Mae West: Why a Hiatus?

The MAE WEST Blog, started in July 2004 when there was very little content online about the Brooklyn bombshell (except for vintage film reviews and her best known witticisms), has been an abiding presence for eighteen and a half years on Blogger, now owned by Google.
• • Censorship by Google • •

• • You might think that a long-standing Mae West Blog that attracts over 100 international visitors a day would get some respect from Big Tech. Sorry but you’d be wrong.
• • As two examples of disrespect from Google, our ads have been deactivated and “sensitive content” warnings have been slapped on some posts.
• • Why, Google? Why? • •
• • There is no “objectionable” content here, in my opinion.
• • If Mae West were here, she’d probably say, “Censors again!”
• • Mae West Blog Goes on Hiatus • •
• • Therefore, the blog will go on hiatus and the focus will shift to allowing more time to complete a fascinating, heavily illustrated book: “Mae West’s New York, 1895-1970.”
• • Pictorial Biography in Progress • •
• • Filled with rare pictures of a lost New York, the fascinating city Mae West grew up in, the sights that inspired her writing, the vaudeville houses and theatres that welcomed her performances, this will be the first bio-pictorial written by a native New Yorker. 

• • Most Westian biographers have (curiously) hailed from England or from California. Unfortunately, books written by out-of-towners have had noticeable gaps in Mae’s life story — — and have lacked the perspective of a native New Yorker, someone intimately acquainted with Big Apple history and the socio-political forces unique to Mae’s birthplace.
• • A new domain? • •
• • Due to Google’s censorship, the blog may also be moved to its own domain.
• • If you wish to know more about “Mae West’s New York, 1895-1970,” feel free to leave a comment with your contact info. Personal comments will not be published; only I will see them.
• • Thank you for visiting today.
• • Please follow this blog to keep up with announcements.
• • Occasional updates on the forthcoming Mae West book will be posted — — so come up and see us sometime.
• • On Wednesday, 9 January 1889 in Brooklyn, NY • •
• • On this date, John West took his best girlfriend Tillie Decker to Brooklyn's Borough Hall to apply for a marriage license. Mae's mother's name appears as "Tillie Decker" on the form, not as "Matilda."
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •

• • Q. Did Mae West really make all those wisecracks, spontaneously, over the telephone to the thirteen editors in the nation-wide interview, or did she have rehearsals?
• • A. She did not have rehearsals. Mae's wit, both off the screen and on, is, apparently, as endless and as spectacular as her wardrobe.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "That's why I want you to see her story — — because her-story is the real lowdown."
• • Mae West said: "Sure, they are completely right when they say I make a parody of sex. That's my stock in trade. Any gal can get really sexy but it takes a smart dame to make guys and women both laugh at it."
• • Mae West said: "Every script presented to me, no matter how imaginative a story, was built around a man and a woman. Mae West pictures, as written by me, were built around a woman and men — — and the more the merrier."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The Australian newspapers mentioned the high salary of Mae West.
• • "Big Incomes in the USA" • •
• • Among motion picture people, Mae West led the list with 339,000 dollars (£67,800).
• • Others were: Marlene Dietrich, 145,000 dollars (£29,000); W. C. Fields, 155,000 dollars (£31,000); Miriam Hopkins, 71,000 dollars (£14,200); Gary Cooper, 139,000 dollars (£27,000); Charles Chaplin, 143,000 dollars (£28,600); Claudette Colbert, 85,000 dollars (£17,000).  . . .
• • Source: The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld.); published on Thursday, 9 January 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 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 5,150 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started eighteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 5,151st 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 • • colorized in 1933 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Spoof Western

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 57 of 68.
• • Mae West in Hollywood 1932 – 1943 • •
• • Mae West: W.C. Fields and his pompously eloquent persona • •

• • Andy Goulding wrote: Fields has some funny moments, like a borderline surreal bath sequence in which we see just his legs washing themselves, and his pompously eloquent persona is amusing, though a little goes a long way and it’s so broad that he makes Mae West look subtle.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: Once again, there are elements here that haven’t aged well.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: This is a spoof Western and so there are the usual Native American stereotypes of ululating savages that were pretty much a staple in early examples of the genre.
• • Andy Goulding wrote: Far stranger is a speech by Fields as he fills in behind a saloon bar, in which he tells a story about how he and another barman beat up a female bandit.

