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These two beloved comedians of the early and mid twentieth century were in films, on radio and early TV. The material here is 'gentle' humor, devoid of the bite and political cast of most modern comics. Is that good? Judge for yourself; we'll let you decide. Suffice to know that this was the biggest selling album in our early history, and we're proud to offer it for the first time on CD.
At sixty-six, on December 25th, 1946, W.C.Fields passed away. A page ad in the Hollywood Reporter of Dec.27th placed by friends, read: “The most prejudiced and honest and beloved figure in our so-called “Colony” went away on a day that he pretended to abhor – “Christmas.” We loved him, and – peculiarly enough – he loved us. To the most authentic humorist since Mark Twain, to the greatest heart that has beaten since the middle ages – W.C.Fields, our friend.”
W.C. Fields and Mae West were immortal film stars from the 1930s whose comedy routines focused on, respectively, drinking alcohol and sex. Fields' only recording session and eight songs by West from the time period are combined on this reissue of a unique and formerly rare album.
W.C. Fields created a character who loved to drink, made wisecracks under his breath, barely tolerated a domineering wife, was bedeviled by pets, and somehow always ended up on top. He was born William Claude Dukenfield in 1880. Dropping out of school early, Fields left home when he was a young teenager. He struggled for years while trying to break into show business, succeeding by teaching himself to become a masterful juggler. His act was very popular on vaudeville. Fields hit the big time when he was signed to the Ziegfeld Follies in 1915. He also worked in George White's Scandals and starred in the 1923 play Poppy, often ad-libbing his lines since he had difficulty remembering the script. Fields appeared in a few silent films and did more work on Broadway before moving to Hollywood in 1930 where he spent the rest of his life appearing in movies. By 1934 he was a full fledged movie star, and his memorable character was often hilarious. The Old Fashioned Way gives one a rare glimpse of his juggling while It's A Gift was one of the most coherent and beloved of his movies. Other W.C. Fields films included a strong role in David Copperfield and such movies as The Man On The Flying Trapeze, Poppy, You Can't Cheat An Honest Man, The Bank Dick and Never Give A Sucker An Even Break. His drinking eventually caught up with him and Fields passed away on Christmas 1946 at the age of 66.
Mae West was born in 1893. She appeared in amateur contests from the age of seven. By 1907 she was performing regularly in vaudeville. West appeared on Broadway as early as 1911 and first hit it big in 1918, dancing the shimmy in the revue Sometime. She began writing her own plays including one called Sex. It resulted in her being arrested on morals charges and spending eight days in jail in 1927, earning her a great deal of publicity. In 1932 Mae West was signed by Paramount Pictures. Quickly becoming a sex symbol and star, her double entendre comments made her a sensation. She also sang in many of her films and, although she did not have a great voice, her personality came through. West's film career came to an end in 1943 (other than a few later comebacks) but she had a successful nightclub act for years and was a household name until her death in 1980 at the age of 87.
This unique CD has two classic routines by W.C. Fields which may have been his final performances, dating from 1945-46. The ten minute “The Temperance Lecture” and the five minutes of “The Day I Drank A Glass Of Water” are full of very funny statements and nonsensical stories dealing with alcohol. Mae West, who was ironically a teetotaler, is featured on eight songs from 1947, often accompanied by a good pianist or organist, and in a few cases a band. A fine trumpeter is heard on “Come Up And See Me Sometime,” which is named after her trademark line. The subject matter of other songs deal with a potential lover who moves too fast (“Slow Down”). one who moves too slow “(“Put It Off Until Tomorrow”) and other humorous sexual situations. While the lyrics are very subtle for the 21st century, at the time they were considered quite outlandish.
Review
"W.C. Fields and Mae West only worked together in the 1940 film My Little Chickadee but they prove to be a perfect fit on this entertaining CD." -Scott Yanow
"W.C. Fields and Mae West are both legendary film stars whose careers peaked during the 1930s. Neither are known as recording artists but this unique release shows that they could have been. W.C. Fields is featured on two classic routines from 1945-46. "The Temperance Lecture" and "The Day I Drank A Glass Of Water" are both humorous stories about his much beloved bouts with alcohol. In addition, this CD features Mae West singing on eight numbers from 1947 including her trademark "Come Up And See Me Sometime." -Scott Yanow
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