May West reveals Hollywood secrets and triumphs

In a captivating recount of her Hollywood journey, iconic actress Mae West shared her experiences during a recent event, highlighting her rise to fame and the challenges she faced in the film industry. West, who signed a lucrative contract with Paramount Studios at a time when the studio was struggling financially, detailed her initial frustrations with flat dialogue in her first project, \"Night After Night.\" Taking matters into her own hands, she rewrote her lines, ultimately stealing the show and establishing her love for film.

West's collaboration with renowned designer Edith Head was another focal point of her narrative. She humorously recounted how she instructed Head to create gowns that were \"tight enough to show you're a woman and loose enough to show you're a lady,\" a quote that has since become attributed to Head. Their partnership flourished, with West often being sewn into her costumes for performances.

The actress also reminisced about her groundbreaking film \"She Done Him Wrong,\" which not only saved Paramount Studios from financial ruin but also became the shortest film ever to win an Oscar at just 66 minutes. West's wit and charm shone through as she described her interactions with fellow actors, including Cary Grant, whom she helped name, and her tumultuous collaboration with W.C. Fields.

West's storytelling was punctuated with anecdotes about her theatrical ambitions, including a failed film project that prompted her return to the stage. She expressed her deep understanding of performance, emphasizing her control over the stage compared to the unpredictability of film sets.

As she concluded her engaging narrative, West encouraged her audience to embrace their individuality and creativity, leaving them with a memorable invitation to \"come see me sometime.\" Her reflections not only celebrated her illustrious career but also underscored her enduring influence in the entertainment industry.