I Love You Again (1940).

I Love You Again(1940). A comedy directed by W.S. Van Dyke. Cast: William Powell and Myrna Loy all three were involved in the, The Thin Man series. The ninth of fourteen films pairing William Powell and Myrna Loy. The cast also included Frank McHugh, Edmund Lowe and Carl "Alfalfa" Switzer.

While on a cruise, Larry Wilson is knocked unconscious by an oar and when he comes to he finds that he has been suffering from amnesia for the past nine years and that he is really George Carey, a con-man.

After looking at his alter ego's bank balance, George decides to return as Larry to Habersville, Pennsylvania, to liquidate his bank accounts. After arriving, George and his new friend, con man "Doc" Ryan, are met at the pier by Kay Wilson who, thinking that George is her husband Larry, demands a divorce on the grounds of boredom.

When George learns that Larry's funds are under the control of the Community Chest and Anti-Vice crusade, he decides to run an oil scam on a vacant lot owned by Larry. After sending for his old partner in crime, Duke Sheldon, to "salt" the land, George realizes that he needs to keep the scandal of divorce at bay until he can complete his scam, and promises to give Kay her divorce in six weeks.

Settling into Larry's life, George begins to court Kay, who loves the change in her husband.

After setting the bait for his trap, George sends his patrol of boy scouts to discover the oil, and soon the boys's fathers are coming to Larry, with offers to buy his land. Things become complicated for George when Kay confesses that she loves him. Kay Wilson says: Ever since you got off that boat you've been chasing me like an amorous goat. You've tried your darnedest to make me fall in love with you and now you have. So from now on I'm going to do the chasing, and believe me, brother, you're going to know you've been chased. George, realizes that he wants to settle down permanently as Larry Wilson.

Will Larry, go through with his scam anyways?



I have always felt that Powell and Loy made a great team, they have wonderful screen chemistry. Powell, is one of my favorite actors and he so wonderful in everything he's in whether it be comedy or drama. Highlight, of this film is when Powell dances alone and Kay says: Where did you learn to dance like this? George says: By mail.

Nella Walker (March 6, 1886 – March 22, 1971). Was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and in her teens became half of the husband and wife vaudeville team "Mack and Walker", with her husband Wilbur Mack.

By 1929 she had a film acting career, her first film role being in, Tanned Legs, with Sally Blane, Dorothy Revier, June Clyde, and Arthur Lake.

She performed in three films in 1929, and easily moved onto "talking films", performing in another four films in 1930.

In 1931 her film career took off, with her performing in ten films that year, five of which were uncredited. Her marriage ended not long after her film career was on the rise, and from 1932 through 1933 she performed in fifteen films, only five of which were uncredited.

In 1935 her career only got better, and between that year and 1938 she had twenty three film performances. Her biggest film during that period was in, Young Dr. Kildare, with Lionel Barrymore and Lew Ayres.

She finished that decade strong in 1939 with nine film roles, only three of which were uncredited.

The 1940s mirrored her success of the previous decade, with her performing in thirty seven films from 1940 to 1947.

Later, in her career, and over 60 years of age, she slowed her career for a time, not having another role until 1950 when she performed in, Nancy Goes to Rio, with Ann Sothern and Carmen Miranda.

She performed in another two films in 1952, then had her last film acting role in 1954, in the film, Sabrina with Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn. She retired after that role, having performed in one hundred and seventeen movies, settling in Los Angeles, where she was residing at the time of her death on March 22, 1971.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Myrna Loy and Skippy

The divine Myrna and Skippy in their most famous roles

as Nora Charles and Asta

Pre Code: The Naughty Flirt(1931).

The Naughty Flirt(1931). Dir: Edward Cline Cast: Alice White, Paul Page and Myrna Loy.

After a wild party, all the party goers end up before the judge, Jack Gregory asks Kay Elliott, to marry him that night in the courtroom. Alan Ward, a young lawyer, who works for Kay's father, lectures her on her bad behavior that she decides to marry Jack out of spite. Alan telephones Kay's father John, who demands that he bring her home. Kay, begins to take interest in Jack and invites him to several events, but he never shows up.

Finally, she tricks him into thinking he is invited to a birthday party for her father. When she gets him alone, Kay tells him that she likes him and he realizes that he likes her too, but.. when he overhears one of her friends say that she bet him she would have Alan eating out of her hand by midnight, he turns her over his knee and spanks her, then quickly marches out of the party.

