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American Masters

Why Didn't Mae West Keep Up with the Latest Fashions?

Mae West's persona was inspired by the fashion trends of the 1890's.

Aired 06/16/2020 | Rating TV-14

American Masters

Why Didn't Mae West Keep Up with the Latest Fashions?

Clip: 6/16/2020 | 3m 13sVideo has Closed Captions

Mae West's persona was inspired by the fashion trends of the 1890's.

Mae West didn’t keep up with the latest fashions. Her persona, with the exaggerated hourglass figure and luxurious clothing, was inspired from trends in the 1890’s. It’s perhaps because of this outdated style that she was allowed to get away with saying so many sexually suggestive things.

Aired 06/16/2020 | Rating TV-14

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

The Mae West Film that Helped Save Paramount Pictures

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The Mae West film "She Done Him Wrong" was credited with helping to save Paramount. (2m 37s)

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How have Madonna and other women entertainers followed in Mae West's footsteps? (4m 14s)

Mae West Made this "Insane" Film in her 80's

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The film "Sextette," which Mae West made at age 87, was actually a "radical power move." (4m 19s)

Without "Talkies" There Would Be No Mae West

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Why were "talkies" (films with sound) necessary for Mae West to have become a star? (2m 32s)

Mae West: Dirty Blonde

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Dive into the life of groundbreaking writer, performer and subversive star Mae West. (1m 56s)

Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...

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