Born on 12 January 1884 in Waco, Mary Louise Cecilia "Texas" Guinan played a gun-slinger and rode bareback in silent films, took New York by storm in 1906, and earned a salary of $700,000 as a speakeasy hostess. Here are highlights from a life led at full speed until 5 November 1933. Meet TEXAS GUINAN!

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Visiting Texas in New York

It's a former speakeasy in the Village. In 1920, the regulars filed through a dark-panelled portal three steps down from the pavement. Paul & Joe's was a place where people wanted to be delivered to temptation - - or wanted sin to stay in touch.
• • Visiting Texas (Guinan) in New York at 62 West Ninth Street was a rep from the Office of the Manhattan Boro President, Shaan Khan, Community Liasion.

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• • Paying her respects was also Louise Berliner, who wrote a well-received bio of Texas Guinan that enthralled Madonna and Martin Scorsese. Gary Shapiro, "The Knickerbocker" columnist for The New York Sun, is a lawyer as well as a journalist. He wanted to hear more about the legal prowess of Maxwell E. Lopin, whose most famous client was Texas Guinan. Louise Berliner is the granddaughter of Lopin, whose work inspired her to get to the truth behind the legendary speakeasy hostess.
• • Left to right: columnist Gary Shapiro, dramatist LindaAnn Loschiavo, and biographer Louise Berliner.
• • Source: Village Restaurant • •
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• • Photograph: Shaan Khan examines the exhibition "Onstage Outlaws"
• • Photograph: Gary Shapiro and Louise Berliner, biographer of Texas Guinan • •

Texas Guinan.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Guinan Biographer Takes Wing

Madonna’s “Lightbulb” Dons Wings
Flying to NYC is a Biographer Whose Lawyer-Grandpa Kept Prison Stripes Off Diamond Divas

New York, NY (PRWEB): Actress-manqué Madonna felt a lightbulb go off when she discovered the blazing trail of Marie “Texas” Guinan, singer, actress, equestrienne, sharpshooter, speakeasy hostess, multi-millionaire, and daredevil. The Material Girl contacted Louise Berliner, who wrote the biography Texas Guinan: Queen of the Nightclubs [University of Texas Press, 1993], and optioned this book for a film, hoping that good material might help bullet-proof her next movie.
• • “I always had the illusion that I inherited Texas Guinan, like a family heirloom, or that we were somehow related,” noted Louise Berliner, who graduated with honors from Yale. Her grandfather Maxwell E. Lopin was the lawyer who kept prison stripes off Guinan, and who recorded the story of the infamous trial in New York, a manuscript that lit a fire under his granddaughter.
• • The award-winning author, who now lives in Boston, Massachusetts, is flying to New York City on Tuesday August 29, 2006 to see the exhibition “ONSTAGE OUTLAWS: Mae West and Texas Guinan in a Lawless Era” at Village Restaurant [62 West Ninth Street], around the corner from Guinan’s former West Eighth Street duplex.
• • Also viewing this colorful narrative of New York history on August 29th will be a representative from the office of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer; attorney Michael Pantaleoni, whose niece is the actress Téa Leoni; and other visitors.
• • "These historical images depict an impressive narrative of America's political life during the Prohibition Era," said Arturo Garcia-Costas, Manhattan Community Representative to Congressman Jerrold L. Nadler, who toured the installation August 25th. These notables toured the same exhibit recently, too: actress Jessica Lange; dramatist Sam Shepard; New York Yankee Steve Karsay; Supreme Court Justice Edwin Torres, who wrote “Carlito’s Way”; broadcast legend Joe Franklin; Broadway producers Pat Addiss and Sandi Durell; David Chang, Legislative Aide to Senator Tom Duane; Gregory Brender, Community Liasion, from the office of Assemblywoman Deborah Glick; attorney Maria Passannante Derr, Chair, Community Board 2; and hundreds more.
• • New Yorkers can feast on these rare archival images — depicting Mae West’s legal woes and careers highlights — at Village Restaurant [62 West Ninth Street, NYC] during a free exhibition through August 31, 2006: “Onstage Outlaws: Mae West and Texas Guinan in a Lawless Era.” There is NO charge to view this historic installation curated by playwright-journalist LindaAnn Loschiavo. Info: 212-505-3355.
• • The Annual Mae West Gala always takes place in a venue that the actress had frequented. Images: maewest.blogspot.com — texasguinan.blogspot.com — please request permission before using photos. Media inquiries are welcome.
• • COURTING MAE WEST, LLC, based in Manhattan, is an off-Broadway producing outfit whose mission is to increase opportunities for women and female-driven plays.
• • Source: Village Restaurant • •
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• • Photograph: archival image of Texas Guinan • •

Texas Guinan.

Saturday, August 26, 2006

Congress Inspects Texas!


