Overview
- Female: 0
- Male: 2
Context
Allen Grayson is not only Rolly’s business partner, but also the object of his affection. He has just arrived at Rolly’s house to review some blueprints of a new building they are working on. But Rolly has no interest in the plans, and instead decides to confess his feelings for Allen and invite him to the drag party. Allen is shocked--after all, Rolly is married. This is the beginning of the end of the men’s friendship, especially as Allen is disgusted with how Rolly talks about and treats
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ROLLY: Cigarette, Allen? (GRAYSON takes cigarette—doesn’t pay attention—keeps looking at blueprint. ROLLY watching GRAYSON intently.) Light? (Lights his own and GRAYSON’s cigarettes. GRAYSON feels uncomfortable. Sits left of table, but interests self in blueprint. ROLLY crosses to divan and sits.) Well, what did you think of my friends?
GRAYSON: I didn’t see very much of them. I felt I was rushing them out.
ROLLY: Great boys, great boys, I am going on a weekend party and I’d love to have you join us. You’ll find the boys rather interesting, I think.
GRAYSON: You think so?
ROLLY: You’ve never met that particular type before?
GRAYSON: I can’t say that I have.
ROLLY: Perhaps you have and you didn’t know it. (GRAYSON looks up.) Why do you suppose I’ve had you come here so often? Haven’t you noticed the friendship I’ve had for you since the day you stepped into the office? All I could do was eat, drink, sleep, think of Allen Grayson.
GRAYSON: Why, Rolly, I’d hate to think to have you think of me in just that way. (Rises.) I’ve always looked at you as a he-man. God, this is—(Crosses over to left of center, faces left.)
ROLLY: (Rises, crosses toward him and over to table. Hums song.) I thought you had some idea of how I felt toward you—my great interest in you.
GRAYSON: Yes, I did think it extraordinary. (Crosses center, turns and looks at him.) But what about your wife?
ROLLY: You mean why I married?
GRAYSON: Yes.
ROLLY: That is very easy to explain. Clair’s dad and mine were very good friends, it was their one ambition that we should marry. It was practically arranged ever since we were children together and Clair is the same today as the day I married her, if you know what I mean.
GRAYSON: Why, I think that’s the most contemptible thing you could do—marry a woman and use her as a cloak to cover up what you are.
ROLLY: I don’t see why you should feel this way about it. She’s perfectly contented.
GRAYSON: You don’t mean to tell me she knows what you are.
ROLLY: No. Clair is just the type of woman that wouldn’t understand if she did know.
GRAYSON: How could you play on a woman’s innocence like that?
ROLLY: Just why should you take such an interest in my wife? (Takes step to center)
GRAYSON: I just can’t stand to see a sweet innocent girl like Clair treated that way.
ROLLY: Oh, I see. (Takes step toward him.) I think I understand where your interest lies. After I’ve given you the hospitality of my home, I trusted you with my wife.
GRAYSON: Yes, I am interested in your wife. As for your hospitality, your plans, and the great Kingsbury works, they can go to hell. I think you’re a rotter. God! (He throws the plans on the table—starts to go.)
ROLLY: (Tries to stop him) Just a minute, Allen.
GRAYSON: Please…
ROLLY: Now you can’t go like this. You’re taking the wrong attitude. Now let’s forget all about it.
GRAYSON: Forget about it.
Mae West, The Drag, 1927.
Links
- Article: The Guardian: Brutal! Vulgar! Dirty! Mae West and the gay comedy that shocked 1920s America
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