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The
Front Row
Warner Brothers Offers Classic Myrna Loy/William Powell DVD Set
By
Jean Cress
Warner Brothers Home
Video has released the
latest addition to their
classic collaborations
series, spotlighting
the great on-screen
chemistry of Myrna Loy
and William Powell.
The new DVD boxed set features five classic M-G-M Powell/Loy films, including: “Manhattan
Melodrama,” “Evelyn Prentice,” “Double Wedding,” “I
Love You Again” and “Love Crazy.” If you loved the duo in the “Thin
Man” series of films, you’ll definitely get a kick out of this collection.
Although Myrna Loy and William Powell had dozens of screen successes opposite
other Hollywood immortals, it was the pairing of the two that brought style,
wit and warmth to the screen, creating box office magic and cinematic history.
“Manhattan Melodrama” (1934) marked the first time the stars appeared
together, and the word ‘melodrama’ is a bit of an understatement.
William Powell and Clark Gable play two disadvantaged boys (Mickey Rooney is
the young Gable) who grow up to be a respected district attorney and a notorious
gambler while Myrna is the gal who loves them both.
This one is an over-the-top melodrama at its best. “Manhattan Melodrama” is
also noteworthy as it was the movie John Dillinger was watching when he was set
up by The Lady in Red for his fatal FBI “hit.” The film also includes
the comedy short, “Goofy Movies 2,” a classic cartoon, “The
Old Pioneer” and the film’s theatrical trailer.
“Evelyn Prentice” (also 1934) is a fast-paced courtroom melodrama
with a murder mystery plot. This time out, Powell is a prominent defense attorney
out to save his client (Rosalind Russell in her screen debut) and Loy is the
neglected wife who just might be hiding a terrible secret of her own.
Perhaps more soap opera than drama, Loy looks lovely while she chews the scenery,
and Russell is fascinating in her pre-stardom role. The short, “Goofy Movies
#3” and classic cartoon “Discontented Canary” are included,
along with the theatrical trailer.
“Double Wedding” (1937) is a silly bit of fluff with Loy as a controlling
big sister out to protect her sibling from Powell’s beret-wearing, bohemian
artist. Of course it’s all a big misunderstanding, and Powell/Loy fans
can imagine who will probably end up married before the end credits roll. The
musical short, “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and the classic cartoon “The
Hound and the Rabbit” are included along with the theatrical trailer.
“I Love You Again” (1940) is a funny and romantic comedy with Powell
as a stuffy businessman who develops amnesia after a conk on the head only to “remember” he’s
actually a con-man crook from the prohibition days.
Loy is the wife who is planning to divorce her boring businessman husband only
to discover he is really a much more interesting fellow after all. The twist
ending is fun, and Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer shows up as a goofy boy
scout. The short, “Jackpot” and classic cartoon “Tom Turkey
and His Harmonica Humdingers” are included, along with the theatrical trailer.
“Love Crazy” (1941) is a certifiably loony romp, with Loy and Powell
as a happily married couple who let a series of complications during their 4th
anniversary nearly put the kibosh on their wedded bliss.
It’s easy to see why this screwball comedy was said to be one of Powell’s
favorite film roles. The classic cartoon, “The Alley Cat,” plus an
audio-only Screen Directors Guild Playhouse Radio Broadcast and the theatrical
trailer are included.
All five films are in black and white and unrated. The set retails for $49.92,
but can probably be found for less at Costco and through Amazon.com.
This page and its contents ©2006 Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
