"I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it." - Mae West
Mae West, the witty and provocative actress known for her double entendres and sensual performances, once quipped, "I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it
Mae West, the witty and provocative actress known for her double entendres and sensual performances, once quipped, "I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it." This charmingly audacious statement, a microcosm of West's public persona, encapsulates her penchant for walking the fine line between coquettish allure and wholesome innocence. Born in 1893, West rose from humble beginnings in Brooklyn to become a Broadway sensation and, subsequently, a Hollywood starlet during the Golden Age of cinema.
Her ascent to fame was anything but conventional. West moved to Fulton Street in Brooklyn with her actress mother at the age of five, immersing herself in the vibrant world of vaudeville and burlesque theater. She began performing at the age of 14, honing her craft and cultivating the unique brand of humor that would become her trademark. Her acts often pushed the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable for women in the early 20th century, taking on risqué topics with a boldness that was, and remains, revolutionarily refreshing.
West's acerbic wit and refusal to conform to societal norms were first palpable on Broadway, where she became a notable playwright and performer. Her plays, such as "Sex," "The Drag," and "The Wicked Age," were notoriously provocative, tackling subjects like birth control, sexual taboos, and women's rights. Despite causing outrage among moral conservatives, they also earned critical acclaim and sizable audiences.
Her self-penned plays not only showcased West's sharp writing skills but also served as vehicles for her to showcase her signature blend of sex appeal and wit. One of her most famous lines, "Why don't you come up sometime and see me? I'm home every evening," was delivered with a sophisticated twinkle in her eye, encapsulating her ability to blend mischief with charm.
Hollywood eventually came calling, and West made her film debut in 1932's "Night After Night." Her first speaking role, a mere five lines, was enough to introduce her unique cadence and provocative humor to the silver screen. Despite her late start in films, West's star power and cult following ensured she became a prominent figure in the studio system.
West's films often centered around her ability to tame the wild, wicked men who crossed her path. Her characters were not innocents but rather knowing, worldly women who navigated the male-dominated world with skewering humor and formidable intellect. Films like "I'm No Angel," "She Done Him Wrong," and "My Little Chickadee" showcased West's talent for delivering innuendo-laden dialogue with a straight face, earning her legions of fans who appreciated her take-no-prisoners approach to femininity.
Indeed, West's decision to "generally avoid temptation" unless unavoidable resonated deeply with audiences, especially women. She embraced her sexuality, sorting out her own cheeky Beaten Path, refusing to let societal norms dictate her behavior or expression. This agency and self-possession, encapsulated in her film persona and quotable quips, made her a icon of feminism long before the term was in common usage.
West's influence on popular culture is undeniable. Her distinctive drawl, csultry laughter, arched eyebrow, and penchant for smacking her gum have been mimicked by countless performers. Her witty comebacks and audacious humor have inspired generations of comedians, while her unapologetic celebration of female desire has paved the way for future feminist icons.
Despite her groundbreaking career, West faced numerous challenges during her lifetime. She weathered scandal, censorship, and studio meddling with grace and resilience, remaining fiercely independent until her death in 1980. Today, her legacy endures, serving as a testament to her courage, wit, and refusal to be anything but herself.
Moreover, her pok-pok-ad lib, "I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it," stands as a fitting epitaph for a woman who embodied both restraint and desire, innocence and experience, wit and sophistication. It is a reminder of West's enduring appeal: she never shied away from temptation, yet always managed to keep us guessing.