The spanking, is the turning point for Kay, she decides to make something of her life by taking a job as a secretary in her father's law firm. Still angry Alan, calls her a failure and she quits in anger. Alan, later apologizes, telling her that he loves her and they announce their engagement.

Linda, Jack's sister, will stop at nothing to break them up so that Jack can marry Kay for her money. Linda makes it seem as if Alan was in her room that evening. Will Kay believe her and break off her engagement to Alan and marry Jack?


 

Myrna, doesn't have many scenes in this fun film. The spotlight is mostly on," new to me actress" Alice White. She reminded me a little of a Clara Bow. Myrna Loy's,  performance is wonderful as the snooty little trouble maker...

Alice White (August 24, 1904 - February 19, 1983). Her mother, a former chorus girl died when Alice was only three years old. She attended Roanoke College in Virginia and then took a secretarial course at Hollywood High School also attended by future actors Joel McCrea and Mary Brian.

After leaving school she became a secretary and "script girl" for director Josef Von Sternberg. White left his employment to work for Charlie Chaplin, who decided before long to place her in front of the camera. She was often compared to Clara Bow.

 After playing flappers and gold diggers in films, she attracted the attention of the director and producer Mervyn LeRoy who saw potential in her. Her first sound films included Show Girl (1928) and Show Girl in Hollywood (1930), both based on novels by J. P. McEvoy. In these two films, White appeared as "Dixie Dugan". In October 1929, McAvoy started the comic strip Dixie Dugan with the character Dixie having a "helmet" hairstyle and appearance similar to actress Louise Brooks.

White also used the services of Hollywood 'beauty sculptor' Sylvia of Hollywood to stay in shape. She left films in 1931 to improve her acting abilities, returning in 1933 only to have her career hurt by a scandal that erupted over her involvement with boyfriend actor Jack Warburton and future husband Sy Bartlett. Although she later married Bartlett, her reputation was tarnished and she appeared only in supporting roles after this. By 1937 and 1938, her name was at the bottom of the cast lists. She made her final film appearance in Flamingo Road (1949).

She was Warner Brothers answer to Clara Bow.

Happy Birthday: Myrna Loy.

Hobbies: Sculpturing and dancing.

One of a handful of great movie stars never nominated for an acting Oscar, she received an honorary Academy Award in 1991.

Loy's last film was also the last for Henry Fonda, TV drama... Summer Solstice(1981).

In 1937, Myrna had a narrow escape when her horse bolted during the filming of The Rains Came (1939) with Tyrone Power; she was nearly killed.

Men-Must-Marry-Myrna Clubs were formed due to her portrayal as The Perfect Wife (The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)).

Spent her early years on a ranch and in the town of Helena, Montana, which was also the home of Gary Cooper.

When her father was travelling by train in early 1905, he went through a small station called 'Myrna' - he eventually named her after that station.

After graduating from high school in 1923, Myrna got a job dancing in the chorus during the prologue for The Ten Commandments at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

In 1936 Myrna was named Queen of the Movies and Clark Gable King in a national poll, winning a crown of tin and purple velvet. in her autobiography, she says that she did not get on with Gable in her earlier films with him. However, in her later films he developed a respect for Loy and they became good friends.

Her profile was the most requested in the 1930s by women to their plastic surgeons.

Was supposedly the favorite star of famed outlaw John Dillinger. He came out of hiding to see Manhattan Melodrama (1934), in which she starred, and was gunned down by police upon leaving the theater.

Video: Myrna Loy tribute.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Myrna Loy.

Personal Quote: On her work with William Powell: "I never enjoyed my work more than when I worked with William Powell. He was a brilliant actor, a delightful companion, a great friend and, above all, a true gentleman".

Evelyn Prentice (1934).

Evelyn Prentice (1934). Cast: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Una Merkel and Rosalind Russell in her film debut. The third of fourteen films pairing William Powell and Myrna Loy. The movie was based on the 1933 novel of the same name by W. E. Woodward.
Evelyn Prentice, is a lonely for her husband, a prominent defense attorney John Prentice, who has been working long hours on the beautiful Mrs. Nancy Harrison, manslaughter's case. Evelyn, meets a nightclub gigolo Lawrence Kennard.

