MAE and MADONNA : Come Up and See a Real Star Sometime

I would like to comment on your Off-Centerpiece article “The Mae in Madonna,” by Carl Anthony (Jan. 10):

As Miss West’s personal secretary for her last 10 years, I feel I am the most qualified to represent her. I can hardly see how Anthony could compare the two as equals. Miss West is an American institution, a legend! Madonna is a high-paid pop singer.

Mae West’s career spanned more than eight decades. She wrote several hit Broadway plays, becoming one of the most famous stars of the legitimate stage. She single-handedly saved Paramount Studios from certain bankruptcy in the 1930s by writing and starring in tremendously successful films. Beyond her talent as an actress and playwright, Miss West also wrote several best-selling novels (none of which needed nude photos to boost sales). She was also a successful singer and nightclub performer, breaking box-office records wherever she appeared.

And I have to disagree with some of Anthony’s specific points, such as his outrageous comparison of Miss West’s wardrobe to Madonna’s cone bras and lingerie. Miss West’s costumes and personal wardrobe were custom-designed by Travis Banton as well as eight-time Oscar winner Edith Head. The writer mentions Schiaparelli--she did design for one of Miss West’s pictures.

In addition, Miss West did not support or like nudity, and Madonna does.

Having corresponded and spoken with Mae West fans around the world for more than 20 years, I am sure all of us would agree with Miss West when she said, “Honey, there’s no one like me!”

TIM MALACHOSKY

Lancaster