As you can see, I'm having fun, with old movies. :-) Screwball comedies are still great fun, for many of us. If you've never seen any, please do rent some! I rent mine, from my library system, at no charge.
The zaniness of the characters, is silly fun, in itself. But the way the rich of the time, where 'put down,' and the poor of the time, were triumphant, shows what was important to the audience, of the time. A sort of social commentary.
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But I especially love the personal stories, of the actors.
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William Powell was born in 1892. His father wanted him to be a lawyer, but he was drawn to all things theatrical.
During early lean years, he met/married a young actress named Eileen Wilson. This ended in divorce.
In 1931 Powell and Carole Lombard fell in love and were married. The marriage was short lived, but they remained close friends, until her untimely death in 1942.
By 1934 his career was at a standstill, so he took things in his own hands. He went to MGM and made 'Manhattan Melodrama'. And gave a brilliant performance. His chemistry with Myrna Loy was noticed. And thus, began the pairing, which would make them an unforgettable screen duo... 'The Thin Man' films!
In 1935, he made 'Reckless' with Jean Harlow, and they fell in love. Being reluctant to marry again, he delayed it, until it became too late. In 1937, at the age of 26, Jean Harlow died. Powell was plunged into shock and depression, and was unable to work, for some time. After this, and illness, he was able to return to films.
In 1941, he met and married Diana Lewis. This happy marriage lasted 44 years, until his death.
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He went on making films until 1955, and at 63 he decided to retire. The couple moved to Palm Springs for the rest of their lives. He died in 1984 at the age of 91.
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From the web site, which is the source of this information:
"All the clichés
apply: "there will never be another like him", "they don't make them like that
any more", etc., but there is nothing cliché about William Powell's work.
He was a debonair sophisticate not afraid to be ridiculous or silly, a deft
comedian who could also handle drama and pathos with rare sincerity. William
Powell was a truly fine actor, and a gentleman both on and off screen. We are lucky to have had him grace the movies."
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Wow!!!!
I've spent all morning,
compiling this post.
I very much hope,
that some, enjoy it.
:-)
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7 comments:
There is nothing quite like these old movies.
Truly love them.
Love these photographs too.
Thank you for sharing this here.
Love a classic black and white movie. Thanks for the history too. Life was so different back then, it's often great to escape and loose ourselves in a different era.
As you know, I love William Powell, as does the hubster. We both just read your post. We knew some of this information, but not all, so thank you for filling it in for us. A great movie he made...Mr. Roberts...with Henry Fonda. Two great men. And you know I love Thin Man movies...and so many more of these zany b/w films. They were the best!!! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!!
Oh, oh, oh...how I loved this post! I LOVED Willian Powell! So did my mother! The Thin Man films were SO very good! Remembering Carole Lombard and Myrna Loy (who I adored) bring back such great memories! Thank you SO much for sharing a short bio on Mr. Powell! Man....those were the best, most magical times in old Hollywood, weren't they? My sister and I both agree....the old black and white movies seen on TMC...are simply the best! A much more sophisticated time in our lives. Big hugs for such a great post!!!!
Be sure that I've enjoyed it so much, my darling Tessa, we have in common the love for these old movies ... and for William Powell too, he was a true Gentleman in every film of his !!
With thankfulness I wish you a most beautiful week,
sending love
Dany
It is great reading your posts again. I loved the information. We grew up with these movies. Simpler times.
william powell is one of my very favorites.
a totally elegant man who could break your heart or make you laugh.
his range was impeccable.
i have the entire thin man series of films and the others that he made. I watch them often.
my friend celia's brother used to cut mr powell's hair in hollywood.
or. well. beverly hills I guess. he told celia's family that he'd never met a finer gentleman than william powell. he was always friendly and kind. that's lovely to know about him too!
THANK YOU for this wonderful post. I loved every bit of it!
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