Ann Jillian's portrait of legendary actress Mae West in this TV biography, covering her flamboyant career, won her an Emmy Award nomination. James Brolin plays Mae West's long-time lover and manager, Jim Timony, and Roddy McDowall is a fictionalized female impersonator who helps her develop her distinctive stage and screen persona. Director Lee Philips also received an Emmy nomination, as did Jean-Pierre Dorleac and Richard Blair for costume design and makeup, respectively.