Mae West: James Kendis

In 1923, when MAE WEST formed a trio called “Mae West and Company,” they sang a mix of sad and silly numbers such as "I'm a Night School Teacher," "Sorry I Made You Cry,” and "I Want a Cave Man" by the popular vaudeville songwriter and composer James Kendis.
• • However, Anthony Slide noted that Mae had first performed James Kendis’s novelty since 1920.
• • In “The Encyclopedia of Vaudeville” (p. 546), Anthony Slide wrote: In August 1920, Mae West opened at the Colonial with a new eighteen-minute vaudeville act titled “Songalog,” in which she performed “I Want a Cave Man," "I'm a Night School Teacher," and “The Mannikin,” wearing a black, silver-jetted gown.” ...
• • James Kendis [1883 — 1946] • •
• • Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on Friday, 9 March 1883, little Jimmy was educated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania public schools. 
• • The forward-thinking musician formed Kendis and Paley, Kendis and Brockman, and Kendis Music Corporation. Joining ASCAP in 1914 as a charter member, James Kendis’ chief musical collaborators included James Brockman, Howard Johnson, and Charles Bayha, though he worked with others.
• • In 1919, Kendis and Brockman [1878 — 1967] were located at 145 West 45th Street when they released their song "I Want a Cave Man." 
• • Other songs he created included "If I Had My Way," "Angel Eyes," and the insanely popular “I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles,” whose lyrics he wrote under the pseudonym Jaan Kenbrovln; the melody was by composer John William Kellette. “Bubbles” registered its copywright on Tuesday, 14 January 1919.

• • Their office was blocks away from the Shubert Theatre on West 44th where Mae West was onstage performing in "Sometime" (until June 1919). However, the singing comedienne was more likely to be booked in vaudeville than in the legit, therefore, she kept current with song sheets and material that suited her individual taste and style.
• • It’s interesting that the full title of the song Mae chose was "I Want a Cave Man Like William Hart — — The Movie Star" [words and music by James Kendis and James Brockman; arrangement by Freda Applebaum; published and copyrighted in June 1919]. Though "I Want a Cave Man" is a number ostensibly about Bill Hart, a Western film star, the lyrics reveal very little association with Hart except the fact that it would capitalize on his name.
• • James Kendis, who had been living in Jamaica, New York since 1919, died there on Friday, 15 November 1946. He was 63 years of age.
• • On Sunday, 21 November 1948 • •
• • It was on 30 October 1948 that Mae West signed an Actor's Equity Association Stock Jobbing Contract on Equity's letterhead in New York. The Broadway star of "Diamond Lil" was agreeing to a weekly salary of $2,500, and the play would be opening in Montclair, New Jersey in the month of November — — on Sunday, 21 November 1948.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Miss West is idolized by the technical crews in the studios, she is so thoughtful of them. ... her Negro maid wept bitterly during the production because she (the maid) was sick and unable to go to the studio.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Some men are all right in their place — — if only they knew the right places."
• • Mae West said: "Wouldn’t I look swell playing a scene with a curly-haired doll dressed in a satin coat?” commented Mae West. “No. not for me. Give me the cave-man.  Because I can take care of myself.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Variety mentioned Mae West, a “drawing card” at Hammerstein’s Victoria, a big-time vaude venue.
• • Vaudeville. Hammerstein’s. (Estimated Cost of Show, $4,350.) • •
• • Sime wrote: The Victoria clientele is peculiarly responsive to a sensation. Similarly, the regulars decline to attend a show not to their taste.
• • Sime wrote: Through no fault of the booking authorities, this week's bill is away off. "The Squealer," sketch scheduled for an important position and Mae West could not open Monday, the former through the illness of one of its principals and the latter because her baggage did not arrive.
• • Sime wrote: There was no striking drawing card, . . .  In consequence business was far below the average. …
• • Source: Variety; published on Friday, 7 March 1913
• • The evolution of 2 Mae West plays that keep her memory alive • • 
• • A discussion with Mae West playwright LindaAnn LoSchiavo — — 
• • http://lideamagazine.com/renaissance-woman-new-york-city-interview-lindaann-loschiavo/

• • The Mae West Blog celebrates its 15th anniversary • •  

• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past fifteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 4,300 blog posts. Wow!  

• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,350th 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 • • on the cover in 1919 • •
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