Libeled Lady (1936)

Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy

Directed by Jack Conway

Available to stream on Amazon Prime

Newspaper editor Spencer Tracy enlists his fiancee Jean Harlow and reporter William Powell in a legal wrangle with rich Myrna Loy.

William Powell, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy in Libeled Lady

Why we love it: Showcasing an all-star foursome, Libeled Lady is a delightful and enjoyable comedy. The film really sparkles when Powell and Harlow (with Tracy on the side) settle in to being “married.” The movie drags a bit when Powell is scraping an acquaintance with Loy and her father, but the magic comes back with Loy and Powell as their relationship develops. As always they seem sincere and believable, lifting the film above the level of slapstick and screwball – and injecting some authentic feeling into it.

Ad for Libeled Lady from Photoplay 1936

Jean Harlow and Spencer Tracy

Fun Facts:

• All four stars were friends and apparently had a great time making this movie. Jean Harlow and William Powell were engaged in real life.

• Jean Harlow got top billing and the success of this film made her a bigger star than ever. Unfortunately, she only made one more film at MGM before she died of kidney failure in 1937 at the age of 26.

William Powell and Jean Harlow in Libeled Lady

To read what people thought at the time, go to Fan Magazine Reviews.

Featured Cocktail:

Champagne Cocktail

(Some recipes for this old classic call for the addition of cognac.)

1 sugar cube

2 dashes Angostura bitters

champagne

Place sugar cube in bottom of chilled flute.

Soak with the bitters. Add champagne.

Enjoy!

Cheers to the Classics!