Review: Mae West is No Man's Fool in 'I'm No Angel'

"I'm No Angel" was Mae West's second time headlining a film in the same year as her first starrer, "She Done Him Wrong." The movie also co-starred Cary Grant and was written by West, although this film was an original screenplay. It became Paramount's biggest hit in 1933 and, incidentally, was President Franklin Roosevelt's favorite movie.

West play Tira, a carnival performer of sorts, who – surprise – seeks out rich men. Her life is heavily influenced by astrology. Tira finds herself in a financial pickle, and agrees to place her head inside the mouth of lion to attract business for the carnival and get herself the loan she needs. The act is a huge success and, in a contrived plot development, leads to her romance with Cary Grant as Jack Clayton. But a misunderstanding causes a breakup, and she sues him for breach of promise. Oh, the antics that ensue...

"When I'm good I'm very good. But when I'm bad I'm better," is just one of the immortal Westian lines you'll hear in "I'm No Angel." The script is a bit facile, reminiscent of Robert Harling's work ("Steel Magnolia") decades later, filled with great one liners but lacking in nuanced character development. Although, I have to say that the fact that these women, including her Black maids, are even allowed to be portrayed as sexual beings is a wonder, and would change abruptly in a year's time – and a lot of that is because of West and her boundary pushing work as actor and writer. The censors would go on full attack.

Wesley Ruggles deftly directs this fascinating trifle that really comes alive in a hilarious courtroom scene in the latter third where West, in brazen fashion, gets to cross examine all witnesses, and save her tarnished reputation in the process.

It's noteworthy that the scenes with West and the lion are well done – especially considering that motion pictures were still in their infancy.

The Blu-ray is a treat, again looking and sounding better than expected. And the audio commentary by film historian Samm Deighan is informative and interesting.

There is more to admire in "I'm No Angel" than to enjoy, although, funneled through a historical perspective, the film was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a strong woman who was no man or woman's fool. That in and of itself should be celebrated.

Blu-ray Extras Include: