Mae West: Female Trailblazer

MAE WEST is introduced to a new audience whenever a documentary film pops up. Mark Kennedy analyzes the most recent PBS biography. Was it a hit or a miss, in his opinion? This is Part 7 of 8.
• • PBS invites you to come up sometime and see a Mae West doc • •
• • “Mae West: Dirty Blonde,” the first major documentary film on this cultural figure, makes its world premiere Tuesday on PBS, an attempt to look beyond West's gowns, curves and jewels.
• • Mae West: A Female Trailblazer • •
• • Mark Kennedy wrote: The documentary is part of a summer slate by PBS’ American Masters series to honor female trailblazers, which also includes a look at Toni Morrison and a one-hour special on pioneering female politicians from America’s past.

• • Mark Kennedy wrote: The Brooklyn-born West created her character — a blonde sex symbol who came from humble roots and earned success — and never really let that role go. Unlike contemporary stars, she played the same role until her death, even turning down parts — like “Sunset Boulevard” —because she didn’t think her audience would want to see her broken or weak.
• • Mark Kennedy wrote: In Vegas, she shared the stage with half-naked, oiled-up muscled men. They were the eye-candy — she had flipped the sexual script.
• • Mae West: A Sexualized Mature Woman Is a Taboo • •   ...
• • To be continued.
• • Source: Associated Press (syndicated content); published on Monday, 15 June 2020.
• • On Friday, 1 April 1921 • •
• • "The Ruby Ring" by Mae West was registered with the Library of Congress's Copyright Office early in the month of April — — on Friday, 1 April 1921.
• • It was during March 1921 when Mae West had mailed an envelope to the Library of Congress containing her first playscript, "The Ruby Ring." At 20 pages, this manuscript was more of an extended "sketch" than a play. Gloria, the female lead, is a mantrap who is able to pick the gents off with ease.
• • Her parents were living in Woodhaven in 1921 [705 Boyd Avenue] and Mae used this address when she registered the copyright.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • The Mae West Figure Competition was announced in April 1933 and there would be "200 Beautiful Photographs of Mae West as Prizes," promised Paramount Pictures.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “Mirrors in my bedroom? Sure. I like to see how I'm doin'."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article on Dali's creations mentioned Mae West.
• • Joomag mentioned Mae West.
• • In 1936 Dali made 4 lobster telephones for his home.  In 1937 they teamed up again to make a sofa replicating Mae West’s lips.  He also painted a portrait of Mae West (Dali, The secret life 219-220).  . . .
• • Source: Article "A Queen's Journey," in volume 1; issue dated for April 2013
• • 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 16th 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 4,700 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,703rd 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 Police Court on 9 February 1927 • •
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