In the Gay Nineties, a seductive nightclub singer (Mae West) contends with several suitors, including a jealous escaped convict and a handsome temperance league member.
The film was adapted from the successful Broadway play Diamond Lil by Mae West. The Hays Code declared the play banned from the screen and repeatedly demanded changes to remove associations with or elements from the play, including suggested titles with the word "diamond". The adaption was finally allowed under the condition that the play not be referred to in publicity or advertising. Wow, how racy was this play? This is the definitive Mae West film, probably her best. We get a variation of her classic "come up and see me" line. And, even better, we get a very early Cary Grant. Wet claimed to have discovered him, and there is more than a little truth to that. This is likely his first film that was widely seen and is still enjoyed today (2016).
The film was adapted from the successful Broadway play Diamond Lil by Mae West. The Hays Code declared the play banned from the screen and repeatedly demanded changes to remove associations with or elements from the play, including suggested titles with the word "diamond". The adaption was finally allowed under the condition that the play not be referred to in publicity or advertising. Wow, how racy was this play? This is the definitive Mae West film, probably her best. We get a variation of her classic "come up and see me" line. And, even better, we get a very early Cary Grant. Wet claimed to have discovered him, and there is more than a little truth to that. This is likely his first film that was widely seen and is still enjoyed today (2016).