Description

Belle of the Nineties - Classic Mae West DVD

Product Information

UPC: 5050582344301
Product Type: DVD
Region: 2 PAL DVD
Color: Black & White
Made In: UK
Audio: English mono
Total Runtime: 70 minutes

Overview

Belle of the Nineties is a 1934 American pre-Code film directed by the acclaimed Leo McCarey and released by Paramount Pictures. It stands as Mae West’s fourth feature film, once again showcasing her unmistakable screen presence, sharp dialogue, and bold defiance of traditional gender norms. Originally written by West herself under the title It Ain’t No Sin, the story was forced to adopt a less provocative name due to pressure from the Hays Office, reflecting the growing influence of censorship in 1930s Hollywood.

Set in the vibrant, vaudeville-infused world of the 1890s, the film stars Mae West as Ruby Carter—a confident, savvy, and seductive nightclub entertainer who relocates from St. Louis to New Orleans to headline at the plush "Rubens Rouge" casino. Ruby is a quintessential Mae West character: brimming with independence, charm, and an unshakable sense of self-worth. Her path crosses with that of Tiger Kid, a prizefighter portrayed by Roger Pryor, and the film soon unfolds into a tale involving romance, deception, jealousy, and showbiz politics.

One of the most notable aspects of Belle of the Nineties is its musical legacy. The film includes the debut screen performance of the jazz classic "My Old Flame," sung by West herself and performed on screen by the Duke Ellington Orchestra—one of the earliest integrations of a major African American jazz band in a mainstream Hollywood production. This collaboration not only lent the film musical prestige but also added to its cultural significance in the history of American entertainment.

The supporting cast includes Johnny Mack Brown as Ruby’s on-again, off-again romantic interest and Katherine DeMille in a dramatic role that heightens the film’s tension. Together, they round out a story filled with fast-paced dialogue, comedic tension, and elements of melodrama, all wrapped in West’s signature innuendo-laden style.

Product Features

Format: DVD
Color: Black & White
Audio Options: English mono
Total Runtime: 70 minutes of classic Mae West entertainment

Interesting Facts

Censorship Challenges: The film's original title, It Ain't No Sin, was changed due to censorship concerns, reflecting the challenges faced by filmmakers in the pre-Code Hollywood era.
Jazz Standard: The performance of "My Old Flame" introduced by Mae West in this film became a classic, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and a performer.
Cultural Impact: Belle of the Nineties is an early example of Mae West's ability to blend humor with social commentary, making it a significant entry in her filmography.