skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Judges and members of the legal profession were not held in high esteem by MAE WEST but she went on to punctuate her screenplays with amusing trial scenes, goggle-eyed jurors, and ridiculous lawyers. 
• • Frank McGlynn, Sr. has the distinction of working twice with Mae, first as a justice of the peace in "Belle of the Nineties" [1934] and shortly after as a judge in "Goin' to Town" [1935].
• • Born on 26 October 1866 in San Francisco, California, he directed a dozen silent shorties between 1910 — 1915. The long and lean six-footer transitioned into talking pictures and, with his gaunt high-cheekboned face, he created memorable portrayals of historical figures such as Abe Lincoln during the 1930s and 1940s. His resume lists 132 cinema roles between 1911 and his final farewell "Hollywood Barn Dance" [1947], filmed when he was 81 years old.
• • Frank McGlynn, Sr. died in Newburgh, NY in the month of May — — on 18 May 1951 — — at age 85.
• • Cosmo Girl, May 1970 • •
• • The article "Mae West Raps" appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine on pages 130-133 of the May 1970 issue. George Christy threaded together a number of Mae's comments from previous interviews and presented them cleverly, showcasing Mae's quick wit and her remarkable viewpoints on many topics.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • From Taranaki, New Zealand, Kate Saunders writes: David Hartnell concedes the gossip game has changed with the advent of YouTube and Twitter, and no-one stands up to the kind of stardom that the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Mae West cultivated. "Gossip columns have become quite vindictive, almost bitchy," he said. "Sometimes I'm a bit razor-tongued, but that's the best gossip there is." . . .
• • Source: Article: "Hartnell outs NZ celebrities — — there are none" written by Kate Saunders for Taranaki Daily News [New Zealand]; posted on 18 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1934th 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1934 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
Did MAE WEST name the character "Slick Wiley" (and was she thinking about another shifty so-so she had dated) when she worked on the script for "I'm No Angel" [Paramount Pictures, 1933]?
• • Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the month of May — — on 17 May 1899 — — Ralf H. Wigger wiggled his surname to Ralf Harolde and headed for the Hollywood Hills. Often cast in bit parts, Ralf Harolde racked up nearly 100 motion picture credits between 1920 — 1963.
• • In "I'm No Angel," the slinky five-foot-eleven Easterner played Tira's jealous boyfriend, Slick, who tails her to the hotel where she is romancing a big spender from Dallas. When Slick knocks the Texan unconscious and robs him, he puts Tira in a compromising position.
• • In his comprehensive reference work All Movie Guide, Hal Erickson explains how the actor's forward momentum got side-swiped in Tinseltown. Erickson writes: Ralf Harolde's film career came to a screeching halt when, in 1937, he was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in the death of fellow actor Monroe Owsley. When Ralf re-emerged on screen in 1941, it was clear that the tragedy had taken its toll: Harolde's facial features had taken on a gaunt, haunted look, and his hair had turned completely white. Remaining active until the mid-1950s, Ralf Harolde still had a few good screen characterizations left in him — — most notably the sleazy sanitarium doctor in "Murder My Sweet" (1944).
• • On 1 November 1974, Ralf Harolde died of pneumonia in Santa Monica, California at age 75.
• • Where They Lived — — Two Drama Critics • • 
• • During the 1930s, when they were criticizing the performances of Mae West, George Jean Nathan [1882 — 1958] and Robert Benchley [1889 — 1945] were in residence at The Royalton, located on West 44th Street near The Algonquin, where Dorothy Parker and the "vicious circle" enjoyed long luncheons.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • You've heard of a "spaghetti Western" but Syracuse brought a "spaghetti WEST" to its New York State audience on 16 May 2011. Spaghetti Warehouse is located at 689 N. Clinton St. (near Syracuse's Inner Harbor) in upstate New York.
• • Russ Tarby writes: "Belle of the Nineties," a film set in 1890s New Orleans, will be screened by the Syracuse Cinephile Society at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 16th, at the Spaghetti Warehouse. Starring Mae West, the 1934 flick features Duke Ellington and his Orchestra accompanying Mae on "St. Louis Woman" and "Memphis Blues." ...
