Mae West: Swaggered Onscreen

MAE WEST met her fans on the silver screen and between the pages of the day’s popular fan magazines, all of whom skated dizzily on the surface of facts and never did any fact-checking. This is the first section, Part 1, segment 2 of 32.
• • "The Real Mae West" • •
• • Mae West: Blonde, bold, bad, and buxom • •
• • Aileen St. John Brenon wrote: All the others — Rudolph Valentino, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Charles Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, and the late Wallace Reid — served an apprenticeship before the cameras of at least two or three pictures — in some instances, years — but when Mae West, blonde, bold, bad, and buxom, swaggered onto the screen for the first  time, 20,000,000 people started listening to her song.

• • Aileen St. John Brenon wrote: The scene showed her checking in at a swanky night club. The check girl admired her jewels.
• • Aileen St. John Brenon wrote: "Goodness," she exclaimed, "what beautiful diamonds!"
• • Aileen St. John Brenon wrote: "Goodness," retorted Mae West in that insinuating drawl of hers, "had nothing to do with them, dearie."
• • Note: Mae was tossing off a well-worn quip by Texas Guinan.
• • Note: And did Aileen see “Night After Night” [1932] starring George Raft? Because the checkroom scene certainly was not Mae’s first appearance onscreen. She's seen on the sidewalk, then entering..
• • Mae West: The only reason that a speakeasy film was re-booked • • …
• • This will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: The New Movie Magazine; issue dated for June 1934.
• • On Saturday, 18 May 1912 in Variety • •
• • Frank Bohm bought a generous ad in Variety (issue dated for 18 May 1912) to help publicize his client Mae West as "The Scintillating Singing Comedienne, Late of Ziegfeld's Moulin Rouge." Billboard gave the vaudevillian's act a favorable review the following month.
• • On Thursday, 18 May 1933 in Camperdown Chronicle • •
• • Costume designer Travis Banton spoke about beauty standards in motion pictures and the measurements of Mae West, Claudette Colbert, and other top actresses. The Australian newspaper Camperdown Chronicle printed the article in a Thursday issue on 18 May 1933.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Decades ago, a saucy wiggle from Mae West or an off-color mumble from W.C. Fields could trigger the wrath of movie censors.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "It isn't what I do, but how I do it. It isn't what I say, but how I say it, and how I look when I do it and say it."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • New Movie Magazine mentioned Mae West.
• • “Good Dame” — B [Directed by Marion Gering. Paramount] • •
• • The same old carnival background that has served for Mae West's "I'm No Angel" and Clara Bow's "Hoop-la" has been drafted again for this item.  
• • The set hasn't deteriorated but the photoplays acted before it are getting steadily worse.
• • "Good Dame" has an acute case of story trouble. …
• • Source: New Movie Magazine; published in the issue dated for June 1934
• • 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 17th anniversary • • 
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past seventeen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 4,900 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seventeen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,996th 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 1932 • •
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Mae West: Magnetic Force

Malcolm H. Oettinger profiled MAE WEST for Screenland. Since this interview has rarely been seen, let us enjoy it together. This is part 13 of 13, the final segment.
• • “Going West” • •   
• • Mae West: Mae is both child-like and age-old • •
• • Malcolm H. Oettinger wrote: She is childlike in some respects, age-old in her knowledge of the world.  

• • Malcolm H. Oettinger wrote: To her colored maid she is a masterpiece of all the virtues; to the stagehands she is regular; to her public she is all things to all people.  
• • Malcolm H. Oettinger wrote: She has the magnetism over crowds that Texas Guinan has, that Aimee McPherson once had, and that Billy Sunday surely had in his palmiest days.
• • Malcolm H. Oettinger wrote: Mae met Billy Sunday while making "She Done Him Wrong." They posed at a property bar drinking property beer.  
• • Malcolm H. Oettinger wrote: And it is not unfair to guess that Mae West was saying to evangelist and a temperance movement leader Billy Sunday, "We've both done well, according to our lights."
• • This vintage interview has now been concluded with the final post. Did you enjoy it? Tell us.
• • Source: Screenland; published in the issue dated for June 1933.
• • On Saturday, 11 May 1935 • •
• • Movie critic Andre Sennwald offered his review of "Goin' to Town," starring Mae West, to the readers of The New York Times on page 21 on Saturday, 11 May 1935.
• • On Friday, 10 May 1935, this new motion picture opened in Mae's hometown at the New York Paramount.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • If you are wondering what Alice Faye looks like, I can best describe her as being like a young Mae West.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "So the men rule the world and the women rule the men — — though they don't know it."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A syndicated newspaper columnist mentioned Mae West.
• • Hedda Hopper wrote: Mae West is back in Hollywood for her night club act at Ciro's beginning Thursday.  
• • Hedda Hopper wrote: Mae has bought herself a new home in Santa Monica — — 20 rooms, eight bedrooms and eight baths. …  
• • Source: Hedda Hopper's syndicated Hollywood column rpt in Chicago Tribune; published on Tuesday, 10 May 1955
• • 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 17th anniversary • • 
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past seventeen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 4,900 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seventeen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,991st 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 • • filming "She Done Him Wrong" on Monday, 5 December 1932 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Breen and “Belle”