• • Mae West: But the joke is aimed at W.C. Fields • • …
• • This will be continued on the next post.
• • Source: Blueprint Reviews U.K.; posted on Friday, 3 December 2021.
• • On Tuesday, 14 December 1937 • •
• • Conservative Catholic Martin Quigley's hand-wringing article, "Radio Begs Trouble," found its way into Motion Picture Daily who ran it on page 10.
• • The issue, centered around the controversial NBC Sunday evening broadcast starring Mae West, was dated for Tuesday, 14 December 1937.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Hollywood — Owen Moore is back from New York to play with Mae West in her first Paramount starring vehicle, "Ruby Red."
• • Owen Moore is abandoning a personal appearance tour which started in Hollywood last April.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: "I've never seen any of Marilyn Monroe's movies but she's probably a sweet kid."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • The Scarsdale Inquirer mentioned Mae West.
• • The Scarsdale Theatre on Garth Road would be screening the Mae West picture called "Belle of the Nineties" on December 19th and 20th, 1934. …
• • Source: The Scarsdale Inquirer; published on Friday, 14 December 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 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 5,136th 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 1940 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Impressive Earnings

MAE WEST had her share of coverage from Variety, whose publisher Sime Silverman was invariably scornful, condescending, and critical. In 2021, Variety’s editorial viewpoint turned tail, deciding they’d come this time “not to bury Caesar but to praise him.” The task fell to Tim Gray, who had this to say. This is Part 4 of 10 segments.
• • Mae West: The Sex-Positive Old Hollywood Icon Who Was Far Ahead of Her Time • •
• • Mae West: Recognized an opportunity for publicity • •    
• • Tim Gray wrote: Mae West chose to serve the jail term (10 days) rather than pay a fine, because she knew it was good publicity.

• • Tim Gray wrote: Variety reported that “Sex” was earning an impressive $10,000 a week at the 63rd Street theater.
• • Tim Gray wrote: She followed it up with “The Drag,” depicting homosexuals in a positive light.
• • Tim Gray wrote: More battles with censors, more big business.
• • Tim Gray wrote: She deadpanned, “I believe in censorship. After all, I made a fortune out of it.”
• • Mae West: Breaking rules • • …  
• • Tim Gray’s article will continue on the next post.
• • Source: Variety; published on Tuesday, 17 August 2021.
• • On Monday, 16 September 1928 • •
• • Mae West's play "Pleasure Man" opened on a Monday evening on 16 September 1928 at the Bronx Opera House in New York City.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Universal catches Mae West on a delayed rebound from Paramount, teaming her with W.C. Fields for a hefty package of lusty humor. Picture marks return of Mae West to the screen after two years absence.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said:  "I wouldn't do a picture if it weren't right for me."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • An American newsman interviewed Mae West.
• • Willis Thornton wrote: From the day when she was born in that Brooklyn fastness — —  which her nativity entitles her to call "Green-pernt" — —  she was destined for the stage.  But in those days few thought that the little daughter of Jack West, Brooklyn lightweight prize fighter of the days of Sullivan and Corbett, would rule the world of fashion.
• • Willis Thornton wrote: Mae West said she first went on the stage at four and a half. …
• • Source: "Go West Young Woman, Go West," a syndicated feature, appeared in various newspapers starting around  Sunday, 10 September 1933
• • 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 4,800 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,823rd 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 1928 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Idaho “Drag”

Boise State will present “The Drag” written by MAE WEST in Idaho during this month.
• • “The Drag: A Homosexual Comedy” by Mae West • •
• • “The Drag” by Mae West will feature Boise’s own Minerva Jayne as The Duchess and original devised work by Anne McDonald of Frankly Burlesque. Direction is by Darrin J. Pufall-Purdy.

