Mae West: James Davies

His name was James Davies and he was the trainer and masseur of MAE WEST. Who was he? According to an Associated Press article [on Sunday, 23 July 1939]: James Davies, the sturdy Welshman who ministers to Paramount's figure needs, says the only "perfect as-was" figure in his experience belonged to Betty Grable. Further on, it is noted: Carole Lombard has kept that figure consistently for years, a Davies patient.
• • However, in an earlier article, it was mentioned that Mae West, because of the gay-nineties roles she played, was no client for hip-reducing. James Davies "pulled" her waist down, "pushed" her bust up, left her hips as they were.
• • James Davies [1897 — 1957] • •
• • In another interview, this time for a foreign publication, their Hollywood correspondent had a word with James Davies, Mae West's masseur. He was asked to tell how the star keeps those famous curves.
• • "When she first came to me," said James Davies, "Miss West wanted to reduce. I told her she would be making a grave mistake, because she was perfect for the camera.”
• • Tomorrow we will continue with James Davies and his specific advice for Mae West.
• • Source: Article written by Associated Press; published circa 1934.
• • On Wednesday, 3 July 1929 in Variety • •
• • Someone at Variety, too upset that Mae West had scored a hit with "Diamond Lil," snickered that this "creative genius" from Brooklyn had stockpiled "volumes upon volumes of treatises on white slavery and a hot collection of pictures of burlesque queens."  These remarks were printed in Variety's issue dated for Wednesday, 3 July 1929.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •

• • Film star Mae West is shown with her diamond collection, estimated to be worth a half-million dollars, which she's turning over to the WPS for use in precision instruments and cutting drills in war factories. Miss West appears next in "Tropicana."
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said:   “I'm my severest critic, don't forget that!"
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Screenland mentioned Mae West.
• • James Davies [1897 — 1957] • •
• • On 17 December 1930, Paramount hired James Davies. The May 1939 issue of “Paramount Parade” described his background as the former boxing welterweight champion of Canada. His duties included making up daily menu option and helping the movie stars to stress free and healthy. His title was masseur and dietician. Actor George Bancroft recommended him to Paramount after enjoying his services. Breakfast in Hollywood always included one slice of toast.
• • The stars assigned to James Davies included Mae West, Carole Lombard, Gail Patrick, actress Toby Wing, actor Buster Crabbe, and more.  . . .
• • Source: Items in The Los Angeles Daily Mirror and Screenland; published in 1934 and 1935
• • 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 13th anniversary • •  

• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past thirteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 3,900 blog posts. Wow!  

• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fourteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 3993rd blog post. Unlike many blogs, which draw upon reprinted content from a newspaper or a magazine and/ or summaries, links, or photos, the mainstay of this blog is its fresh material focused on the life and career of Mae West, herself an American original.

• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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• • Photo: • • Mae West • • in 1943 • •
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