• • Source: News item: "Duke Meets Mae" written by Russ Tarby for Eagle News; posted on 15 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1933rd 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1933; Royalton Hotel (1930s) • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
MAE WEST collectors are everywhere but a most extraordinary West Coast Mae-maven has, unfortunately, left us at 3:00 AM on Sunday morning, 15 May 2011 in Southern California. Born in Tucson, Arizona, Ramfis Anthony Diaz [20 February 1963 — 15 May 2011] began his extensive acquisition of Westiana around the time that Mae starred in "Myra Breckinridge" [1970], when he was quite young. Around 1994, Ramfis, then a 31-year-old musician, instituted a yearly tradition of having a festive open house in the Hollywood area to honor Mae West on August 17th. Despite being in deep mourning for his close friend, Damon Devine has very kindly consented to write an obituary. We share this heartfelt remembrance with all of you.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • Damon Devine writes: I cannot believe I am writing this, as it still seems surreal. Ramfis Diaz, one of the most well known and loved in the West Coast Mae West Circle, has died. He was 48 and lived in Los Angeles. 
• • An August 17th tradition: Ramis organized and hosted our annual Mae West Birthday Party, each August 17th. Rain or shine, he made it happen. During those years when money was scarce, we still had a little food and lots of Mae West. During times of plenty, the party-goers were treated to lots of refreshments and even more Mae West.
• • It is my vote to end this August 17th tradition now, however, since the once-joyful parties will no longer be the same without him. I, for one, don't feel worthy enough to make it happen; moreover, I do not want to commingle a deep sadness along with our celebration of Mae West. Our party was full of fellowship and high spirits. At least to me, we should remember it for what it was. Ramfis used to always put my name on the cake along with Mae's. I never had the heart to tell him my birthday was July 28th! It was a beautiful gesture though.
• • A well-loved gentleman: EVERYONE loved Ramfis, absolutely everyone. There wasn't a mean bone in his body. His real friends can he counted in the hundreds, his memorable acquaintances in the thousands. He was a sex symbol in his own right (and a total inspiration to me) who lived a very Mae West lifestyle, as far as being free and finding the notion of monogamy somewhat bewildering. Despite his naughty nature, there was an incredibly endearing naivety about him, an almost childlike innocence in other areas of life. I have never known anyone like him. 
• • Our first meeting: In 1992 I had originally met Ramfis when I worked at a movie memorabilia shop in Hollywood. We were immediate friends in our love of Mae West, and we became like brothers. All these many years, Ramfis called me "little brother" (— — here come the tears, at last). Having had no siblings, this always meant more to me than he could have ever known.
• • One man's museum dedicated to Mae West: His Mae West collection was the most massive I had ever seen. And not a millimeter of it was based on greed! He loved Mae West as though she were a beloved relative or a Goddess who brought him both inspiration in life, and consolation in tough times. Outside of his work, friendships, and romances, Mae West was a huge part of his life. His apartments were always covered with Mae West memorabilia, and, in fact, he played songs from Mae West's films on piano, in public, many times. I adore Mae West (my tattoos of her vouch for that!) — — but Ramfis could make even ME cringe, as he gushed over her to throngs of leather-clad men with full beards in a bar he worked at, photo album pages flipping, exclaiming: "Doesn't she look amazing for 53? This photo is from Come On Up, 1946!!" He was completely oblivious to their total lack of interest! They were there for "other reasons" but that was what was so dear about Ramfis. When it came to his love for Mae West, there were no boundaries. He felt, quite strongly, that EVERYONE needed a little Mae West in their lives. She was, undoubtedly, his greatest love. If there is an afterlife of some kind, I hope Mae West is waiting for him. That is my only consolation today — — in that I know nothing would please him more.
• • • • Written exclusively for the Mae West Blog by Damon Devine, Los Angeles, CA.• • • • PUBLIC MEMORIAL for RAMFIS DIAZ • • • • • • Funeral services for Ramfis Anthony Diaz will be held on Thursday, 26 May 2011. Visiting hours will be from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM in order to accommodate Ram's loved ones, coworkers, and neighbors. Ram's brother Danny tells me that McKenzie Mortuary seats 70 people only, so the family decided to hold services at the church in Long Beach instead; capacity there is 400.
• • WHERE: First United Presbyterian, 600 East 5th Street [corner of 5th & Atlantic], Long Beach, CA. First United Presbyterian is more suitable for the crowd of mourners that will be expected next week.
• • INFO: Tel. (562) 436-9707.
