W.C. Fields was an American comedian and actor who created one of the great American comic personas of the first half of the 20th century: a cynical and hard-drinking egotist who remained a sympathetic character despite his snarling contempt for dogs, children and women.
In the 100-plus year history of motion pictures, no performer has been more associated with strong drink than W.C. Fields. His preeminent position as Hollywood’s supreme drinker is richly deserved: During the 1930s and 1940s, the celebrated comedian produced a string of hilarious feature films and short subjects overflowing with booze-spiked humor. On screen, his characters would go to any length to get booze into their bloodstreams, whether it meant sneaking sips behind the back of a nagging wife, chasing an off-duty bartender down a city street, distilling homemade hooch, or jumping out of an airplane to retrieve a falling bottle. Off screen, Fields was just as fond of stimulating beverages, and indulgent directors allowed W.C. to arrive late to the set, drink on the job, and leave early when his glow became too rosy, because they knew that their star was always at his most creative with a healthy snoot-full.
The character that he portrayed in films and radio became so strong, Fields identified with it himself and with the aid of the publicity departments of the studies, Fields eventually morphed into his onscreen persona. Robert Lewis Taylor’s 1949 biography W.C. Fields, His Follies and Fortunes further established Field’s passion for drinking and his misanthropic personality.
In his younger days as a juggler, Fields himself never drank, because he didn’t want to impair his functions while performing. The loneliness of his constant touring and traveling, however, compelled Fields to keep liquor on hand for fellow performers, so he could invite them to his dressing room for companionship and cocktails. Only then did Fields cultivate a fondness for alcohol.
A notable quote regarding alcohol is attributed to Fields: "I can't stand water because of the things fish do in it." Fields expressed his feelings in Never Give a Sucker an Even Break: "I was in love with a beautiful blonde once, dear. She drove me to drink. It's the one thing I am indebted to her for."
On movie sets, Fields kept a vacuum flask of martinis handy; he referred to it as his "lemonade". One day a prankster switched the contents of the flask, filling it with actual lemonade. Upon discovering the prank, Fields was heard to yell, "Who put lemonade in my lemonade?" (A variation on the story is "pineapple juice".)
A notable quote regarding alcohol is attributed to Fields: "I can't stand water because of the things fish do in it." Fields expressed his feelings in Never Give a Sucker an Even Break: "I was in love with a beautiful blonde once, dear. She drove me to drink. It's the one thing I am indebted to her for."
On movie sets, Fields kept a vacuum flask of martinis handy; he referred to it as his "lemonade". One day a prankster switched the contents of the flask, filling it with actual lemonade. Upon discovering the prank, Fields was heard to yell, "Who put lemonade in my lemonade?" (A variation on the story is "pineapple juice".)
Much of the secret as to why Fields’ mean-spirited humor connected with audiences was that his characters usually absorbed more abuse than they dispersed. Whether portraying an unscrupulous con artist or a henpecked family man, W.C. was eternally the underdog, and his wrath was only unleashed after patiently enduring abuse or public embarrassment from shrill relatives, bill-collectors, dullards, policemen, small children, or dogs. Consequently, his anger was understandable, as was his heavy drinking.
In 1936 Fields became gravely ill, his health worsened by his heavy drinking. Fields’ film series came to a halt while he recovered; he made one last film for Paramount, The Big Broadcast of 1938. The comedian's all-around stubborn and mean-spirited character kept other producers away, and Fields was professionally idle until he made his debut on radio. By then Fields was very sick and suffering from delirium tremens.
In Honor of the great drinker, I have included the classic Martini Recipe below. So escape sobriety and enjoy a drink to a man who’s character was politically incorrect way before the term existed!
Classic Martini Ingredients
75ml (or approx 2+ 1/2 oz) Gin
15ml (or approx 1/4 oz) Dry Vermouth
1 green olive OR a twist of lemon peel 6 ice cubes
Classic Martini Directions
Into a mixing glass, toss a handful of ice cubes (about half a dozen), then pour in the Vermouth. Stir well to coat the mixing glass with the Vermouth.
Strain out almost all of the Vermouth and pour in the Gin.
Stir well to let the Vermouth come in contact with the Gin and to chill the ingredients.
Strain and pour into a martini glass.
To finish, either drop a green olive into the bottom of the martini glass OR arrange a twist of lemon peel on the edge of the martini glass.