• • Written in 1927 by Mae West, this controversial, gender bending comedy focuses on the cost of living a secret life. Socialite Rolly Kingsbury is trapped in a loveless marriage and living with a secret. Rolly’s father is a homophobic judge, his father-in-law, a therapist specializing in gay conversion. Colorful characters give audiences a glimpse of the underground world of 1920’s queer life, culminating in a lavish drag ball.
• • “The Drag” is supported in part by funding from the Boise State University School of the Arts and it is presented by special arrangement with the Mae Company, Robert A. Finkelstein, and the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
• • When: March 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21, 2020 at 7:30 pm; Matinee performances: March 8, 15, 22, 2020 at 2:00 pm
• • Where: Danny Peterson Theatre, Morrison Center Building, 2201 W Cesar Chavez Ln, Boise, ID 83725
• • Advanced tickets at Morrison Center for the Performing Arts Box Office, 208-426-1110.
• • On Friday, 3 March 1978 • •
• • A gala premiere of "Sextette" starring Mae West took place at the Pacific Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, California at 8:30 pm on Thursday, 2 March 1978.
• • On Friday, 3 March 1978 "Sextette" had its general release in the USA.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • The Hollywood Reporter announced that the opening week of "Klondike Annie" was record-breaking. "The Gold Rush Is On," the editors wrote.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “My plays for the stage are a work of art.”
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A wire service mentioned Mae West.
• • "Mae's Initial Success in Films Brought Rapid Increase in Income" • •
• • Hollywood — —Mae's unprecedented success was one of the most surprising cyclones that ever struck Hollywood and the picture business.
• • In her first film endeavor, "Night After Night," Mae achieved rousing success in a meager part. Then Mae made “She Done Him Wrong.“  . . .   But “She Done Him Wrong” had not played more than two or three days before the studio executives discovered the gold mine they had stumbled upon in Mae West. Record box-office receipts begin to be recorded.  It was not until then that the picture concern gave Mae West any special attention. When, however, this special attention did begin, it came in an avalanche.  …
• • Source: Article in syndication rpt in Kingsport Times (Kingsport, Tenn); published on Wednesday, 28 February 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 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 4,400 blog posts. Wow! 
• • By the Numbers • •
• • The Mae West Blog was started fifteen years ago in July 2004. You are reading the 4,422nd 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 • • "The Drag" made headlines • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest

Mae West: Censorship Helped

MAE WEST used to joke, "Censorship made me.” A profile in an Irish paper published on Saturday, 2 November 2019 references that.
• • “How censorship made actress Mae West an international star” • •
• • As a collection of her possessions goes up for auction, Julia Molony tells why the acid-tongued iconoclast was destined for greatness.
• • Julia Molony wrote: When she was born on a summer night in Brooklyn, Mae West's parents couldn't have predicted that she would grow up to become a grande dame of Hollywood. But she'd been destined to be a diva from the moment she took her first breath, in 1893.  . . .

• • Julia Molony wrote: Mae's primary place in her mother's affections instilled an unshakeable self-confidence that was to endure throughout her life. Her sense of self was too secure to be rattled by the arrival of her two siblings, a brother and a sister.  . . .
• • Source: Belfast Telegraph; posted on Saturday, 2 November 2019
• • On Sunday, 20 November 1988 • •
• • Mae West once confided to a friend: "I felt Bill Fields had no class."
• • This exchange was printed in The Orlando Sentinel on Sunday, 20 November 1988.
• • Overheard in Hollywood • •
• • Bette Midler recalled: When I started my career all those many moons ago, I used to do an impersonation of Mae West, and I did it on "The Johnny Carson Show" — — my very first time with Johnny Carson — — and Mae sent me a letter telling me to cease and desist, which I swear to god I still have.
• • In Her Own Words • •
• • Mae West said: “Dieting? The only carrots that interest me are the number of carats in a diamond.”
• • Mae West said: "The men in my life walked around stiff-legged, watching each other like animals at a waterhole, ready to leap at each others' throats."
• • Quote, Unquote • •
• • A biographer discussed Mae West.
• • These somber moments are described by her biographer Jill Watts:
• • ... That night Mae's body was flown home to Brooklyn, New York and the following morning Paul Novak and Dolly Dempsey arrived at Cypress Hills for the interment. Two priests and a bishop offered short prayers and blessed the casket.  …
• • Source: Mae West: An Icon in Black and White. Author: Jill Watts. NY: Oxford University Press, 2001
• • 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 4,349th 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 • • onscreen with Cary Grant in 1933 • •
• • Feed — — http://feeds2.feedburner.com/MaeWest
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