• • Comments in loving remembrance of the deceased can be posted here. Thank you for stopping here to offer your kindness meant for the family of Ramfis Diaz.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Reflecting upon the death of Mae West celebrant Ramfis Diaz, Ian Macnicol told Damon Devine: I am desperately sorry to hear this sad news. Ramfis was such a kind and gentle man. Although I only met him a few times, he was someone I always hoped I would meet again. His loss must be very great to those who knew him well. Don't be too quick to decide that there will be no more Mae West parties — — continuing them in his name would be a lovely way of commemorating him. I am sending out good thoughts to his family and friends at this sad time.
• • Source: public posting about the death of Ramfis Diaz
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The Sahara Hotel, where Mae West introduced "The Mae West Revue," is no more.
• • LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) — Las Vegas marks the end of an era this week as one of the US gambling mecca's last original "Rat Pack" casino-hotels, the Sahara, finally closes its doors. Opened in 1952, the Sahara hosted everyone from Mae West, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lewis to Frank Sinatra and the Beatles in the 1950s and 60s, and their photos still decorate the walls above the reception. ...
• • Source: Article: "End of an era as Vegas casino closes" written by Romain Raynaldy for AFP; posted on Sunday, 15 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1932nd 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West devotees • • Ramfis Diaz, Damon Devine • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
MAE WEST worked twice with Lee Phelps, who appeared in almost 650 motion pictures between 1917 and 1953 and received his wages but very little advancement or screen credit.
• • Born in Philadelphia in the month of May — — on 15 May 1893 — — Lee Phelps made his home in Culver City, California where several studios were based and where castings directors sent out a daily call for extras. He often played a cop, a guard, a bartender, a deliveryman, or a face in the crowd. Greta Garbo fans may remember when she ordered a whiskey in "Anna Christie" [1930] — — and he served it to her.
• • His Irish face and shiny pate can be spotted in "She Done Him Wrong" [1933] as a saloon waiter-singer and also (in a small comic moment) during "I'm No Angel" [1933] as a sideshow spectator who leers at kootchy-koo dancer Tira. Working right up to the end, Lee Phelps died in Los Angeles, California on 19 March 1953. He was 59 years old.
• • On 15 May 1964 • •
• • Mae West was interviewed by journalist Martin J. Quigley for Motion Picture Herald. The article appeared in the 15 May 1964 issue of this popular fan magazine devoted to screen stars.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Howard Simons writes: Mae West may have said, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful,” but even she knew better. Anyone who is drowning in money had best consider it is still drowning, and that is a fate to be avoided. . . .
• • Source: Article: "The Condition of the Financial Sector and the Limits to Money" written by Howard Simons for Minyanville: posted on 9 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1931st 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1933 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
MAE WEST chose the music that would appear in her Broadway hit "Diamond Lil" [1928] and many of these old-fashioned barroom favorites would reappear on the soundtrack of "She Done Him Wrong" [filmed in 1932], though Hollywood often omitted these credits. In addition to the numbers that Mae performed onscreen as saloon singer Lady Lou, there were musical interludes played during the film and a few well-worn pieces that the actors performed at the piano in Gus Jordan's tavern on the Bowery. These were the songs Mae grew up with, that would have been popular when her parents were courting and went to a bar — — when social drinking was not the crime it became during the Prohibition Era — — a time of nickel beer and simple pleasures with neighborhood friends thirty years before.
• • "She's More to Be Pitied Than Censured" • •• • "She's More to Be Pitied Than Censured" first appeared in the 1890s (sometime between 1894 — 1898). This ballad was written under the pseudonym "William B. Gray" by a variety artist who got his start in show business as a member of the Glenroy Brothers, exhibition boxers. Mr. Glenroy, who wrote both the music and the lyrics, was also active as a singer, usually doing duets with his vaudeville partner Henry Lamb.
• • In the motion picture version, "She's More to Be Pitied Than Censured" was sung in the saloon by Fred Santley. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah on 20 November 1887 as Frederic Mansfield, Fred was the brother of the Hollywood actor/director Joseph Santley.
