The Affairs Of Cellini (1934)

Set against the lushness of 16th century Florence in Italy. The famous artist Benvenuto Cellini (Fredric March) is rapidly becoming known more for his womanizing and fighting than his art. Complications arise when the Duchess of Florence (Constance Bennett) takes a fancy to him and the Duke (Frank Morgan in an Oscar nominated performance) takes a fancy to his latest model (Fay Wray). Based on the play THE FIREBRAND OF FLORENCE by Bess Meredyth and directed by Gregory La Cava (STAGE DOOR). This racy historical romantic comedy is amusing in spurts, enough charm to keep one interested but not enough to make it memorable. The players are game but the surprise is that Fay Wray, not known for her comedic prowess, steals the movie. As the shallow model with an appetite for food and luxury, she's delightful. The film was made prior to the Hays Code but released after the Hays Code went into effect which might explain how the frequently risque situations pop up in the movie. Audiences weren't in the mood and the film didn't do well at the box office. With Louis Calhern and Jessie Ralph.