Later, both John and Nancy find themselves on the same train headed for Boston, Evelyn receives a book of Kennard's poetry and an invitation to meet him. With the urging of her best friend, Amy Drexel, Evelyn accepts Kennard's invitation even though she is still in love with her husband.

Later, Evelyn receives a package containing a woman's watch, which has been inscribed "To Nancy, from John," and a note explaining that the watch was found in John's drawing room. Heartbroken, Evelyn excepts another date with Kennard but, breaks it off before anything serious happens between them..

Amy, shows Nancy's watch to John, who then tells her that Nancy planted it in his room to destroy his marriage. John or Evelyn talk about the watch and both agree to take a long trip to Europe with their daughter Dorothy. Before they leave, however, Kennard telephones Evelyn and demands that she come to his apartment.

There, Kennard shows Evelyn three letters that she had written to him and insists on $15,000 in blackmail payment. Evelyn panics and grabs a gun, just as Judith Wilson, Kennard's  girl friend, enters the apartment's back door and hears a gunshot in the next room. Evelyn, quickly returns home, determined to keep quiet about the shooting. When she learns that Judith, has been accused of killing Kennard, Evelyn convinces John to postpone their trip to Europe and defend Judith. From Judith, John learns first that Kennard was seeing the "wife of a prominent man".

Judith's chances of acquittal do not look good and on the last day of the trial, worried... Evelyn decides to tell the truth. During the district attorney's summation, John receives Kennard's diary, in which Evelyn is identified as "the prominent wife." Evelyn, no longer able to keep quite any more interrupts the proceedings. Will and Evelyn surprise the court, with her testimony?

This is a beautiful art deco film, supported with sensitive performances by Powell and Loy. Also, Isabel Jewell, gives a emotionally charged performance. Una Merkel, is always fun to watch. "Evelyn Prentice" is most definitely worth your classic movie time..

Isabel Jewell (July 19, 1907 – April 5, 1972), was a Broadway actress who achieved immediate success in, Up Pops the Devil (1930) and Blessed Event (1932). She was brought to Hollywood by Warner Brothers for the film version of the latter. Jewell performed in a many supporting roles during the early 1930s.

She played stereotypical gangster's women in such films as Manhattan Melodrama (1934) and Marked Woman (1937). She was well received playing against type, as an innocent seamstress sentenced to death on the guillotine, in A Tale of Two Cities (1935). Her most significant role was as the prostitute Gloria Stone in, Lost Horizon (1937).

In the mid to late 1930s, Jewell was seen at nightclubs with William Hopper (who appeared on Perry Mason and was the son of gossip columnist Hedda Hopper and stage star DeWolf Hopper). Jewell's films included: Gone with the Wind (1939) (in the role of "that white trash, Emmy Slattery"), Northwest Passage (1940), High Sierra (1941), and The Leopard Man (1943).

By the end of the 1940s, her roles had reduced in significance to the degree that her performances were often uncredited: Men in White (1934 – scenes deleted). She also performed in radio dramas in the 1950s, including This is Your FBI. In 1972, she performed opposite Edie Sedgwick in the film, Ciao! Manhattan. Her final film was the B movie Sweet Kill (1973).

Double Wedding(1937).

Double Wedding(1937). Romantic/comedy. Cast: William Powell John Beal, Florence Rice and Myrna Loy.

The story begins with Irene Agnew and her fiance, Waldo Beaver, taking acting lessons from a free spirt Charlie Lodge, a director, who they would like to go to Hollywood with. Irene's domineering sister Margit, is shocked when she finds out they have been staying out all night and confronts Charlie.

Irene, admits that she now in love with Charlie instead of Waldo and Margit  decides to get rid of Charlie, who she believes is a phony.

She asks her butler Keough, a former policeman/detective, to learn everything about him and to stall for time agrees to let Charlie paint her, hoping that she can talk him into breaking it off with Irene. Charlie suggest that he and Margit take his trailer to a remote location while he paints her. On their trip, Margit becomes attracted to Charlie's, but fights the feeling and drives back to the city.

Later,Margit tells Irene and Waldo that they should be married as soon as possible. Keough, then tells Margit that Charlie's ex-wife Claire, is in town and Mrs. Kensington-Bly, informs them that Charlie, was once her guide in Paris.

