Re the comment on Mae West:
Mae West was apparently 43 when she made her first film. This means she was over fifty when she made "The Heat's On" in 1943.
She did not appear on the big screen again until 1967/8 when she made "Myra Breckinridge". I saw this film in London when it first came out. I well remember the roar of applause from the packed audience on her first entrance. She looked, sounded and acted remarkably well. The film itself was savaged by the critics, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it despite its flaws. The actress' next film "Sextette" was a different matter and I am sorry she was persuaded to make it. She certainly didn't need the money.
I also saw Marlene Dietrich in her stage act in 1962 or 1963 and again in London in 1966. For those who never saw her live on stage, I must tell them that the combined effect of cosmetics, foundation garment and superb lighting - plus her talent and undoubted charisma, was devestating. Everyone knew, of course, that they were being 'taken in', but quite honestly no-one cared. What one saw was magical. Later, at the stage door among the crowds, a close-up examination revealed the wear and tear that the lighting had concealed. Again, no-one cared. Biographies written after her death well describe the pain and discomfort she endured to maintain her stage appearance and the illusion of beauty. When the effort became too great, she simply retired to her Paris apartment and refused public appearances. The lady well-knew the value of her own 'legend'.