New York, NY: "These historical images depict an impressive narrative of American political life during the Prohibition Era," said ARTURO GARCIA-COSTAS, Manhattan Community Representative to Congressman JERROLD L. NADLER, who toured the installation ONSTAGE OUTLAWS: Mae West and Texas Guinan in a Lawless Era at Village Restaurant with chef-owner Stephen Lyle and curator LindaAnn Loschiavo. "I suggest you contact The New-York Historical Society," continued Garcia-Costas, "because that would be the perfect venue for this fascinating backward glance at New York City history and censorship."
• • Source: Village Restaurant • •
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• • Photograph: Arturo Garcia-Costas is enjoying the archival images of Texas Guinan at Village Restaurant's exhibition "Onstage Outlaws: Mae West and Texas Guinan in a Lawless Era" • •

Texas Guinan.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Texas Enchants a Tour Group

New York, NY: On Sunday 20 August 2006, more than two dozen MAE WEST and TEXAS GUINAN fans gathered on West Ninth Street.

Starting at Village Restaurant [62 West 9th Street], the group saw photographs of the eatery when it was Paul & Joe's - - the gay cabaret that inspired MAE to write her controversial play "THE DRAG," a work that kicked New York's legal machinery into gear on 9 February 1927. MAE spent that evening in Jefferson Market Police Court and was forced to stay overnight in Jefferson Market Jail.

• • The group enjoyed comparing archival photos of TEXAS GUINAN's former residences with the buildings that exist today.

• • The walking tour was sweetened by brunch at Village served with the Cos-MAE-Politan cocktail, garnished with a plump raspberry. Raffle prizes were carried home by handsome Terry Hofler of Riverdale, who won a silk bowtie - - "Newseum" - - courtesy of Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont; and elegant Ellen Christine, who won a collection of TEXAS GUINAN films courtesy of the Guinan Family Archives. Ellen Christine, who runs a vintage millinery and apparel emporium [255 West 18th Street, NYC 10011], especially loves the Roaring 20s and can't wait to cosy up with "The Gun Woman" and other silents starring the speakeasy queen.
• • Thank you, MAE WEST, for sending perfect sunshiny days that enhanced the events taking place during the ANNUAL MAE WEST GALA.
• • Source: Village Restaurant • •
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• • Photograph: enjoying archival images of Texas Guinan at the opening of "Onstage Outlaws: Mae West and Texas Guinan in a Lawless Era" • •

Texas Guinan.

Friday, August 18, 2006

Texas & The Gang


New York, NY: Enjoying the archival images and illustrations of Texas Guinan on August 17, 2006 - - at the ANNUAL MAE WEST GALA - - are vocalist MARNIE BAUMER, CONRAD BRADFORD [who designed the exhibition], PHYLLIS KUNG, DAVID CHANG, Legislative Aide to New York Senator TOM DUANE, and LINDA ANN LOSCHIAVO, who organized the press preview. Also taking in the installation on August 17th were SAM SHEPARD and JESSICA LANGE, while dining at Village Restaurant; though neither had ever heard of TEXAS GUINAN, both were thorougly fascinated by the installation.

• • The giftbags were glorious, too.
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• • Source: Village Restaurant • •
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• • Photograph: enjoying archival images of Texas Guinan at the opening of "Onstage Outlaws: Mae West and Texas Guinan in a Lawless Era" • •

Texas Guinan.

Monday, August 07, 2006

Texas Guinan: Shady Lady

A Free Exhibition on Two Film Icons Salutes the Shady Side
Jailed or jeweled, hand-clapped or handcuffed -- you get a true behind-the-scenes view.


New York, NY (PRWEB) August 3, 2006 -- Who said American history had to be pretty? During the Jazz Era, two of the most glamorous actresses -- Mae West and Texas Guinan -- were frequently photographed at premieres as well as inside police precincts, paddy wagons, courtrooms, and prison cells. Whether they were bejeweled or being jailed, Mae West and Texas Guinan were preserved on camera. Though many books have been published on both women, the striking images in this special collection have not appeared since 1935.
• • Steve Rossi, who performed onstage during the 1950s in the “Mae West Revue” (and who later teamed up with funnyman Marty Allen as Allen & Rossi), was astonished by the collection. “These candids and illustrations are quite revealing,” he said. Steve Rossi plans to be at the Gala PRESS PREVIEW taking place in New York City on August 17, 2006. Gala giftbags will be given to celebrities, the news media, and VIPs who attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• • Sunny-side-up surprises are also in store. Though Texas Guinan (1884-1933) is remembered as a speakeasy hostess, in fact, she starred in over two dozen silent films and had leading roles in musicals at the Manhattan Opera House, Keith and Proctor's Fifth Avenue Theatre, Winter Garden, Shubert Theatre, and The Hippodrome. And though Mae West (1893-1980) is immortalized as an icon of the silver screen, she performed live in vaudeville for 27 years, and on the mainstem circuit -- at Keith and Proctor's Fifth Avenue Theatre, Winter Garden, Shubert Theatre, Hammerstein's Victoria, Folies Bergere, Century Roof, Casino Theatre, Royale Theatre, the Polo Grounds, etc. -- BEFORE Hollywood beckoned in 1932.
• • New Yorkers can feast on these rare archival images at Village Restaurant (62 West Ninth Street, NYC) during a free exhibition in August. “Onstage Outlaws: Mae West and Texas Guinan in a Lawless Era” opens to the public after a Gala Roaring-20s theme Press Preview on Mae’s birthday August 17, 2006. There is no charge to view this historic installation.
• • Mae West and Texas Guinan had secret passions that will be revealed during a walking tour on Sunday August 20th followed by brunch at Village Restaurant. Fee [tour + brunch will be $25. Brunch guests can enjoy the free exhibition with or without the tour. Info: 212-505-3355.
• • The Annual Mae West Gala always takes place in a venue that the actress had frequented.
• • • • Media inquiries welcome. • • • •
• • Images: maewest.blogspot.com — texasguinan.blogspot.com
• • The Annual Mae West Gala always takes place in a venue that the actress had frequented.
• • • • COURTING MAE WEST, LLC, based in Manhattan, is an off-Broadway producing outfit whose mission is to increase opportunities for women and female-driven plays.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • Source: Texas Guinan press release on PRWEB • •
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• • Photograph: Texas Guinan in 1931 • •