Charlie goes to see Mrs. Kensington-Bly and invites her to his wedding in the trailer at three that afternoon to Margit. He then tells Waldo that he is marrying Irene at three. Waldo, tells Irene that he understands why she prefers a man like Charlie over him and kisses Irene goodbye, then asks Keough for some of Margit's "medicinal" alcohol.

Margit visits Claire and learns that she divorced Charlie because her money got in the way of their happiness. She warns Margit not to change Charlie and surprises her by saying that Charlie invited her to his wedding that afternoon.

As three o'clock nears, Margit goes to see Charlie, along with Irene and several of Charlie's pals from the bar. Margit, agrees to give Irene her blessing to marry Charlie and soon the Reverend Dr. Blynn arrives to perform the ceremony. During the ceremony, Irene and Waldo both say "no," when Dr. Blynn asks them if they take each other as husband and wife and Margit and Waldo get into an arguement.

Will Waldo, arrive in time to save Irene and will Margit finally admit to Charlie that she loves him?





I thought Loy was at her best. I also loved the Art Deco sets. This film also reminded me a little of the classic film, Shop Around the Corner. It is amazing to watch them knowing how they were dealing with Harlow's death during shooting.
Fun Facts:

Production was partially shut down because of the death (7 June 1937) of Jean Harlow, to whom William Powell was engaged.

The seventh of fourteen films pairing William Powell and Myrna Loy.

Florence Rice (February 14, 1907 – February 23, 1974), became an actress during the early 1930s and after several Broadway performances, found herself in Hollywood where she acted in almost fifty films between 1934 and 1943.

Blonde, pretty, and wholesome, Rice was cast as the reliable girlfriend in several MGM films. Rice never became a major figure in films, but had many on screen pairings with Robert Young.

Her best known performances were in the films, Double Wedding (1937), Sweethearts (1938) and in the film, At The Circus (1939).

Pre-Code: Men in White (1934).

Men in White (1934) is a Pre-Code film with Clark Gable and Myrna Loy, and directed by Ryszard Bolesławski. Because of the illicit romance and the abortion in the movie. The Legion of Decency claimed the movie as unfit for public viewing.

After working all day at the hospital, intern Dr. George Ferguson, is not really looking forward to a dinner date with his fiancee, Laura Hudson. Because later that night, he may have to return to the hospital for a patient, who needs a blood transfusion. Unfortunately, George, can't keep his date with Laura, whose wealthy father John, is now also patient in the hospital. Things even become more complicated after, George disobeys a senior doctor's orders which saves a young girl's life. George learns that the transfusion patient has died and telephones Laura, who is not too happy with him. Laura, who has had enough of him putting her off, refuses to see him and the devastated George, returns to his hospital dormitory room.

Barbara Dennin, a student nurse, comes to George's room and asks to borrow notes for an upcoming examination. George and Barbara share their doubts about the medical profession and then give into temptation.

Later, hospital board members, concerned over rising operating costs, ask Hudson for a large donation and then promise him that they would give George a prestigious appointment, in appreciation. Hochberg, does not believe that George, would ever agree to it.. George, confides to Hochberg that, because of the problems that he is having with Laura, he is having second thoughts about his hospital career.

Soon after, George learns that Barbara is seriously ill from a botched abortion and needs emergency surgery. On orders from Hochberg, Laura goes with George to help with Barbara's surgery. Just before Barbara falls asleep, she tells George that she loves him, which is over heard by Laura. During the operation, Laura faints and later refuses to see George. Will George ever be able to make it up to Laura?

A very entertaining medical drama with Gable/Loy/Allan, in a romantic love triangle, to spice things up.

Elizabeth Allan (9 April 1908 – 27 July 1990) was an English actress who's most memorable performances were as David's young mother in, David Copperfield and as Lucie Manette in, A Tale of Two Cities and Mark of the Vampire.

By the 1950s, Allan had made the transition to character parts: The Heart of the Matter (1953). In 1958, she appeared as Boris Karloff's wife in The Haunted Strangler.

The Thin Man Series

Thin Man Series, is a very entertaining collection of classic crime films about retired private eye Nick and his wife Nora. Known for their witty banter over cocktails. They are probably one of the most sophisticated couples of romantic comedies.

They live in a beautiful New York City apartment, which over looks Manhattan. Not really wanting to continue in the PI business, they just can not seem to turn down the jobs that come their way. Filmed during the Great Depression, Americans seemed to love the, Thin Man Series..

