Belle of the Nineties

Belle of the Nineties (1934) is Mae West's fourth motion picture, directed by Leo McCarey and released by Paramount Pictures. The film was based on West's original story It Ain't No Sin which was also to be the film's title until censors objected. Johnny Mack Brown, Duke Ellington, and Katherine DeMille are also in the cast. Shooting commenced on March 19, 1934 and concluded in June. The film was released on September 21, 1934. It had a domestic (U.S.A.) gross of $2,000,000. As usual with West's films, some scenes were removed to be shown in different States. To be shown in New York, one of the biggest markets, they had to completely re-shoot the final scene. Mae West's character and the Tiger Kid were originally to complete their nuptials without a marriage ceremony, the ceremony had to be included.

Contents

• Belle of the nineties 001
• Tcm salute to mae west 3of5 belle of the nineties intro
• Cast
• Production
• Box Office
• References

A publicity stunt went awry when 50 parrots were trained to shout the original title of "it ain't no sin". The parrots were subsequently released in the jungles of South America still repeating "it ain't no sin" over and over again. Sheet music of the song "My American Beauty" was also printed with the film's original title and corrected with a rubber stamp.

Cast

Mae West as Ruby Carter

Roger Pryor as Tiger Kid

Johnny Mack Brown as Brooks Claybourne (as John Mack Brown)

Katherine DeMille as Molly Brant

John Miljan as Ace Lamont (owner, Sensation House)

Duke Ellington as Piano player (Sensation House)

Production

The male lead was supposed to be played by George Raft but he refused. His part was taken by Roger Pryor, a stage actor.

Box Office

The film was a box office disappointment for Paramount.