“I can’t tell you the number of men I’ve helped to realize themselves.”

In Go West, Young Man, Mae West plays film star Mavis Arden. Mavis, the “reigning queen of the cinema” is spoiled, petulant, and temperamental. Her contract states that she’s not to marry for 5 years, and yet whenever she stops long enough to bat her eyelashes, she’s up to her neck in eager male suitors. It’s the job of her wily press agent Morgan (Warren William) to fend off the men and keep Mavis single and on the move. If he suspects she’s forming a relationship, he sabotages it.

Mavis is en route to the next stop on her tour when her car breaks down. Morgan takes the opportunity to keep Mavis holed up in the country away from her latest panting suitor, and he insists they stay at a remote bed and breakfast inn. Mavis, however, quickly spots the charms of country lad Bud Norton (Randolph Scott). One look at Bud, and Mavis notes: “what large and sinewy muscles” right before she decides, “my type needs to get acquainted with farm life.” Mavis then tries every trick in the book to seduce Bud.

The first part of Go West, Young Man depicts Mavis in Drifting Lady–one of her corny films, and this sets the stage for one of the film’s greatest comic elements–the vast discrepancy between Mavis the idol of the silver screen and Mavis, the less-than-perfect person. Some of the film’s funniest moments occur as Mavis switches rapidly back and forth between her Grande Dame persona and her demanding, peevish real-life personality. Mae West shows that she’s not afraid to make fun of herself here starring as the pretentious actress whose fine speeches are laced with bad grammar and insincerity. From director Henry Hathaway.

Favourite Lines:

“Your interior is just as picturesque as your ulterior.”

“Sometimes I hear the call of the irresistible.”

“My type should get better acquainted with farm life.”

Songs:

On a Typical Tropical Night

I Was Saying to the Moon