Mae West Turned Obscenity Famous

American actress and playwright Mae West’s 1926 Broadway play "Sex" was condemned as "the cheapest most vulgar low show to have dared to open in New York." The controversy did not stop audiences, and the play still ran for 375 performances. Authorities eventually jailed West for obscenity and fined her $500. The punishment backfired because that publicity only made her more famous.

Previous Fact Next Fact