication to light weight-lifting and regularly working out on an exercise bike. In fact, even at 83, West made a point of showing off her stationary bike in a Guardian interview. But she wasn’t afraid of changing her famous figure for a role, either.

A scene from "Diamond Lil"

• • Jess Catcher wrote: Back in 1933, she spoke with the San Jose News about “fattening up” for Diamond Lil, a play that she wrote. This included a diet of creamed chicken on buttered toast, lobster Newburg, and chocolate cream cake.
• • Mae West bought customized corsets from Madame Binner • •
• • Jess Catcher wrote: West also relied on custom corsets from Madame Binner, a renowned New York corsetiere, to put everything in its place.
• • Mae West and the curves • •  . . .
• • This four part series will be continued tomorrow.
• • Note: Madame Binner was the first to attach garters to the corset to hold up stockings. Her successful shop was on Fifth Avenue and East 58th Street in Manhattan.
• • Source: Woman’s World; published on Monday, 22 July 2019.
• • On Saturday, 16 June 1934 • •
• • A featured article "Come Up and Meet Mae West" by Frank Condon appeared in Collier's Magazine, in their issue dated for 16 June 1934.  Mae's recent robbery was described. And the actress explained why she did not like "Belle of the Nineties": "Too much of me in it. The story just didn't turn out right."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • In 1974 and 1975, Mae was more reclusive though she did see some interviewers, such as the young Anjelica Huston and Peter Lester.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "We women have been kept down for a long time. And I guess equality will come. That's progress."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Variety mentioned Mae West.
• • Prince and Princess Selandia of 'Scandanavia,' although their royal heritage is never made quite clear, make a hit with their dance imitations of Hollywood stars.
• • Their best turn is in a takeoff on Chaplin and Paulette Goddard in "The Great Dictator," and other impersonations include Mae West and Harold Lloyd, Garbo and Stokowski, Snow White and Dopey. The Princess is impressive with her vivacious impersonations. . . .
• • Source: Variety; New York edition; published on Wednesday, 28 May 1941
• • 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 4,497th 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 • • onstage in 1928 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Soft Curves

“Cultivate your curves. They may be dangerous but they won't be avoided,” said MAE WEST. Magazine writers are still finding new angles on that famous figure. Let’s take a look. This is Part 1 of 4 excerpts.
• • Mae West’s Secret to Keeping Her Signature Curves • • 
• • Jess Catcher wrote: Even decades after her heyday in Hollywood, Mae West is still remembered for her enviable figure and sassy quotes. At a time when other major starlets were maintaining the petite flapper girl frame, West embraced her curves — and the attention that came with it.
• • Jess Catcher wrote: When discussing her looks over the years, West would mention her hourglass shape by saying things like, “Cultivate your curves — they may be dangerous, but they won’t be avoided.” She also quipped, “I never worry about diets. The only carrots that interest me are the number you get in a diamond.” Well, we have to admit, it’s hard to disagree with that logic!
• • Mae West believed in regular exercise • •  . . .
• • This four part series will be continued tomorrow.
• • Source: Woman’s World; published on Monday, 22 July 2019
• • On Saturday, 15 June 1935 • •

• • It was on Saturday, 15 June 1935 that Mae West made headlines in The Hutchinson News [Hutchinson, Kansas].  Here's the story:  A controversy developed over Hollywood starlet Mae West's sometimes marriages. Her latest film "Goin' to Town" at the air-conditioned Fox Theatre, featured West as a married woman taking two husbands and the third — — who had met an untimely demise — — all to get her clutches on the one she actually wanted.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Don Mario, the heir of a supposedly wealthy family in Venice who came over here on a visit and went into a New York night club as a singer to pick up some coin, may land in Hollywood. Mae West, who saw him at the nitery, has had a screen test made of the handsome young lad, Don Mario, with her next picture for Paramount in mind.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “The score never interested me, only the game.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An academic paper mentioned Mae West.
• • Jenna Simpson wrote: As Mae West complained in 1934, "'Why, in pictures, you don't have to worry about censorship— — much — — once you learn the rules.... In New York they let you go ahead and do it and then they break in and arrest you." . . .
• • Source: “Reforming the Stage and Screen: How Expectations, Audiences, and Economics Shaped the Film and Theatre Censorship Movements in Early-1930s New York” by Jenna Simpson; posted in 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,496th 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 1935 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest