Mae West: For Completists

MAE WEST came to the attention of Tinseltown ninety years ago in 1932. Step into the Time Machine with me for a long, leisurely ride. This is Part 64 of 68.
• • Mae West in Hollywood 1932 – 1943 • •
• • Mae West: For completists • •

• • Andy Goulding wrote: Though not a disaster, “The Heat’s On” is the epitome of a weak film of its era.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: The comedy, which mostly comes courtesy of Victor Moore rather than Mae West, is unfunny; the plot is perfunctory and the majority of the musical turns are drippily dull.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: The notable exception to this latter point is the wonderful Hazel Scott, a jazz pianist and civil rights activist who completely steals the film with a routine in which she plays two pianos simultaneously. The use of black keys on white keys on one piano and white on black on the other predates the message of ‘Ebony and Ivory’ by decades, and the music’s better too!
• • Mae West: A high point in a damp squib • • …
• • Note: Drawing of Walter Plunkett's beautiful gown for Mae West.
• • This will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Blueprint Reviews U.K.; posted on Friday, 3 December 2021.
• • On Monday, 27 December 1937 • •

• • "Every Day's a Holiday" starring Mae West was reviewed (on page 8) for Film Daily on Monday, 27 December 1937.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • At that time there were no sex symbols, said Marlene Dietrich [born on 27 December 1901]. In my opinion this notion first came into being with Marilyn Monroe. Sex was then taboo.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "If you need a face job, why not?"
• • Mae West said: "I speak two languages, Body and English."
• • Mae West said:  "Permissive is just another word for dirty. Sex is not dirty."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Film Bulletin mentioned Mae West.
• • “Every Day’s a Holiday” Is One of Mae West’s Best Paramount ― [80 Minutes] • •
• • Although the buxom star still casts meaningful glances, swings her hips and drops an occasional double entendre, “Every Day’s a Holiday” relies more on directly clever dialogue and fast moving action than any of her prior vehicles.
• • Additionally, she is surrounded by a most competent cast of fun-makers, notably Charles Butterworth, Charles Winninger and Walter Catlett. They get plenty of laughs on their own.
• • Note: Actor Charles Butterworth [26 July 1899 — 14 June 1946] specialized in comedy roles.
• • Charles Butterworth was killed in an automobile accident in Los Angeles in June 1946. Unfortunately, he lost control of his car on Sunset Boulevard and crashed. He was 46. …
• • Source: Film Bulletin; published on Saturday, 1 January 1938
• • 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 18th anniversary • • 
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past eighteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 5,100 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started eighteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 5,144th 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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• • Be sure to bookmark or follow The Mae West Blog
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • in 1943 and in 1937 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Dry Martini

A witty line said by MAE WEST in a motion picture is often attributed to her. But fortunately we have Sam, the answer man, to set the record straight regarding the originator.
• • QUOTE: "Let's get out of this wet clothing and into a dry Martini."
• • Who said this? asked Jim Anderson of Bathgate, England.
• • Sam's response: This witticism was originally coined by Robert Benchley's press agent.
• • But later the line was taken up by Mae West in her 1937 screen comedy "Every Day's A Holiday."

• • Mae's character was Peaches O'Day, a con woman who tried to sell the Brooklyn Bridge to tourists.
• • Fun fact: Mae West gives her first screen kiss in this motion picture to the character portrayed by Charles Winninger.
• • Mae West said, "By now I think Charlie's old enough not to take it too seriously."
• • Source: Column: "Showbiz: The Man in the Know" written by Sam; published by the California Chronicle on Saturday, 6 March 2010
• • 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 18th anniversary • • 
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past eighteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 5,100 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started eighteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 5,138th 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

• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest NYC Mae West.

Mae West: Hip-Bouncing

MAE WEST came to the attention of Tinseltown ninety years ago in 1932. Step into the Time Machine with me for a long, leisurely ride. This is Part 53 of 68.
• • Mae West in Hollywood 1932 – 1943 • •
• • Mae West: Back in full hip-bouncing form • •

• • Andy Goulding wrote: Mae West’s character is forced into playing the role to evade the law and the more deliberate hammy she is, the funnier the scenario.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: It’s in keeping with the broad, lively tone of the whole film. Also in keeping with the spirited, high-energy atmosphere is a cameo by Louis Armstrong, who gets his own brief musical number towards the end of the film.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: “Every Day’s a Holiday” was West’s final film for Paramount and it’s a fantastic way to bow out after a series of terrific movies.
• • Mae West: A joint star vehicle but Mae wrote most of it • • …
• • This will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Blueprint Reviews U.K.; posted on Friday, 3 December 2021.
• • On Tuesday, 7 December 1954 • •

• • Several news outlets covered Mae West's bookings of the successful "Mae West Revue" in Las Vegas and other major cities.
• • One fellow wrote: Mae West gave me that famous glance and said, "Let's have the interview in the bedroom so you can tell your grandchildren how you spent an hour in Mae West's boudoir ... ummm, taking notes." Mae stretched herself on the bed while she talked to me. Now only a real square could take notes under such circumstances.
• • On Friday, 7 December 1973 in Colorado • •
• • Mae West was in Telluride for a special ski area dedication gala that took place on these dates: from December 7 — 10, 1973.
• • On Tuesday, 7 December 1993 • •
• • "The Mae West Murder Case" (208 pages) was published by St. Martin's on Tuesday, 7 December 1993. George Baxt wrote it.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • John Kobal was on the set of "Myra Breckenridge," the notorious 1970 vehicle for an older Mae West. Photographer George Hurrell, who first worked for MGM in 1930, was on the set to take pictures of Leticia Van Allen (portrayed, of course, by Mae West).
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Judge, wherever there's a man concerned, I always do my best. "
• • [This was Cleo Borden's movie dialogue from "Goin' to Town" in 1935.]
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An article published in December 1954 interviewed Mae West.
• • "Reporter Visits Mae West's Boudoir Finds Curves All Over" • •
• • Mr. Bacon wrote: Mae West, the gal with the body in neutral and the hips in overdrive, invited me into her boudoir ...
• • Source: Bacon in Hollywood, printed in Albuquerque Tribune; published on Monday, 7 December 1954
• • 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 18th anniversary • • 
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past eighteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 5,100 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started eighteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 5,132nd 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 and in 1954 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Rowdy Energy

