Customer Reviews

The Complete Films Of Mae West (Citadel Film Series)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
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THE original FILMS OF MAE WEST was one of the best entries in the Citadel film series. Originally published in the early 70's when Mae was still alive and active (one film yet to be made!) it's both admiring and serious, fan-oriented and scholarly. Since Mae only made 11 pictures at that point, each movie gets far more attention that films in other volumes where the star made 60 or more. Tuska clearly admired Mae at the time (he even heaps praise of the widely trashed MYRA BRECKENRIDGE, accurately predicting it would become a cult film!) Alas, he apparently had a falling out with West or something because in his update for the edition after her death he brutally trashes her last film, the genteel rather enjoyable sex comedy SEXTETTE as well as her performance, makes comments about her personal abilities in her final years that are unkind and rude, and tacks on a final essay on her that seems dismissive. I would give the book five stars if not for these "revisions".

I must agree with the previous reviewer who pointed out that the author needlessly bashes the film SEXTETTE and that because of that, its impossible to give this book 5 stars. I did a review of SEXTETTE here on amazon and I pointed out some of the arguements made in this book and my feelings on those points. Aside from that, the book is full of great photos and tons of valuable information on the other films. A must have for any Mae West fan's collection, but see Sextette with an open mind first, and then judge it for yourself. Don't just listen to this author's somewhat cruel appraisal. The woman was, after all, in her mid-80's when SEXTETTE was made, and you know, we all know women 30 years younger than that who don't look as good as Mae does in SEXTETTE. Otherwise a great book.