His Mother Should Have Thrown Him Away and Kept the Stork

The Stork Insult That Flew Through Time

“His mother should have thrown him away and kept the stork.”

This devastating one-liner cuts deep. It suggests someone is so worthless that even the mythical bird that supposedly delivered them holds more value. The insult gained widespread fame through Hollywood, but its journey through American humor reveals a fascinating story of how jokes evolve and transform across generations.

Mae West’s Memorable Delivery

Mae West brought this cutting remark to the silver screen in 1934. Source She delivered it in “Belle of the Nineties,” playing the captivating Ruby Carter. The film featured Roger Pryor as Tiger Kid, West’s love interest, while John Miljan portrayed the villainous Ace Lamont.

West aimed her verbal weapon at Lamont’s character. He ran an establishment called the Sensation House and constantly interfered with the romantic leads. His behavior proved so despicable that Ruby felt compelled to unleash this memorable putdown.

The Writing Credit Question

West served as the primary screenwriter for the film. Jack Wagner contributed additional dialogue to the production. This collaboration complicates the question of who actually wrote the famous line. However, the joke’s history extends far beyond this 1930s production.

West certainly deserves recognition for popularizing the insult. Her star power and memorable performance cemented its place in popular culture. Nevertheless, the evidence tells us she wasn’t the original creator of this jest.

A Joke Born in 1902

The earliest known version appeared much earlier than West’s film. Source “The Chicago Sunday Tribune” published it in 1902 within a humor column. The section, called “Merry Andrew’s Jest and Jingle,” featured various comedic pieces.

This original version told a more elaborate story. Young Bobby sat crying on his front steps when Mrs. Treller passed by. She stopped to ask what troubled him. Bobby explained that a baby boy had arrived at his house the night before.

According to Bobby’s father, a stork delivered the infant. Mrs. Treller tried to comfort Bobby by mentioning his new playmate. However, Bobby expressed disappointment. He would have preferred keeping the stork instead of receiving the baby brother.

Critical Reception of the Film Line

Contemporary reviewers noticed West’s delivery of this insult. Andre Sennwald wrote for “The New York Times” about the film. He described how villainous forces separated the romantic leads. Ruby had to defend herself against Ace Lamont’s interference.

Sennwald characterized Lamont as thoroughly objectionable. The villain’s behavior warranted Ruby’s scathing comment about the stork. Meanwhile, Donald Kirkley reviewed the film for “The Baltimore Sun.” He included this quip among several memorable lines from the production.

West’s other signature witticisms also appeared in the film. She delivered jokes about men, honor, and getting noticed. These lines showcased her bold persona and sharp comedic timing.

The Joke’s Evolution Through Comedy

Comedians continued adapting this insult after West’s film. Source In 1942, gossip columnist Ed Sullivan shared a variation. Comedian Joe E. Lewis told this version, applying it to Jimmy Durante.

Durante possessed a famously large nose. Lewis cleverly modified the joke to reference this distinctive feature. His version suggested Durante’s parents kept the stork while letting the infant fly away. This adaptation demonstrated how comedians tailored jokes to specific targets.

Charley Weaver’s Version

Cliff Arquette created the beloved character Charley Weaver during the 1950s. This affable elderly gentleman appeared on television regularly. In 1959, Arquette published “Charley Weaver’s Letters from Mamma.” The book compiled humorous correspondence from the character’s fictional mother.

One letter contained another iteration of the stork joke. Someone suggested that a character named Wally should have been returned. They should have kept the stork instead. This version showed how the joke continued circulating through different entertainment mediums.

Understanding Joke Migration

This insult existed for thirty-two years before West spoke it on screen. The timeline reveals how humor travels through culture. Jokes get refined and repurposed by different performers across time periods. What started as a lengthy anecdote transformed into a sharp one-liner.

West’s version perfectly suited her bold persona. The compact delivery fit the confrontation scene with the villain. Her contribution preserved and popularized the jest for modern audiences. Whether she adapted it from earlier sources or conceived it independently remains uncertain.

The Power of Star Association

West’s fame ensured her connection to this remark. Her role as primary writer strengthened that association. Film audiences remembered her delivery long after leaving theaters. The joke became part of her legendary repertoire.

Star power often determines which version of a joke survives in popular memory. Lesser-known sources fade into obscurity. Meanwhile, celebrity performances create lasting cultural moments. West’s delivery achieved exactly that impact.

Lessons from Hollywood’s Golden Age

This case study illustrates important principles about comedy attribution. First, many “original” jokes have earlier precedents. Second, performers often refine existing material rather than creating entirely new content. Third, delivery and context matter as much as the words themselves.

Researchers and film historians face challenges when tracking joke origins. Popular culture recycles humor constantly. Different performers adapt material to their unique styles and circumstances. The process continues across generations.

Why This Insult Endures

The stork joke survives because it combines several effective elements. It references a familiar childhood story about baby delivery. The reversal creates unexpected humor by suggesting the mythical bird holds more value than a real person. The insult delivers maximum impact with minimal words.

Additionally, the joke adapts easily to different contexts. Comedians can apply it to various targets and situations. This flexibility ensures its continued relevance across changing times and audiences.

Conclusion: A Shared Comedy Heritage

The stork insult demonstrates how comedy belongs to collective culture rather than individual creators. What began in a 1902 newspaper column eventually reached millions through Mae West’s film performance. Comedians like Joe E. Lewis and Cliff Arquette continued adapting it for their audiences.

West deserves credit for making this joke memorable and widely known. Her performance transformed obscure material into an enduring cultural reference. However, the complete story reveals a richer tapestry of American humor. The joke evolved through multiple performers, each adding their unique touch. This journey reminds us that great comedy often builds on shared traditions rather than emerging from single sources. Understanding these connections enriches our appreciation of both the jokes themselves and the talented performers who brought them to life.

Quote Me, maybe?

the quote G.O.A.T.