• • During the month of May — — on 14 May 1953 — — Fred Santley died in Los Angeles, California. He was 65 years old.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Today's installment of "Quote, Unquote" is much too delightful to be shortened or relegated to an abbreviated format. Written by the California newspaper publisher Gary Dickson, his column appears below in its entirety.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • Press On: Once can be enough • •
• • Written by: Gary Dickson, publisher, Record-Bee
• • The daily quote box on my computer homepage often includes an entry by Mae West. I always find them to be among the most entertaining statements of all the famous people whose quotes appear in that space. Mae West is one of the most quoted women in history, which is an amazing accomplishment for the late film star who was born in Brooklyn in 1893. At birth she was given the name Mary Jane West. She received very little schooling because she began performing on the vaudeville stage while most youngsters were starting elementary school. But, it's safe to say that she certainly received an education.
• • Mae West once sarcastically quipped, "I believe in censorship. I made a fortune out of it." She was referring to how, through most of her show business career, she was dogged by those who wanted to control her words and actions on screen and on stage.
• • Being censored early on moved her from being relatively unknown to being the talk of New York City and later, the country. In 1926 she was arrested on charges of obscenity for her play "Sex." West spent 10 days in jail, but more importantly, at a time of societal changes, "the Roaring 20s," she received a great deal of publicity and created a large amount of public interest. Just two years later, her Broadway play, "Diamond Lil" was a huge box office success.
• • Broadway led to Hollywood and movie fame. Her first role was just a small part in a George Raft film called "Night After Night." But, an ad-libbed line got her noticed. In one of her scenes a coat check girl notices her jewelry and says, "Goodness! What lovely diamonds!" I'm not sure what Mae's scripted reply was supposed to be, but she retorted, "Goodness had nothing to with it."
• • She was not only the star of her second movie in 1932, but "She Done Him Wrong" was also based on one of her own plays. The movie received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture and made a star out of Cary Grant. She continued to make movies during the 1940s and for a period of time became the highest paid female in the United States.
• • The battles with the censors remained on ongoing issue. Mae West has been given credit for almost single-handedly being responsible for the implementation of the Motion Picture Production Code. Because of the censors, Mae developed her method of double talk or double entendre so the viewer could take what they wanted to from her lines. About this she said, "If I asked for a cup of coffee, someone would search for the double meaning," and "It's hard to be funny when you have to be clean." In the 1940s, primarily due to the censors, she left the screen and returned to the stage, which has always been a less controlled environment than the movies.
• • There is no question that West leaned toward an approach to marriage, relationships and sex that was often considered risqué or taboo during the majority of her lifetime. There are lots of her famous quotes that make this clear. My favorites include, "Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before," "I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it," and "When I'm good, I'm very good. But when I'm bad I'm better."
• • Regardless of how individuals judge Mae West, I believe she earned and deserves her place in history. She was certainly a woman who was way ahead of her time. In a much more conservative era she spoke and acted openly, honestly and frankly. She was an overachiever with an excellent philosophy on life. One of my favorite Mae West quotes illustrates that view. She said, "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
• • Source: Gary Dickson is the publisher of the Record-Bee. Call him at 707-263-5636, ext. 24. E-mail him at gdickson@record-bee.com. Posted on Friday, 13 May 2011
• • Lake County Record-Bee, PO Box 849 Lakeport, CA 95453; T. 707-263-5636
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1930th 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1932 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
MAE WEST often lent her name to charitable causes and worthy efforts. On Saturday evening, 14 May 2011 there will be a "Celebrity Fantasy Fundraiser" for the Novato Theater Company in beautiful Marin County. Expect to see celebrity look-alikes such as Mae West skillfully portrayed by local actress Dani Innocenti Beem. NTC actors will also appear in character as Peter Pan, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. The goal is to help finance the new NTC performing arts center.
• • WHERE: Rickey’s Restaurant, 250 Entrada Dr., Novato, California. Info: 892-883-4498. Tell them you heard about it on the Mae West Blog.
• • Photo: Dani Innocenti Beem as she appeared in "Guys and Dolls"• • Frank Rice [1892 — 1936] • • 
• • In "Belle of the Nineties" [1934] cinema staple and singer Frank Rice played the Best Man at a wedding — — so maybe some rice was thrown during rehearsals.
• • Born in Muskegon, Michigan during the month of May — — on 13 May 1892 — — the long-necked and balding funnyman was often the casting director's pick when a moment of comic relief was called for such as his rolling-eyeballs specialty (which was on display when he played the butler in a Laurel and Hardy movie).
• • After appearing in 131 productions, from playful shorts in 1912 to meatier bits by the 1930s, Frank Rice died prematurely at age 43 of complications ensuing from hepatitis and nephritis. He was in demand and working right up to the end in Los Angeles, when he breathed his last on 9 January 1936 two years after working with Mae West in her fascinating screen role as Ruby Carter.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • WMC — — researchers use these three letters to refer to Working Memory Capacity.