It was the MAE WEST motion picture, “Belle of the Nineties” [1934] that helped Joe Breen consolidate his position as an administrator, according to the authors of “The Dame in the Kimono.” What a fascinating insider’s look.  This is Part 2 of 9 parts.
• • Mae West: Her opinion of “Belle” • •  
• • Leff and Simmons wrote: “Belle of the Nineties” would become the last Mae West picture to escape the full force of the Breen scissors.
• • Leff and Simmons wrote: In June 1934, with even some industry supporters exasperated with Hollywood, Breen drove to the Melrose Avenue studios to meet with Emanuel Cohen, William LeBaron, and three other Paramount officials.
• • Mae West said “Belle” was “not a good story” • •

• • Leff and Simmons wrote: Mae West said that "Belle's" script “not a good story because they [Breen and company] made me make it three times before I found out what they wanted.”
• • Leff and Simmons wrote: Despite the purported script changes, the picture remained a warm broth of sex, crime, and Mae West that Breen told the producers he could not and would not approve.
• • Mae West: Manny Cohen agreed to consider revisions • • …
• • This will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: “The Dame in the Kimono: Hollywood, Censorship, and the Production Code” by Leonard J. Leff and Jerold L. Simmons [University Press of Kentucky, Paperback; 6 July 2001].
• • On Friday, 12 April 1929 in The N.Y. Daily News • •
• • In her popular syndicated column "Texas Guinan Says" Texas had playfully mentioned her friend: "Mae's a good girl at heart — — but she's got a bad heart."
• • Source: The New York Daily News, on Friday, 12 April 1929.
• • On Saturday, 12 April 1930 • •
• • The Wall Street crash in 1929 destroyed the financial security of many families in the entertainment industry. Broadway star Mae West entertained in New York City at the Give-a-Job Benefit on Saturday, 12 April 1930 with many other well-known performers.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • "Record N.Y. Paramount Run" • •
• • By holding over for a fifth week, Mae West's "Goin' to Town" sets the long-run record at the New York Paramount, it was pointed out yesterday by Moris Morros, managing director. Previous record of four weeks also was held by a Mae West film: "I'm No Angel."
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I have been a legend from the very beginning of my career."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A Madera, California paper reviewed a film starring Mae West.
• • Madera Theatre: Mae West on Same Program • •
• • "Venez me voir, comme ci, comme ca, quelque fois.”
• • In English it’s just plain old, “Come up and see me some time.” But in her latest picture, “Every Day’s a Holiday," Mae West is Mademoiselle Fifi, an importation fresh from the music halls of Paris who sweeps New York off its feet.
• • Mae this time is a dark-haired belle of La Belle France, speaking the language of the Boulevardiers, doing a scene from "Camille” after the manner of the divine Sarah Bernhardt, representing the land of the Arc de Triomphe, Lafayette, the Champs Elysees, and the Popular Front!
• • But Fifi is only a disguise for Mae, the toast of the Bowery, whose habit of selling the Brooklyn Bridge brings her into conflict with the New York police. …
• • Source: The Madera Daily Tribune; published on Thursday, 7 April 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 17th anniversary • • 
• • Thank you for reading, sending questions, and posting comments during these past seventeen years. Not long ago, we entertained 3,497 visitors. And we reached a milestone recently when we completed 4,900 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started seventeen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,970th 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 • • poster in 1934 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Very Sentimental

Despite all you think you know about MAE WEST, there’s always something new. Did you know why a visit to Mae's apartment revealed her sentimental side, for instance? 
• • This intimate interview with Mae West was first seen in 2009. This is Part 9 of 29 parts.
• • From the Archive: A Candid (and Entertaining) Interview with Mae West • • 
• • Mae West was a very sentimental woman • • 
• • Charlotte Chandler wrote:  Her Hollywood apartment in the Ravenswood building was truly an extension of Mae West, not only reflecting her, but also enhancing her and probably inspiring her. She had put a great deal of herself into it, and in return had received a great deal back.
• • Charlotte Chandler wrote:  The furniture was upholstered in eggshell-white silk and satin, and appeared virginal, as if it had just been moved in for my visit.
• • Charlotte Chandler wrote:  The accumulation of memorabilia, gifts from fans she couldn’t throw away, together with treasured family souvenirs, indicated that the private Mae West was a more sentimental person than her public character pretended to be.
• • Mae West said, “Money is a great love potion for an affair.“  • • ...
• • This long and fascinating interview will be continued tomorrow.
• • Source: AnOther Magazine; published  Autumn—Winter 2009 issue; rpt on Wednesday, 27 May 2020.
• • On Monday, 23 July 1934 in Film Daily • •
• • “W. C. Fields Talks About His Grand Passion: A film with Mae West" • • “
• • W. C. Fields wrote: I have been approached by Mae West to consider collaborating. But I want my work to stand out individually.
• • W. C. Fields added: Besides I believe that Mae has the wrong slant on this thing. She says she does her best writing in bed. Well, I do my best loafing there and consider that that is the primary purpose of a bed. . . .
• • July 2004: Mae West Blog launches • •
• • The Mae West Blog celebrates its Sweet 16th anniversary • •

