I'm No Angel

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I'm No Angel

Released Oct 6, 1933

1h 27m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

93%

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15 Reviews

71%

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1,000+ Ratings

Sharp, seductive and emotionally guarded Tira (Mae West) is a lauded and much-adored circus performer. Her newest suitor, a married New York City socialite named Kirk Lawrence (Kent Taylor), showers her with gifts. Kirk's cousin, Jack Clayton (Cary Grant), goes to Tira to try and convince her to end the affair. The two fall for one another, but when love and happiness risk taking Tira from the stage, her boss plots to break off the engagement and shackle her to the circus forever.

M.V. Moorhead

Phoenix Magazine

I’m No Angel is a blast. West’s familiar persona -- the swaggering walk, the purring, offhand delivery -- hadn’t curdled into a cornball cliché at this point, and her throwaway lines have a cheerful insouciant vibrancy.

Jan 6, 2025

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Eileen Jones

The Jacobin

It’s a shame that this exciting era happened so long ago that many people can’t relate to these movies and won’t watch them. This is in spite of the sensational draw of the “pre-Code Film,” made before the 1934 censorship crackdown.

Aug 26, 2023

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Chase Burns

The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

While West's story doesn't make much sense, the gowns are spectacular, the one-liners and winks are good, and Cary Grant is tall.

Dec 8, 2021

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Frank J. Avella

Edge Media Network

...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.

Rated: B-

Jun 30, 2021

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

"When I'm good, I'm very good, but when I'm bad, I'm better" is first among equals, although I'm personally always amused by "Peel me a grape."

Rated: 3.5/4

Jun 26, 2021

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Helen Brown Norden

Vanity Fair

If by any chance you have missed this Mae West picture-and you can find it around-you owe it to yourself to see it.

Jun 6, 2019

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David F

Funny in an old-timey way.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

05/21/25

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Blobbo X

Mae West at top her game. Blobbo see her appeal.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/31/24

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steve d

nearly unwatchable even with Grant.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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georgan g

What Mae West did for sexuality and one-liners is encapsulated in this movie. She & Cary Grant did not get along, but it's fun seeing them together. Her silly walk and double entendres still work!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

I'm No Angel is one of the best of Mae West. The film written by Mae West is pretty funny with some the the jokes that made me laugh and will without doubt make others laugh as well. The chemistry between Mae West and Cary Grant is pretty charming and impressive. What is also impressive was that Mae West did her own stunts (riding an elephant in one scene) in the film. To me, Mae West is in fact an angel and the best of West is yet to come.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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Audience Member

Mae West co-wrote this piece based on an un-produced screenplay called The Lady and the Lions, it charts the rise of Tira from carnival crowd pleaser to massive circus headliner. Though I would be doing a disservice to a very strong and on form supporting cast by not also praising them. This really is a pure and simply Mae West tour de force, full of ego and show biz swagger, she not only tames lions here but also everything else with a pulse. Containing an array of quotable lines and put downs, this is essential viewing for anyone interested in classic cinema.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/08/23

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Wesley Ruggles

Director

Mae West

Tira

Cary Grant

Jack Clayton

Edward Arnold

Big Bill Barton

Gregory Ratoff

Benny Pinkowitz (Tira's attorney)

Ralf Harolde

Slick Wiley

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Synopsis

Sharp, seductive and emotionally guarded Tira (Mae West) is a lauded and much-adored circus performer. Her newest suitor, a married New York City socialite named Kirk Lawrence (Kent Taylor), showers her with gifts. Kirk's cousin, Jack Clayton (Cary Grant), goes to Tira to try and convince her to end the affair. The two fall for one another, but when love and happiness risk taking Tira from the stage, her boss plots to break off the engagement and shackle her to the circus forever.

Director: Wesley Ruggles
Producer: William LeBaron
Screenwriter: Mae West
Distributor: Image Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 6, 1933, Wide
Release Date (DVD): Aug 3, 2010
Runtime: 1h 27m