• • Science reporter Christine Marchello writes: "People differ with regard to how well they can control their emotions, and one factor that predicts it is non-emotional in nature -- it is a 'cold' cognitive construct," psych professor Heath A. Demaree explains referring to Working Memory Capacity.
• • Science reporter Christine Marchello explains: Participants were asked to rate their familiarity with a list of people and places. This list had 72 real items such as Mae West and hydroponics, as well as 18 fake items including Queen Alberta and plates of parallax. ...
• • Source: Article: "When Words Get Hot, Mental Multitaskers Collect Cool" written by Christine Marchello and condensed and reprinted by Science Daily; posted on 11 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1929th 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1934 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
The motion picture "Sextette," starring MAE WEST, featured a few individuals who played themselves in a brief cameo.
• • West Coast journalist James Bacon had a walk-on part in "Sextette" [1978] as a reporter. Born in Buffalo, NY in the month of May — — on 12 May 1914 — — industrious news man James Bacon was awarded his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work as a Hollywood columnist on 6 April 2007.
• • James Bacon died of congestive heart failure in Northridge, California on 18 September 2010. He was 96 years old.
• • Where They Lived — — Cary Grant • • 
• • In 1931, right before he went to Tinseltown to try his luck, British native Cary Grant was renting a room at the National Vaudeville Artists Club [229 West 46th]. After the Wall Street crash, casting calls decreased, therefore, in January 1932 Cary climbed into his yellow sports car, a Packard, and headed to the West Coast with his buddy Phil Charig. Grant was hired for the motion picture "This Is the Night" [1932]. Soon after, Mae West noticed him and pulled him into her project for Paramount Pictures, where he appeared as "The Hawk" a.k.a. Captain Cummings.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Dothan, Alabama native Johnny Mack Brown [1904 — 1974] was 23 in 1927 when he was cast in his first motion picture. Seven years later, the handsome six-foot-one actor played the role of Brooks Claybourne in "Belle of the Nineties" [1934]. Alabama reporter Peggy Ussery writes: In all, Brown appeared in more than 165 B-Western movie and television productions and starred with Hollywood legends like Mae West, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Mary Pickford, John Wayne, and Tex Ritter. ...
• • Source: Article: "Annual festival seeks to keep memory of cowboy movie hero alive" written by Peggy Ussery for the Dothan Eagle; posted on 11 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1928th 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • N.V.A., 1920s • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
The classic motion picture "She Done Him Wrong," written by and starring MAE WEST, featured numerous old-fashioned songs, skillfully threaded through the soundtrack.
• • "After the Ball" [1892] was a very popular piece of music written by Charles Harris, who was born in the month of May — — on 1 May 1865 in Poughkeepsie, New York. This piece was played on Gus Jordan's saloon piano by Fuzzy Knight (though probably dubbed).
• • “Fuzzy” Knight, who usually portrayed a comic sidekick in dozens of motion pictures, was born John Forest Knight in the month of May — — on 9 May 1901 in Fairmont, West Virginia. Knight died on 23 February 1976.
• • "Chickadee" on DVD in May 2011 • • 
• • This screen gem is debuting on DVD, starring Mae West and W.C. Fields — — "My Little Chickadee" — — finally.
• • Despite on-going pressures from the censors, here are a few lines that made it into the final version, a screenplay that was a collaboration between Mae West and W.C. Fields:
• • • Cuthbert J. Twillie: May I present my card?
• • • Flower Belle Lee: 'Novelties and Notions.' What kind of notions you got?
• • • Cuthbert J. Twillie: You'd be surprised. Some are old, some are new. Whom have I the honor of addressing?
• • • Flower Belle Lee: Mmm, call me Flower Belle.
• • • Cuthbert J. Twillie: Flower Belle, what a euphonious appellation. Easy on the ears and a banquet for the eyes.
• • • Flower Belle Lee: You're kinda cute yourself.
• • • Cuthbert J. Twillie: Thank you. I never argue with a lady.
