Dazzling the Screen William Powell

American actor William Powell was mostly known for his film career. He was paired with American actress Myrna Loy in 14 films. He passed away in 1984 at the age of 94.

Director Robert Z. Leonard directed the 1936 American musical drama “The Great Ziegfeld." The film starred William Powell as the theatrical impresario Florenx “Flo” Ziegfeld, with Luise Rainer as Anna Held and Myrna Loy as Billie Burke.

Director Jack Conway directed the 1936 American screwball comedy “Libeled Lady." The film starred Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy. This was the fifth of fourteen films pairing Powell and Loy and inspired the success of the Thin Man series.

The storyline revolves around wealth Connie Allenbury (Myrna Loy), who is falsely accused of breaking up a marriage and sues the New York Evening Star newspaper. William Haggerty (Spencer Tracy) turns in desperation to former reporter and suave ladies’ man Bill Chandler (William Powell) for help.

Director Michael Curtiz directed the 1947 American comedy “Life with Father." It was adapted from the 1939 play of the same name. The film starred William Powell and Irene Dunn.

The storyline is in 1880s New York City and tells the true story of stockbroker Clarence Day (William Powell), who wants to be master of his domain. But it is his wife Vinnie (Irene Dunn) who actually runs the household while raising their four rambunctious boys. Vinnie is devastated when she finds out that Clarence has never been baptized, and is in no way concerned with rectifying the situation.

Director W.S. Van Dyke directed the 1934 American pre-Code crime drama “Mahattan Melodrama." The film starred Clark Gable, William Powell, and Myrna Loy. The film is based on a story by Arthur Caesar.

Boyhood friends Blackie (Clark Gable) and Jim (William Powell) diverge into gangster and prosecutor paths.

Director Gregory La Cava directed the 1936 American screwball comedy “My Man Godfrey." The film starred William Powell and Carole Lombard. It was based on the 1935 novel “1101 Park Avenue” by Eric S. Hatch. pictured above)

The storyline revolves around Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard), who hires Godfrey Parke (William Powell), a derelict to be her family’s butler, and then falls in love with him.

Directors John Ford and Mervyn LeRoy directed the 1955 American comedy drama “Mister Roberts." The film features an all-star cast among them Henry Fonda, James Cagney, and William Powell in his final film appearance. The film was based on the 1946 novel and 1948 Broadway play.

Set during WW II aboard the SS Reluctant, a Navy cargo ship stationed far from fighting. Henry Fonda portrays Lieutenant Roberts, who long for combat assignments while clashing with Lieutenant Commander "Captain" Morton (James Cagney). William Powell portrays Doc, the ship’s measured, sympathetic medical officer.

Director Irving Pichel directed the 1948 American romantic fantasy “Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid." The film starred William Powell and Ann Blyth. It was based on the 1945 novel “Peabody’s Mermaid” by Guy and Constance Jones. Sequences were shot at the Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida.

Much of the story is shown in flashback as Arthur Peabody (William Powell) tells a skeptical doctor about the source of his malaise.

Director W.S. Van Dyke directed the 1934 American pre-Code comedy mystery “The Thin Man." It was based on the 1934 novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The film starred William Powell and Myrna Loy. Other films followed, and in the Thin Man series there are six films.

The storyline is based on Nick Charles (William Powell) and his wife Nora (Myrna Loy) as a leisure-class couple who enjoy copious drinking and flirtatious banter. Nick is a retired detective who left his career when he married Nora, a wealthy heiress. Occasionally they solve a mystery and have a delightful wire-haired fox terrier named Asta.