According to David Niven, this film was to have been called "It Ain't No Sin" and, as a publicity stunt, 40 parrots were trained to repeat "it ain't no sin." Then the Hays Office made the studio change the title.
Belle of the Nineties (1934) had to be made twice. When the first version was previewed, the audiences howled at the racy humor. Industry executives, however, were terrified of censorship. Mae was forced to comply and a second tamer version was made and released.
"My Old Flame", a staple for 100s of future recording artists of all genres, was introduced in this film. The original music by Arthur Johnston and lyrics by Sam Coslow were reworked by Duke Ellington and performed by Mae West and the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Acording to a column by Louella Parsons, a filmed version with the working title; "IT AIN'T NO SIN" was rejected by the censors, but an already prepared, milder script for the most problematic scenes went into production, and the final, approved version (as "Belle of the Nineties") was soon ready for release. (Syracuse ((NY)) Journal, 12 July 1934)
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