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VOICE ONE:
In nineteen thirty-two Mae West moved to Hollywood, California to start her film career. Her first film was called “Night After Night.” At first, Mae West had refused to be in the film because she was not satisfied with her character. But the producer allowed her to rewrite parts of the story. West helped give the film a special humor and excitement.
The next year she starred in the movie “She Done Him Wrong.” This was the film version of her successful play, “Diamond Lil”. But making this movie was not easy. The Hays Office had forbidden several of Mae West’s plays such as “Diamond Lil” from being made into movies. The Hays Office was in charge of enforcing a severe production code. This code controlled what was considered morally acceptable subject matter for American movies.
VOICE TWO:
To make this movie, the producers changed the name of the play and its characters. And Mae West brought her intelligence to the film. She created sexy statements that the Hays Office had to accept. Instead of direct sexual comments, she perfected her sexually suggestive jokes.
In this film, Cary Grant plays the role of Mae West’s main love interest, Captain Cummings. This is one of Cary Grant’s earliest roles. He soon became a big Hollywood star. In this scene from the movie, Mae West makes her most famous statement. Her character, Lady Lou, is in love with Captain Cummings. She is trying to get him to “come up and see her.”
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Lady Lou: You know, I always did like a man in a uniform. That one fits you grand. Why don’t you come up sometime and see me…I’m home every evening.
Captain Cummings: I’m busy every evening.
Lady Lou: Busy? So what are you trying to do, insult me?
Captain Cummings: Why no! Not at all. I’m just busy, that’s all. You see, we’re holding meetings in Jacobsen’s Hall every evening. Anytime you have a moment to spare, I’d be glad to have you drop in. You’re more than welcome.
Lady Lou: I heard you. But you ain’t kidding me any. You know, I’ve met your kind before. Why don’t you come up sometime, huh?
Captain Cummings: Well, I…
Lady Lou: Don’t be afraid, I won’t tell. Come up, I’ll tell your fortune.
VOICE ONE:
This movie made Mae West a great success. “Why don’t you come up and see me sometime” became one of the most famous statements in film history. For a period, she was one of the highest paid female entertainers in America. Some experts say her movies helped save the production company Paramount Pictures from financial ruin. Audiences all over the world either loved or hated this wild woman.
Mae West both starred in and wrote her next film, “I’m No Angel.” She played a circus performer. As always, her character drives men crazy with desire. When the film opened, it broke records for attendance and profits. Here is Mae West performing the theme song of this movie.
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VOICE TWO:
Mae West continued to make films – and trouble -- throughout the nineteen thirties and early forties. Critics say this was the most exciting part of her career. They say that after this period, she only repeated herself. While she had offers for films, she refused to play the role of an older or weak woman. West continued to act on stage, wrote books and appeared on television.
At the age of eighty-five she starred in a film called “Sextette.” Not surprisingly, Mae West played a sexy woman that men could not resist. Some critics dismissed the film. Others praised her spirit for never surrendering to old age on film. Two years later, Mae West died at her home in California. She was eighty-seven.
VOICE ONE:
Mae West remains one of the most famous and liberated actresses in American film and stage history. She used her yellow hair, playful voice, and shapely body to create a whole new kind of Hollywood star. She was a strong woman who kept careful artistic control over her work. Her independence, humor and sexy nature continue to influence performers today.
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VOICE TWO:
This program was written and produced by Dana Demange. I’m Steve Ember.
VOICE ONE:
And I’m Barbara Klein. Join us again next week for PEOPLE IN AMERICA in VOA Special English.
