Fashions of 1934 (1934)

Sherwood Nash is a swindler who bootlegs Paris fashions for sale at cut-rate prices. His assistant Lynn poses as An American interested in a dress and Snap conceals a camera in his cane. ... See full summary »

Director:

William Dieterle

Writers:

F. Hugh Herbert (screen play), Carl Erickson (screen play)

Stars:

William Powell, Bette Davis, Frank McHugh

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
William Powell	...	Sherwood Nash
Bette Davis	...	Lynn Mason
Frank McHugh	...	Snap
Hugh Herbert	...	Joe Ward
Verree Teasdale	...	Mabel McGuire aka The Duchess
Reginald Owen	...	Oscar Baroque
Henry O'Neill	...	Duryea
Phillip Reed	...	Jimmy
Gordon Westcott	...	Harry Brent
Dorothy Burgess	...	Glenda
Etienne Girardot	...	Glass
William Burress	...	Feldman
Nella Walker	...	Mrs. Van Tyle
Spencer Charters	...	Man Removing Telephone
George Humbert	...	Caponelli

Storyline

Sherwood Nash is a swindler who bootlegs Paris fashions for sale at cut-rate prices. His assistant Lynn poses as An American interested in a dress and Snap conceals a camera in his cane. When they try to steal the latest Baroque designs hidden cameras capture them. Threat and counterthreat lead to the suggestion of putting on a legitimate show.

---

Plot Keywords:

camera | arc de triomphe paris | passenger ship | newspaper headline | musical number | 

---

Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Musical

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French

Release Date:

14 February 1934 (USA)

Also Known As:

The King of Fashion

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

First National Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Preview copies of the film listed Gene Markey and Katharine Scola as writers, but it was announced later they had nothing to do with the film. The Screen Writers' Guild was asked to take action against Warner Bros. for this breach of rules.

---

Goofs

After the trio leaves the Bouquinistes (book sellers) along the Seine, the matte background previously showing Notre Dame Cathedral is no longer there.

---

Quotes

Sherwood Nash: Oh, why, baby, your little finger
[kisses it]
Sherwood Nash: means more to me than all the Mabel McGuires or Grand Duchesses in the whole of Europe.
Lynn Mason: But, you made love to her.
Sherwood Nash: Well, maybe I did. I had to kid her along. But, on the level, honey, she doesn't mean a thing to me.
Lynn Mason: Well, I think you're lying; but, you do it so beautifully.

---

Connections

Referenced in Thou Shalt Not: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood (2008)

---

Soundtracks

Untitled
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played when the new creations are unveiled at the Maison Elegance

User Reviews

Different kind of Davis-Warner Brothers film

Suave con artist (Powell) and sultry designer (Davis) take over the Paris fashion world by copying designer gowns and passing them off as originals. Interesting comedy-musical is highlighted by the `Spin a Little Web' number choreographed by Busby Berkley, but in general the concept dates badly.