Learning about Earle Williams from original newspaper articles between 1908-1931. Once the most popular movie star, Earle Williams faded in the 1920s. His story ends tragically in 1931, four years after his death.
Popular Posts
Movie Star Biographies
Adolphe Menjou’s Wit and Wisdom – It Took Nine Tailors, a Review
A biography of Adolphe Menjou layered with several quotes from his 1948 autobiography It Took Nine Tailors. Covers his background, silent stops and starts, to talkie breakthrough, often in Menjou’s own voice.
Ralf Harolde, Expert Portrayer of Lowlifes and Junkies
Appraisal of Ralf Harolde’s talents as ultimate pre-Code lowlife with biographical bits assembled where possible. Busy character actor of the 1930s-40s, who made his mark in films such as Night Nurse, Safe in Hell, and Picture Snatcher.
Merna Kennedy – Chaplin Leading Lady; Also Star of Broadway
Merna Kennedy was an unknown dancer and actress when she emerged alongside Charlie Chaplin in The Circus (1928), the peak to a short movie career. This biography covers Merna Kennedy’s background, a few of her films, and her tragically premature death.
Joe Donahue, “World’s Greatest Dancer” and Sunny Co-Star
Digging into Joe Donahue, talented vaudevillian dancer who replaced his late brother, Jack, opposite Marilyn Miller in the film version of Sunny. He also appeared in Expensive Women and two Dorothy Mackaill titles during his stay with First National, 1930-31. Piecing together some of the mysterious Donahue’s life and discovering, once and for all, the date he died.
Robert Warwick, Broadway and Silent Film Star Turns Talkie Character Actor
You’ve seen Robert Warwick dozens of times. Born Robert Taylor Bien the aspiring opera singer went to Broadway and became a Silent Film Matinee idol long before talkies came into play.
Movie Reviews & Articles
RKO’s Hell’s Highway (1932) Beats Other Chain Gang Movie to Theaters
It’s tempting to call RKO’s Hell’s Highway (1932) a knockoff on I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang. However the Richard Dix movie came first. A long essay looking at Hell’s Highway, Dix, the Etude Ethiopian Chorus and that other Chain Gang movie.
Kind Lady (1935) Starring Aline MacMahon and Basil Rathbone
A look at Kind Lady from origins as Hugh Walpole story The Silver Mask, through Edward Chodorov’s stage adaptation and both film versions, especially the earlier 1935 film starring Aline MacMahon and Basil Rathbone.
Dr. Monica (1934) Starring Kay Francis, Warren William and Jean Muir
A look at Dr. Monica (1934), a pre-code Kay Francis film featuring a strong performance by Jean Muir. Also starring Verree Teasdale and Warren William.
The Office Wife (1930) Starring Dorothy Mackaill and Lewis Stone
Publisher Lewis Stone needs a new secretary and Dorothy Mackaill gets the job in The Office Wife (1930). Great dialogue in this pre-Code hit, with many of the best lines coming from Joan Blondell.
Remembering Jackie Cooper, 1922-2011, with Peck’s Bad Boy (1934)
Remembering Jackie Cooper, who died today at age 88. His career and legacy, plus a look at 1934’s Peck’s Bad Boy starring Cooper with Thomas Meighan.
Kay Francis and Ian Hunter in I Found Stella Parish (1935)
Kay Francis and Ian Hunter both do good work in Warner Brothers’ I Found Stella Parish (1935). I’m just wondering if I’m supposed to walk away liking either of their characters?