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William Powell and Myrna Loy

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Loy and Powell (and the dog Skippy) in a promotional photo for The Thin Man.

William Powell (1892–1984) and Myrna Loy (1905–1993) starred in 13 movies together in the 1930s and '40s. Loy also had an uncredited cameo in their 14th and last film together, The Senator Was Indiscreet, which starred Powell.

Their frequent pairing—always playing a couple—and on-screen chemistry, especially in their six popular Thin Man films, where they played husband and wife Nick and Nora Charles, led many fans to believe they were married in real life.[1] However, they were only good friends.[2] In a 1988 interview, Loy explained, "I think we were too much alike for a romance."[2]

Powell was already a well-established leading man in Hollywood prior to their teaming, dating back to the silent era, but it was the great success of The Thin Man that made Loy a star.[1][2] She almost did not get the role. Louis B. Mayer had already cast her in Stamboul Quest, and only agreed to let her play Nora Charles if the picture could be shot in three weeks.[2] Director W. S. "One Take Woody" Van Dyke only needed 16 days for shooting and two for retakes.[2] A B movie, The Thin Man was a box office and critical hit.

Filmography

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Year Title Powell's role Loy's role Director Ref
1934 Manhattan Melodrama Jim Wade Eleanor Packer W. S. Van Dyke [3]
1934 The Thin Man Nick Charles Nora Charles W. S. Van Dyke [4]
1934 Evelyn Prentice John Prentice Evelyn Prentice William K. Howard [5]
1936 The Great Ziegfeld Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr. Billie Burke Robert Z. Leonard [6]
1936 Libeled Lady Bill Chandler Connie Allenbury Jack Conway [7]
1936 After the Thin Man Nick Charles Nora Charles W. S. Van Dyke [8]
1937 Double Wedding Charlie Lodne Margit Agnew Richard Thorpe [9]
1939 Another Thin Man Nick Charles Nora Charles W. S. Van Dyke [10]
1940 I Love You Again Larry Wilson/George Carey Kay Wilson W. S. Van Dyke [11]
1941 Love Crazy Steve Ireland Susan Ireland Jack Conway [12]
1941 Shadow of the Thin Man Nick Charles Nora Charles W. S. Van Dyke [13]
1945 The Thin Man Goes Home Nick Charles Nora Charles Richard Thorpe [14]
1947 Song of the Thin Man Nick Charles Nora Charles Edward Buzzell [15]
1947 The Senator Was Indiscreet Senator Melvin G. Ashton Mrs. Melvin G. Ashton (cameo) George S. Kaufman [16]

References

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  1. ^ a b Robert Fulford (September 13, 2011). "Nick and Nora's Infinite Marriage". National Post.
  2. ^ a b c d e Karen Heller (January 10, 1988). "Loy Looks Back". Chicago Tribune.
  3. ^ "Manhattan Melodrama". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  4. ^ "The Thin Man". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  5. ^ "Evelyn Prentice". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  6. ^ "The Great Ziegfeld". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  7. ^ "Libeled Lady". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  8. ^ "After the Thin Man". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  9. ^ "Double Wedding". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  10. ^ "Another Thin Man". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  11. ^ "I Love You Again". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  12. ^ "Love Crazy". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  13. ^ "Shadow of the Thin Man". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  14. ^ "The Thin Man Goes Home". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  15. ^ "Song of the Thin Man". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  16. ^ "The Senator Was Indiscreet". American Film Institute (AFI). Retrieved November 18, 2020.
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