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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