• • • Flower Belle Lee: Smart boy.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • "I never said it would be easy. I only said it would be worth it." [Supposedly said by Mae West and posted on the web site Good Reads.]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • British columnist Betty Munsey writes: Mae West, the early 20th century actress and sex symbol, once remarked that “a man’s kiss is his signature” whereas Bob Hope, the entertainer extraordinaire, added that “people who throw kisses are extremely lazy.” But I personally prefer the old Chinese proverb which reminds us that kissing is like drinking salt water, the more you drink, the greater your thirst. ...
• • Source: Article: "Kisses seal special moments" written by Betty Munsey for SWVA Today; posted on 10 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1927th 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1940 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
MAE WEST was an unabashed supporter of gay men. Following up on a few poorly chosen remarks made about Mae by the part-time arts curator Chuck Ross (in a recent column), several Mae collectors sent in their own opinions.
• • But let's hear from the Brooklyn bombshell herself, who saved a copy of this letter mailed to the editors of View Magazine many years ago.
• • • • Dear Editor: I was astonished to read this sentence in the November 16th View story about bodybuilders: “They either became objects for Mae West who called them fags or went on to other things such as making Hercules movies in Italy.” Never in my life have I used the word fag, and certainly I’ve not made blanket statements about bodybuilder’s sexual orientation. Some may be gay, many from intimate acquaintances I know are straight. Anyone familiar with my history knows I’ve always glorified both the muscle men and the gays. In fact, I hold good will for everybody except liars, cheats, bigots, hypocrites, and sloppy reporters. Sincerely, Mae West
• • In his biography of Mae, George Eells pointed out: “She wrote her plays at a time when homosexuals were banned to the ghetto of musical comedy chorus lines.”
• • Regarding this letter written by Mae West — — a copy was submitted to the Mae West Blog by Canadian Mae-maven R. Mark Desjardins and we thank him kindly.
• • "Troubled Waters" recorded on 7 May 1934 • • 
• • "Troubled Waters" by New York City lyricist Sam Coslow and composer Arthur Johnson was created expressly for the motion picture "Belle of the Nineties." Backed by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, Mae archived her performance in the recording studio on 7 May 1934 in Los Angeles. Duke Ellington was on the piano during this session.
• • Herb Geller's CD "At The Movies" (Hep) ws released a few years ago when the musician was 79 years old. It is an interesting motion picture inspired compilation by the veteran alto saxophonist, and the rhythm section is handled by bassist Martin Wind and pianist Don Friedman. This collection of instrumentals contains “Troubled Waters,” a superb yet rarely heard ballad from the 1934 Mae West picture "Belle of the Nineties," as well as "Laura," “Close Enough for Love,” “Invitation” and other standards that began life in film.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Mae West is coming to Pennsylvania on May 28th. BWW News Desk notes: Randy Roberts, the nationally known female impersonator, will return to New Hope, PA with his newest version of Randy Roberts Live! for one special show, Saturday, 28 May 2011 at 8:30 pm. Randy Roberts will bring with him startling and entertaining versions of Carol Channing, Lady Gaga, Cher, and of course that ravishing red head himself — Randy Roberts! Randy Roberts Live! is a live and multimedia tribute to some of the world's most loved performers. Randy's uncanny impersonations of Joan Rivers, Cher and Bette Midler have kept him in the spotlight for the past twenty years. His roster of famous and infamous ladies also includes: Mae West (a perennial favorite), Joan Crawford, Carol Channing, Ann Miller, Phyllis Diller . . . .
• • Source: Article: "Randy Roberts in New Hope" written by BWW News Desk for Broadway World; posted on 9 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1926th 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1934 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
MAE WEST recorded an LP "Great Balls of Fire" that was released in 1972 — — and one track was "Rock Around the Clock," the exuberant chart-buster that Dick Clark has called "the rock and roll anthem."
• • Written in 1953 and first recorded by the Italian-American band Sonny Dae and His Knights [Arcade label], it became a phenomenal hit instead for a country music performer Bill Haley [1925 — 1981]. When Bill Haley & His Comets recorded it [Decca label] on 12 April 1954, the front man was pushing 30 and looked older.
• • Born in the USA on 26 October 1919, James E. Myers was a songwriter, producer, raconteur, promoter, and occasional actor. Myers is best known as the credited co-writer (with Max C. Freedman) of "Rock Around the Clock," written under the penname "Jimmy DeKnight." James E. Myers died of leukemia at age 81 in the month of May — — on Wednesday 9 May 2001 in Bonita Springs, Florida.
• • Keeping up with the times, Mae West offered her own sassy version on this album produced over a dozen years later.
