Gertrude Michael as Lady D'Argon Gloria Shea as Lucy Production Development The film was based on the life of the American dancer Maurice Mouvet, known professionally as Maurice (1889–1927). Maurice was born in New York and moved to Europe at a young age where he became famous for his dancing. He was romantically involved with several of his dancing partners; other partners left him to get married. Maurice died relatively young, of tuberculosis. George Raft, whose character was based on Maurice, said he knew Maurice and taught him some dance steps. He refused to make the film until some changes to the script were made; Paramount put Raft on suspension, but later relented and made the changes. Before filming he said "If they [the public] don't go for me in this one, I might as well quit." Miriam Hopkins was meant to play the female lead but fell ill while making Design for Living. She was replaced by Carole Lombard, even though Lombard had never danced professionally before. The Hays Office were unhappy at the prospect of Sally Rand appearing in films but Paramount went ahead and employed her. She was paid $1200 a week for four weeks. Shooting Filming started in December 1933 and finished by January 1934. LeRoy Printz was dance director; he devised a new tango for the film called "Raftero". The film was released before rigorous enforcement of the Hollywood Production Code would come into effect on July 1, 1934, under which at least two scenes would have been banned by the code. Firstly, George Raft tells Carole Lombard, when she auditions in his hotel room, to do so in her underwear; she complies. Later, Sally Rand performs her famous fan dance, in which she hides her nudity with two strategically positioned ostrich-feather fans. A double was used for Lombard in many of the shots in the dance scenes. Although regarded as a musical, the film has no songs. Raft reportedly punched out the film's producer, Benjamin Glaser, during filming in December, although Glaser later said it was just a push. In February 1934 Raft wrote an article where he said he had been involved in "only" three fights during his career as a dancer and actor, and said the Bolero incident "was the most regrettable of these". Filmink magazine later said this was "an early warning sign that the star was turning into a bit