December 11th, 2013
04:21 PM ET
Bette Midler to play Mae West, and R. Patz finds a new jobBette Midler is somewhere perfecting a sassy drawl. The actress has been tapped to portray Hollywood legend Mae West in a new biopic that's being developed at HBO.
Variety reports that the film will be based on West's 1959 autobiography "Good Had Nothing To Do With It," published 21 years before West died at 87. The as-yet-untitled biopic will concentrate on the star's early years, particularly her risque and criticized Rialto show "Sex." In addition to starring in the film, Midler will also executive produce along with Jerry Weintraub, who oversaw HBO's award-winning Liberace telepic, "Behind the Candelabra." Oscar winner William Friedkin will exec produce in addition to directing the biopic, the script for which will be written by Harvey Fierstein. In other casting news, former "Twilight" star Robert Pattinson is still trying to shed his sparkly past with another drama. The 27-year-old actor is set to star in a film that focuses on the upbringing of "a post World War I leader," so your guess is as good as ours as to who that could be. The title doesn't offer any hints, either. Called "The Childhood of a Leader," the project will be directed by Sundance darling Brady Corbet, who also co-wrote "Childhood's" script with Mona Fastvold. Also featuring Juliette Binoche and Tim Roth, "The Childhood of a Leader" is expected to start shooting in Europe in May.
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It's about time that Mae West iconic persona got reintroduced to a new audience. However, I question why only Mae's Broadway era seems to be the focus of this bio pix. After Mae's heyday in Hollywood, she returned to the Broadway stage, then starred in her Vegas themed revue that toured the U.S. during the mid to late 50's. Then, Mae came back into prominence with her Rock n' Roll flavoured record albums which lead to her film comeback. Mae was the original "cougar" and was way ahead of the women's liberation movement. There could be several Mae West films, but I'm not sure that the focus of this one is going to do the lady justice.
I think they should cast Chuck McCann as W. C. Field. He'd be perfect in the part.
They shoulda cast R.Patz as Wonder Woman, and not that scrawny chick.
I didn't know who mae west was. I googled it and they do look a like. Who is r patz? What does r stand for?
Will make the best Mae West ever.
Get the Knockwurst.
she will do a fine job as mae. Costume and makeup and she is a good actress. She looks like her too. Theys both fugly. lmao
Get the Knack.
I think Bette Midler will play a good Mae West!
Your judgment is flawed if not irreparably broken. Mae West was vivacious and alluring. While she can sing, Bette Midler not much to look at and repugnant. Irritating. Haggard. Very bad selection that will denigrate the memory of an American icon.
Wrong Knick; she's perfect for the part!
I have to agree with the other three @ knick. She looks much like Mae West. I googled Mae West photos and the first one I saw looked like Bette Midler. Indeed, she is perfect for the part.
I love the word 'repugnant.' So many fond memories. Haggaed too.
Thanks, Knick. I'll be seeing you soon.
R. Patz would be better cast as Mae West, IMO.
I have no idea what Knick is talking about. I think she would be perfect to play the part. I'm still trying to figure out what is so appealing about R. Pattison, though. That guy is homely.