• • Mae in the Merry Month of May • •
• • Mae West appears in the current issue of People Magazine [2 May 2011].
• • Quote, Unquote • • 
• • The popbytes.com book reviewer writes: Her approach is that of a camaraderie with the subject, intimate conversations compiled over years and years of friendship, it’s almost too good to be true that she was so close with so many stars for so many years including Mae West, Joan Crawford, Billy Wilder, Marlene Dietrich, and many others. Though it’s not only possible that there’s a fair bit of liberty taken with her biographies, I will give Charlotte Chandler the upper hand, she does give a fresh story, an exciting facet to the genre, that few others can achieve. One thing struck me, how quietly Marlene came to the surface. ...
• • Source: Review: "‘Marlene’ quietly released …" written by a reviewer for popbytes.com; posted on 4 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1925th 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1939 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
This is the real MAE WEST — — a woman of passion, highly geared emotions, tense feelings, who has been forced over a period of years to feed those emotions to a box-office, wrote Ruth Biery in 1934. A greedy, wanting-to-be-shocked box-office. Urged gently at first, tempted cleverly, promoted subtly, Mae West has put all the force of her cyclonic nature into bringing the thrills of love and life to others. 
• • Journalist Ruth Biery had her tete-a-tete with Mae in Hollywood — — not unlike the way she had hunkered down with Greta Garbo in the 1920s — — as a sympathetic listener who wrote mainly for movie magazines. "I have really loved only once," Mae has told me, as she has told others. But never before have I heard her say, "They always found a way to break me up with a man before it became too serious. I was not allowed to love, really love. My mother and then Timony — — "
• • Journalist Ruth Biery either was mild enough or persuasive enough to extract Mae's confidences. Or perhaps Mae was ready to confess: "You see, first it was my mother. If she thought I was falling in love, she'd stop it right like that. If I was liking a man too much or she thought a 'crush' was getting serious, she'd find a way. She knew me so well, she could always find a way. She wouldn't let me learn to love really. She wouldn't let me — — and now Timony protects me."
• • When little Mae was growing up, neighbors referred to her as "the German girl."• • The daughter of Christiana and Jacob Delker, Matilda was born in December 1870 — — perhaps in Wurttemberg, Germany, speculates biographer Jill Watts, noting that Jacob Delker had been working there in a sugar refinery. In January 1889, 18-year-old Matilda Delker wed John West. However, she and her daughter Mae were really the love of each other's lives until Matilda died on 26 January 1930 at age 59. How terrifying it was for Mae during the winter of 1929, knowing that her mother's illness was worsening. After Matilda died, Mae felt, "There wasn't anyone to play to."
• • Happy Mother's Day!• • On 8 May 1961 • •
• • It was on 8 May 1961 that Mae signed a contract to perform the play "Sextette" at the Edgewater Beach Playhouse. Her salary was pegged at $5500 per week and she would also share in 33 1/3 (gross) of the box office.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Describing The Hemingway in London, British journalist Richard Godwin writes: In the lavatories, gentlemen have the bewildering pleasure of urinating between a pair of plastic lips, their model uncertain (Mae West? Mick Jagger?). The soap is posh: Molton Brown. Rough paper does for hand towels. ...
• • Source: Article: "Meaty, companionable, a little frustrating —The Hemingway is equal to its muse" written by Richard Godwin, for the London Evening Standard [UK]; posted on 5 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1924th 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1927 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
MAE WEST recorded an LP "Great Balls of Fire" [MGM label, 1972] — — and one track was "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," that great rockabilly standard. Produced by Ian Whitcomb, Mae's tracks were backed by The Hot Rockers.
• • Mae-maven and faithful reader David Pekrol wanted to add this comment: This album was actually recorded in 1968 but shelved for 4 years until they could find a distributor. The original test pressing showed the album still needed some work. . . . Mae recorded "Love Potion #9" for the record --- --- but for some reason they didn't put it on the released album. It's unfortunate because it is very good.
• • Covered by 70-something young-at-heart Mae West, the energetic "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" was still so associated with Jerry Lee Lewis that the individuals who created it in 1954 were overshadowed.