The first and my favorite of the series is: The Thin Man(1934). Directed by W.S. Van Dyke. The story is about a eccentric, thin inventor, named Clyde Wynant, who has disappeared. Nora convinces Nick, to take on the case because she wants to see how a murder is solved. The dashing Nick, wanting to please Nora, takes the case with the help of their dog Asta and a few martinis. Tripping, over a few corpses along the way. Supporting cast: Maureen O'Sullivan, Minna Gombell, William Henry, and Cesar Romero.

Next.. in the series: After The Thin Man (1936). Another fast-paced, classic full of glamour and plenty of sexy and sophisticated banter. This time the couple, go looking into a blackmail turned murder case. The two have just returned to their California home, where they find Nora's relatives have all come for a visit. Nora's cousin's husband turns up missing. Her wealthy family, are all worried about the scandal of his affair with a nightclub singer, becoming public. Nick and Norah find him, dead and you will never guess who the killer is. Fun Fact: A very young James Stewart makes a brief appearance.

Another Thin Man(1939). This classic film, in the series has a one year old Nickie Jr., keeping his mother Nora, a little too busy to keep up with Dad. The Charleses have been invited to spend the weekend at the Long Island estate of Colonel Burr MacFay, a friend of Nora's father. Who believes that an old business partner Phil Church, is going to kill him. Phil Church, who has just been released after spending ten years behind bars, has been holding a grudge all this time against MacFay and has threatened his life. When MacFay dies, Nick and Nora find themselves on the list of suspects. Fun facts: Virginia Grey plays the Colonel's daughter Lois and Ruth Hussey plays Nicky's nurse.

Shadow Of The Thin Man(1941). Nick and Nora, are off to the races when a jockey is murdered. At first Nick, decided against taking the case, because he wants to spend more time with his family. Unfortunately, he cannot say "no" to New York Athletic Commissioner, who asks him personally to take the case. There are a couple of hilarious scenes. One which takes place on a department-store merry-go-round and a huge fight, started by Asta, at a fancy restaurant. Fun Fact: Famous acting teacher Stella Adler as Claire Porter and young Donna Reed also makes an appearance.

The Thin Man Goes Home (1944). Nick and Nora, travel back to Nick's home town of Sycamore Springs, where his parents criticize what he does for a living. They really wanted him to follow his father's footsteps and become a doctor. When a man drops dead on the front porch, they quickly change there mind.. Fun Facts: Gloria DeHaven, Edward Brophy, Lloyd Corrigan, Leon Ames, and Ann Revere as the eccentric "Crazy Mary."

Last but not least: Song Of The Thin Man(1947). This classic has Nick and Nora looking into the mysterious murder of bandleader Tommy Drake. Gloria Graham sings "You're Not So Easy to Forget," by Herb Magidson and Ben Oakland. Fun Facts: Jayne Meadows, Keenan Wynn, Dean Stockwell, Ralph Morgan, William Bishop and Marie Windsor also makes an appearance.



Please click here for further reading on the Thin Man series Doriantb Blogspot. Thin Man Meets Fitzwilly Team

Myrna Loy (August 2, 1905 – December 14, 1993). Trained as a dancer, until she was bitten by the acting bug in a few small roles in silent films. She usually performed as a vamp or a Asian woman. Her career improved after she landed the role as, Nora Charles in The Thin Man (1934). Her pairing with William Powell resulted in 14 films together, including five, Thin Man films.

Director W. S. Van Dyke, chose Loy after he meet her at a Hollywood party. He pushed her into a swimming pool to test her reaction and he liked how she handled the situation. Louis B. Mayer, really did not want Loy to play the part because he felt she was more of a dramatic actress.

The Thin Man, became one of the year's biggest hits and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Film. Loy, later referred to The Thin Man as the film "that finally made me... after more than 80 films".

With the outbreak of World War II, she walked away from her acting career to work with the Red Cross. She helped run a Naval Auxiliary Canteen and raise money for them. She returned to films with, The Thin Man Goes Home (1945).

Powell's, most famous role was that of Nick Charles, in the six Thin Man films. The role provided a perfect opportunity for Powell, to showcase his wonderful speaking voice, his sophisticated charm and his witty sense of humor. He received his first Academy Award nomination for the film, The Thin Man.

Pawsome Pet Pictures: Myrna Loy

The sweet and beautiful Myrna with her little friend