• • What are we up to, writing about the Brooklyn-born bombshell for 16 sweet years now?
• • We've been the main Mae source for documentaries, solo shows, and biographies— — offering a trove of info, quotes, along with Westian arcana, thanks to 4,500+ posts.
• • We’re still here to keep Mae mavens up to date, correct errors, celebrate each revival of a play she wrote, post the latest Westian stage and book reviews. And answer our fan mail!
• • The ghost light’s still on. Come up and see Mae every day.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • • 
• • King-siding at Mae's sensational nightclub debut in Las Vegas was laughing boy, Johnny Ray — — once again with his ex — — Marilyn Morrison. 
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I am captive to myself."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A BBC writer discussed Mae West.
• • "The good girl who found when she acted bad she was better" • •
• • BBC writer Robin Dashwood wrote:  Mae West both failed and succeeded spectacularly in her ambition. She failed in that, like most iconic figures, she created a mask for herself that never slipped;  she never stopped acting.
• • BBC writer Robin Dashwood wrote: She succeeded in that this mask seems to have been an extension of her own character.  ...

• • Source: The Times Higher Education [U.K.];  published on Friday, 21 July 2006
• • 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 4,500 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,524th 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 1930 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Torchy Ballads

A cartoon once depicted MAE WEST yanking G.B. Shaw's beard. If only the two controversial writers could chat during Shaw Fest, which is presenting “Sex” in Canada. Now Toronto put Glenn Sumi in the aisle seat. This is Part 4 of 5 segments.
• • Shaw Festival review: Sex feels relevant, even after nearly 100 years • •
• • The use of dozens of suitcases • •
• • Glenn Sumi wrote: The use of dozens of suitcases as the play’s primary props brings to mind the transitory nature of these people’s lives. And by having four poles with height charts on them – as well as the repeated sound of an old-fashioned camera taking a mug shot – it reminds us of the fate that befell West and the play when she was convicted of “corrupting the morals of youth” and sentenced to 10 days in jail.
• • Glenn Sumi wrote: Watching Sex, you might be reminded of any number of Hollywood films, past and present — — from Preston Sturges’s The Palm Beach Story to Pretty Woman. Ryan deSouza’s musical direction includes novelty numbers (Allegra Fulton is involved in one whopper) and torchy ballads that feel dated yet universal.
• • Watching “Sex” • •  . . . 
• • Glenn Sumi’s review will conclude on the next post, Friday’s.
• • Source: Now Toronto; published on Wednesday, 4 September 2019.
• • On Wednesday, 3 October 1928 in The N.Y. Times • •

• • COURT STAYS POLICE on MAE WEST PLAY; Writ Bars Interference Until Friday and 'Pleasure Man' Is Performed to Full House. CASES OF 56 UP TOMORROW Cant Pleads Not Guilty and Bail Is Continued — — Walker Revealed as Instigator of Raid. Seeks Conference With Warren. Arrests May Still Be Made. Author Appears Concerned.
• • Source: The New York Times; published on Wednesday, 3 October 1928.
• • The infamous raid at the Biltmore Theatre begins Act 2, Scene 1 of the serious-minded comedy "Courting Mae West."
• • In "Courting Mae West," Texas Guinan visits Mae West backstage at the Royale Theatre on 1 October 1928 to warn her about the police raid.
• • MAE WEST: “Tex, isn't there a way to trouble-shoot this?”
• • TEXAS GUINAN: “Honey child, the problem with trouble-shooting is that, invariably, trouble shoots back!”
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • After John Mack Brown tells how football and Mae West give a man similar thrills, the author lets his imagination run wild — — and imagines their meeting as a football game.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “I do all my writing in bed; everybody knows I do my best work there.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • Motion Picture Herald mentioned Mae West.
• • “You Can Be Had” (Universal) — — Entertaining! • •
• • Borrowing manner and voice of Mae West, Zasu Pitts and others, well trained monkeys enact an old fashioned melodrama in the approved new fashioned manner. The animals are admirably controlled, the dubbing adroitly done, and action is remarkably smooth considering the difficulties inherent in this type of production.
• • The short rates high among its kind. — Running time, 15 minutes.  . . .
• • Source: Motion Picture Herald; published on Saturday, 8 February 1936
• • 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 4315th 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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Mae West
• • Photo: • • Mae West • • in court during the "Sex" trial • •
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