• • James Faye "Roy" Hall was born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia in the month of May — — on 7 May 1922. An elderly neighbor taught him to play the piano and also demonstrated the unfortunate habit of losing himself in drink. Playing in a band, writing songs, drinking heavily, and pursuing his instincts about entertainment led Hall to open a hang-out in Nashville called the Music Box (later renamed the Musicians Hideaway) where he played piano and wet his whistle. In 1954, a young man approached Hall for a job. He was Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy paid Jerry $15 a night to do duets with him. That same year Roy Hall and a black musician named Dave Williams took a trip to the Everglades that resulted in a rock and roll classic: "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." In March 1955, Big Maybelle made the first recording for the Okeh label, produced by the young Quincy Jones. In September 1955 Decca signed Hall and he recorded a few songs for this label including "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." The version by charismatic Jerry Lee Lewis became far more popular, though. The royalties owed to Hall were handsome, however, when he was sued by his ex-wife, she wound up with most of the profits.
• • Roy Hall kept on kept performing around Nashville, Tennessee where he died at 61 years old on 2 March 1984.
• • Happy Birthday to Lee de Broux • •
• • Lee de Broux played the role of Jack West, Mae's father, in the 1982 bio-pic "Mae West." Born in La Mesa, California on 7 May 1941, busy Lee turned 70 today. Last year the character actor was seen in three separate indie films.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Does the current crop of "chick flicks" reveal there is "A New Woman" type on the silver screen? Denver Post Film Critic Lisa Kennedy writes: "Whitney Cummings is the funniest woman I know," Michael Patrick King, longtime director of "Sex and the City," has said about the comic before he added: "If she's really a woman." It's a good line — — from the guy who brought us Mae West's love child, Samantha Jones, no less. But it teases a legit concern. No, not about Cummings' X-chromosome bona fides, but about who loves — — and benefits — — most from the mainstreaming of the ribald. ...
• • Source: Article: "Emancipated, yes, but empowered? The problem with bawdy women" written by Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post Film Critic for The Denver Post; posted on 6 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1923rd 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1972 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
It was during the autumn of 1924 that MAE WEST attached herself to the subversive song sheet for "Big Boy," a run-away hit by the lyricist Jack Yellen [1892 — 1991] and the composer Milton Ager. "Big Boy," with explicit lyrics about a darktown sheik who drives both pale and brown-skinned women wild in bed, was offered first by Advanced Music Corp., and then republished by Ager-Yellen-Bernstein Music Company on a song sheet disguised with artwork depicting a jaunty white male.
• • On 17 April 1924 "Big Boy" was copyrighted by Ager and his frequent collaborator Yellen. It was picked up soon after and recorded by Scott Black's Hot Horns and also Bix Beiderbecke [1903 — 1931]. Perhaps it was a record or live performance that attracted Mae's attention.
• • Born in Chicago, Milton Ager [6 October 1893 — 6 May 1979] was a self-taught composer and pianist. After holding a few jobs as an accompanist to silent movies, he moved to New York to write music for vaudevillians.
• • in 1927, Mae's former boyfriend Joe Schenck (half of the variety act known as Van and Schenck) starred in a short film focused on Gus and Joe's singing and comedy bits. In this footage, they performed Ager's music: "Hard-To-Get Gertie" and "She Knows Her Onions."
• • In 1920, "I'm Nobody's Baby" became Milton Ager's first pop hit. Many chart-toppers followed such as "Hard Hearted Hannah (The Vamp Of Savannah)" [1924], "Ain't She Sweet" [1927], and "Happy Days Are Here Again" [1929].
• • Backed by big successes, Ager moved to Hollywood and earned his bread by writing songs for the silver screen. Ager was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1979.
• • Milton Ager was 85 when he died in Los Angeles in May — — on 6 May 1979. He was interred there in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Jack Black and Angelina Jolie, promoting a laughable animated feature "Kung Fu Panda 2," gave this cutesy-poo interview to USA Today. Scott Bowles writes: Jack Black's ears perk up as Angelina Jolie talks about her early auditions for voice-over work. Jolie says she was so nervous about getting jobs that she brought dozens of zany voices she plucked from thin air, including a crude Mae West imitation.
• • "You mean like, 'Come up and see me sometime?' " Black asks in a husky breath.
• • "That sounds more like Bogart doing Mae West," Jolie says. ...
• • Source: Article: "Jolie, Black perfect for 'Kung Fu Panda 2'" written by Scott Bowles for USA Today; posted on 5 May 2011
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seven years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 1922nd 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:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • 1923 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
NYC
Mae West.