MAE WEST came to the attention of Tinseltown ninety years ago in 1932. Step into the Time Machine with me for a long, leisurely ride. This is Part 52 of 68.
• • Mae West in Hollywood 1932 – 1943 • •
• • Mae West: Wit and rowdy energy • •

• • Andy Goulding wrote: Some complain that the wit of old has been replaced by increased volume and it is true that this is a very loud film, but there’s plenty of wit mixed in and the rowdy energy is a relief after the sluggish pacing of its immediate predecessor.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: Mae West has surrounded herself with a game cast of men, noticeably less superfluous or interchangeable than the men in her earlier films.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: Particularly fun are Charles Winniger as the wealthy Van Doon, the loudest and most excessive of all the characters here, and Lloyd Nolan as the villainous Quade, whose predisposition for misspeaking provides the film with some of its best pieces of wordplay.
• • Mae West: Back in full hip-bouncing form • • …
• • This will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Blueprint Reviews U.K.; posted on Friday, 3 December 2021.
• • On Tuesday, 6 December 1994 • •

• • It was on Tuesday, 6 December 1994 that Christie's New York held a well-attended and highly anticipated auction listed as "Film and Television Memorabilia."
• • One light-hearted Mae West item was "A box of approximately 120 red, white, and blue poker chips; a deck of cards from the Roosevelt Hotel." This lot of goodies was sold for $345.00 and now the deck is stacked at someone's house.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • On Tuesday, 6 December 1994 a fan purchased Mae West's white painted upright piano and bench, a frequently photographed fixture of her Hollywood living room.
• • The price realized was $12,650, four times the estimate.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "Don’t marry a man to reform him — — that’s what reform schools are for.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A book on the Who mentioned Mae West.
• • Matt Kent stated: Monday, 6 December 1976 — Friday, 25 March 1977
• • Shooting schedule in Hollywood for "Sextette" starring eighty-three-year-old movie star, Mae West . . .
• • Source: Book: "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere: The Complete Chronicle of the Who 1958 — 1978" (page 277); published in June 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 18th anniversary • • 
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past eighteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 5,100 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started eighteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 5,131st 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 and in 1959 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Moral Ambiguity

MAE WEST came to the attention of Tinseltown ninety years ago in 1932. Step into the Time Machine with me for a long, leisurely ride. This is Part 51 of 68.
• • Mae West in Hollywood 1932 – 1943 • •
• • Mae West: Moral ambiguity still abounds • •

• • Andy Goulding wrote: Moral ambiguity still abounds, with West’s character Peaches O’Day being a con artist and small-time thief who, it is implied, is still better than the corrupt politicians whose less-obvious misdemeanours infect the very fibre of New York.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: One such politician, the odious police captain John Quade, becomes Peaches O'Day’s adversary as he first attempts to arrest her and then unwittingly to romance her when she re-emerges as temperamental French alter ego Fifi.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: “Every Day’s a Holiday” is generally dismissed as another minor Mae West effort but I just loved it.

• • Mae West: Wit and rowdy energy • • …
• • This will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Blueprint Reviews U.K.; posted on Friday, 3 December 2021.
• • On Tuesday, 5 December1933 • •
• • Excitement reigned in sunny California on Tuesday, 5 December 1933, the date Prohibition was repealed. Mae West was photographed in a Hollywood speakeasy with Gary Cooper, posing with a huge glass of beer.
• • Numerous pictures were snapped that night showing Mae, wearing a dark, long dress with a large glittering brooch and a server's cap, standing behind the bar pulling a draft; or standing next to "the Coop" holding a Bavarian pretzel, etc. I hope they had a chance to have a tall cold one themselves.
• • Mae's friend, speakeasy hostess Texas Guinan, had died the month before.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Known as the “Hitler of Hollywood, Joseph Breen died at age 75 — on Sunday, 5 December 1965. It is doubtful that Mae West attended his funeral (nor went into mourning).
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I walk with men, dearie, not dogs."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An automobile website mentioned Mae West.
• • Vicious 1956 Lincoln Continental Is Long and Low, Has Mystery Mae West Signature • •
• • Daniel Patrascu wrote: Incredible as this car may be visually and mechanically, the thing that strikes the most is the signature on the underside of the trunk (sadly not pictured in the just three photos made available at the time of writing). It belongs to Mae West, one of the biggest and most controversial names in entertainment in the early decades of the 1900s.
• • A significant discovery • •
• • Daniel Patrascu wrote: As per the available info, the signature was discovered during restoration work, but nobody knows how, when, or why the star signed her name on this particular car.
• • Daniel Patrascu wrote: The signature of Mae West was preserved, of course, and is included now in the custom 1956 Lincoln Continental. …
• • Source: Auto Evolution; published on Friday, 11 November 2022
• • 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 18th anniversary • • 
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past eighteen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 5,100 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started eighteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 5,130th 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