Texas Guinan.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Texas Is Madonna's Idol

Madonna's Idol Stars in a Free Exhibition of Personal Photographs and Images
This installation opens to the public after a gala Roaring 20s-theme press preview.
_____________For_Immediate_Release________________________
New York, NY (PRWEB) August 5, 2006 -- Madonna bought the rights to make the movie -- but we got the pictures.


• • Remember when the Material Girl announced that she would play the role of Texas Guinan (1884-1933) in a bio-pic “Hello, Suckers!” that Martin Scorsese would produce? The script was based on the book Texas Guinan: Queen of the Nightclubs. After Madonna had a riding accident, however, no more was heard of her attempt to fill Guinan’s boots.
• • Well, boot up and head over to Greenwich Village (in New York City) during August for a close-up of the diamond-dusted diva herself. A trained soprano and charismatic both onstage and onscreen, this versatile entertainer-equestrienne always did all her own stunts. One feat was her arresting drama: Texas Guinan’s clubs were raided more often during Prohibition than any other New York speakeasy hostess — and as soon as she got locked up, the police would besiege her for autographs. During the 1920s, her annual income was $700,000 (about $5.6 million today).
• • Prior to amusing Manhattan’s saloon scholars, Texas Guinan appeared in Broadway musicals with Al Jolson, Elsie Janis, Fatty Arbuckle, and others. She also starred in over two dozen silent films that featured her gun-slinging skills: “Spirit of Cabin Mine,” “Girl of the Rancho,” “The Lady of the Law,” “Little Miss Deputy,” “The Stampede,” etc. And as a newspaper columnist, Guinan covered the trials of her good friend Mae West (1893-1980) at Jefferson Market Court.
• • Everyone is welcome to enjoy these rare archival images — many from Texas Guinan’s estate and not shared with the public since 1935. These engaging photographs and illustrations go on view at Village Restaurant (62 West Ninth Street, NYC) during a free exhibition in August. "Onstage Outlaws: Mae West and Texas Guinan in a Lawless Era" opens to the public after a Gala Roaring-20s theme Press Preview on Mae's birthday August 17, 2006. There is no charge to view this historic installation, which is part of the Annual Mae West Gala.
• • During August, raffle prizes will include silent treasures from the Guinan Family Archives. Lucky winners will take home a bit of Texas in titles such as “The Gun Woman” (directed by Frank Borzage in 1918), “Letters of Fire,” and “The Moonshine Feud,” in which Texas battles a gang of lawless moonshiners and rescues a Revenue Agent -- an irony the G-Men may have laughed about each time they padlocked one of her ginmills.
• • Test your Texas Guinan knowledge. Which statements are true?
* * * Guinan has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1779 Vine Street.
* * * The character of Texie Garcia in the comic strip Dick Tracy was based on Guinan.
* * * The role of Panama Smith, played by Gladys George, in the 1939 film The Roaring Twenties was based on Guinan.
* * * The character of Sally Kansas, played by June Havoc, in an episode of The Untouchables [entitled "The Larry Fay Story"] was based on Guinan.
* * * The recurring character of Guinan the bartender, played by Whoopie Goldberg on Star Trek: the Next Generation, was named for her.
• • (ANSWER: all are true.) • •
• • The secret passions of Texas Guinan and Mae West will be revealed during a walking tour on Sunday August 20th followed by brunch at Village Restaurant. Fee [tour + brunch] will be $25. Brunch guests can enjoy the free exhibition with or without the tour. Info: 212-505-3355.
• • • • Media inquiries welcome. • • • •
• • Images: maewest.blogspot.com — texasguinan.blogspot.com
• • The Annual Mae West Gala always takes place in a venue that the actress had frequented.
• • • • COURTING MAE WEST, LLC, based in Manhattan, is an off-Broadway producing outfit whose mission is to increase opportunities for women and female-driven plays.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • Source: Village Restaurant [62 West Ninth Street, NYC] • •
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• • Illustration: Texas Guinan, age 30, in 1914 • •

Texas Guinan.