Coverage of the Universal horror classic The Wolf Man (1941) including the emergence of its star Lon Chaney Jr. This article also covers the second wave of Universal horror releases and the timing of this particular release, five days after the attack upon Pearl Harbor. Previously published in Classic Movie Monthly #2.
Three on a Match (1932), A Second Look: Bogart, Action, Warren William
A second look at pre-Code classic Three on a Match (1932) includes an appraisal of early Humphrey Bogart movies, contemporary reaction, and a checklist of stars. Plus Warren William.
“My Favorite Classic Movie” Blogathon: Employees’ Entrance (1933)
Celebrating Warren William in Employees’ Entrance (1933) for the “My Favorite Classic Movie” blogathon on “National Classic Movie Day,” May 16, 2015.
The Mind Reader (1933) Starring Warren William
Warren William stars as a Depression-era hustler who turns carnival psychic until the love of a good woman tames him. He can’t pay the bills selling brushes though so his old partner lures him back into the mind reading racket. Warren William stars in The Mind Reader (1933) with Constance Cummings, Allen Jenkins, and Clarence Muse. Directed by Roy Del Ruth.
The Woman from Monte Carlo (1932) for Warren William’s Birthday
Pointing to a brand new post at WarrenWilliam.com about The Woman from Monte Carlo starring Lil Dagover, Walter Huston, Warren William, and John Wray. Includes the 2014 Warren William birthday schedule on TCM.
The Mouthpiece (1932) – Warren William Becomes a Star; 1932 William J. Fallon Cycle Begins
Warren William has his breakthrough role in The Mouthpiece, first and best of the 1932 cycle of William J. Fallon inspired lawyer films. Background on Fallon and his legacy included.
Gladys George Is Madame X (1937), Plus Brief Biography
A history of Madame X concentrates on the 1937 film version starring Gladys George. Includes a biography of Gladys George with comparison to Ruth Chatterton’s 1929 performance.
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.
Don’t Bet on Blondes (1935) Starring Warren William and Claire Dodd
Warner Brothers Don’t Bet on Blondes (1935) features solid work by Warren William as bookmaker turned freak insurance man, Claire Dodd cast against type as his love interest and Guy Kibbee giving the strongest performance of the bunch as Dodd’s father, who takes out a policy against his daughter’s marriage. It is also Errol Flynn’s second Hollywood movie and Flynn’s early career is detailed within the post.
August 30 – Warren William TCM Summer Under the Stars
The August 30 TCM Summer Under the Stars Warren William schedule with recommendations on the can’t miss pre-code titles.