My sister recently suggested that I watch the 1933 movie "Baby Face" starring Barbara Stanwyck. I was not only inspired by the apparel of the 20's and 30's, but by the brilliance that is pre-code Hollywood --an important time period in movies that I had never known about. This was a time in film where women were free to have jobs, not settle down with one man, and get whatever they wanted, reflecting the liberal attitude of that time. Then in 1934, the Motion Picture Production Code was passed and these story lines were censored. Suddenly, actresses that played strong, assertive, working women were playing the role of the femme fatale, needing to be saved by a man.
My favorite pre-code actress, and my new hero, is none other than the fabulous Mae West:
West was known for her sexual innuendo and for making fun of a puritanical society. She was also the first woman to write many of the movies she starred in. Her first starring role on Broadway was in a play titled Sex, which she also wrote, produced, and directed. The production resulted in her arrest on obscenity charges. West went on to star in more films, and in 1936 she became the highest paid woman in the US.
After the censors became more strict, West decided she would be able to have greater expression in her work if she went back to the stage.
West regarded talking about sex as a basic human rights issue and was also an early advocate of gay and transgender rights. West's theatrical treatments of gender and gender performativity were also advanced, considering the times.
I also love her amazing glam style. Mae West: true inspiration!!
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