It's interesting that this is one of the films cited as pushing to get the Hays Code in place the following year, since there is certainly less skin shown than many other movies in the time period. What frightened people saw was Mae West, and not her curves that pretty clearly signaled the end of the era of the flappers, but how brazenly she flaunted her sexuality. She purrs and sizes men up and down as she sees them. She makes it clear she wants nothing but a tumble in the hay. This is the first movie she drawls "Why don't you come up sometime 'n see me?" to Cary Grant. Talk about a movie with larger-than-life personalities and accents in Grant and West! The line that summarizes West's persona best from the film is this one: "Men are all alike - married or single. It's their game. I happen to be smart enough to play it their way". To the censors, hypocritically, the idea that women could take control of their sexuality was as bad or worse than seeing a bare thigh here or there.
As for the film itself, if you're a Mae West fan, this is probably must-see. It may be of interest to see a younger Cary Grant as well, though I found later he was already 29 at the time (West was ten years older). While I smiled as she slinked around in tight, sparkly dresses, moaning one double entendre after another, she just doesn't do it for me, and the plot which takes place in the 'gay 90's' isn't enough to recommend the film. I did love the very last lines, with Grant saying "You baaad girl", and West smiling and saying "You'll find out" before they kiss. Oh Mae, you're so naughty.
As for the film itself, if you're a Mae West fan, this is probably must-see. It may be of interest to see a younger Cary Grant as well, though I found later he was already 29 at the time (West was ten years older). While I smiled as she slinked around in tight, sparkly dresses, moaning one double entendre after another, she just doesn't do it for me, and the plot which takes place in the 'gay 90's' isn't enough to recommend the film. I did love the very last lines, with Grant saying "You baaad girl", and West smiling and saying "You'll find out" before they kiss. Oh Mae, you're so naughty.