Oh, Rolly, I forgot to tell you, dearie,...

Oh, Rolly, I forgot to tell you, dearie, about this handsome brute of a taxi-driver. Let me tell you. Yesterday, you know Dave, that sentimental moll, the one who used to be crazy about you. Well, she calls me up and asked me to come right over, she’s hysterical. Well, I goes over and there was the poor queen ready to jump out of the window. Of course, I knew that was the matter. She needed a jab. She’s been taking heroin and morphine by the barrels. The trouble with her is she’s sensitive of what she is. Now, I don’t give a goddamn who knows it. Of course, I don’t go flouncing my hips up and down Broadway picking up trade or with a sign on my back advertising it. (laughs) But of course, I don’t pass anything up either, dearie. I’m out to have a good time as well as the next.

Mae West, The Drag, 1927.

• Article: The Guardian: Brutal! Vulgar! Dirty! Mae West and the gay comedy that shocked 1920s America