A look at several clippings originally published in The Hollywood Reporter (with one exception) between January and May of 1934 that show how closely tied the two MGM classics Manhattan Melodrama and The Thin Man were during production. The clips also provide a timeline for William Powell’s move from Warner Bros. to MGM. Dates and page numbers listed below each clipping with apologies as these are full size:
January 17, 1934, page 1.
January 18, 1934, page 3. Streets of New York is the story that will eventually be Manhattan Melodrama.
January 27, 1934, page 2.
February 1, 1934, page 3.
February 6, 1934, page 1.
February 8, 1934, page 6. Powell is still working for Warner Bros. Kay Francis soon dropped out of The Key and Edna Best was brought in to take her place.
February 14, 1934, page 2.
March 2, 1934, page 4. This is the key clipping on the page. After I saw The Thin Man was delayed for Manhattan Melodrama I became curious over the more exact timeline of the two films.
March 5, 1934, page 3. Powell, still freelancing, is going to appear in both movies.
March 15, 1934, page 1. The two for Radio (RKO) didn’t happen, but this clip mentions Powell’s expiring Warner Bros. contract.
Also March 15, 1934, page 2. Apparently the title of Arthur Caesar’s story was changed from Streets of New York to Three Men.
March 31, 1934, page 5. Director Van Dyke moving from Manhattan Melodrama to The Thin Man.
April 6, 1934, page 4.
April 17, 1934, page 2.
April 30, 1934, page 1.
I had to go to Film Daily to find this notice of Powell signing with MGM. May 23, 1934 edition, page 7.
Back to The Hollywood Reporter once more, same date, May 23, 1934, page 1, for mention of Powell’s “new contract at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.” This eventually became Rendezvous (1935), which Powell starred in with Rosalind Russell, not Myrna Loy.
Manhattan Melodrama was released May 4, 1934; The Thin Man released May 25, 1934. Powell’s last film under his Warner Bros. contract, The Key, actually arrived after both of them, June 9, 1934.
That timeline is so interesting. Powell seemed to ease right in despite, according to a Selznick memo, the protests of all MGM executives except Selznick to having him come to MGM. I find it hard to believe he was thought to be that washed up. He certainly made the most of his opportunity. Thankfully! He is a most underrated actor, yet in other clippings of the day, he couldn’t have been more of a presence and written about and praised highly enough. Many comments that are found among many of the greats that worked with him, show him to be a favorite to have worked with, very generous with his knowledge and quite revered.
Glad you liked the timeline, CC! It’s been awhile since I revisited it, and I was glad I still found it interesting too! What’s funny is that far from being washed up, he ascended to all new heights at MGM (though my own favorites are his earlier talkies at Paramount/WB). You’re right, other stars always seemed to go out of their way to praise him, don’t think I’ve ever read an unkind word. Glad you found the post, thanks for taking time out to comment! –Cliff