LATINS ARE STILL LOUSY LOVERS

by Helen Lawrenson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 14, 1968

'Twas in the October issue of Esquire in October in 1936, that Miss Lawrenson, sneaking under a male pseudonym, rocked the public with her famous backhanded tribute to the virility of the much-maligned American male, by giving the mitten to the myth of Latin superiority in the arts of love. Bewhiles Miss Lawrenson has written a number of sprightly pieces--interviews, travels, thoughts on the passed and passing scene--and this is a diverting collection. While considerably less rowdy than in her early efforts, Miss L. can still stir up strong-minded say-so's about such matters as the non-personality of today's cinema actresses; the decline of burlesque; a defense of Greenwich Village; the ""look-alike"" clothing of the sexes. There is a delightful glance backward at the ways of the old Vanity Fair and environs (today ""decadence has become a trifle dated""), travels to Las Vegas, Havana (1955), Panama, Mexico. The prime plums of this assortment, however, are the in situ interviews with Mae West, Lionel Slander, and Anthony Quinn. All breezy, shrewd and revealing. As for the title--the text offers little support; but as an amusing companion along bucolic to bawdy by-ways, Miss Lawrenson is one who will get you there in style.

Pub Date: Nov. 14, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Hawthorn

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION