Libeled Lady (1936)
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80% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
87% of users liked it
(2,580 ratings)
Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, and William Powell star in this crackling screwball comedy about a cut-throat newspaper editor's scheme to prevent a libel suit that ends up exploding in everybody's face. Tracy plays Warren Haggerty, the managing editor of a newspaper that mistakenly prints a story… More Spencer Tracy, Myrna Loy, and William Powell star in this crackling screwball comedy about a cut-throat newspaper editor's scheme to prevent a libel suit that ends up exploding in everybody's face. Tracy plays Warren Haggerty, the managing editor of a newspaper that mistakenly prints a story declaring the rich Connie Allenbury (Myrna Loy) has stolen away another woman's husband. Connie retaliates by suing the paper for $5 million. This happens right before Warren is about to marry his fiancee Gladys (Jean Harlow). As he has done several times in the past, Warren delays the wedding in order to stop the libel suit. Warren hires Bill Chandler (William Powell), a former employer who is desperate for a job, to marry Gladys in name only and then court Connie. That way, Gladys can sue Connie for alienation of affections and get Connie to agree to drop her lawsuit if Gladys will drop hers. Bill hops an ocean liner to accompany Connie and her father (Walter Connolly) back to the United States, but along the way Bill and Connie fall in love and Bill tries to convince Gladys to drop her suit so it won't hinder his relationship with Connie. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jack Conway
- Written By
- Maurine Watkins, Howard Emmett Rogers, George Oppenheimer
- Genres
- Classics, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1936 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
A charming cast, headed by Tracy, Harlow, William Powell and Myrna Loy, elevates this screwball comedy, a typically glossy MGM fare of the Depression era.
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Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing
Earns its keep simply for the moment when Loy, expecting Powell to describe her eyes in gushing terms, is instead startled when he remarks that they look like "angry marbles."
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Mark Robison, Reno Gazette-Journal
The actors are game but the hijinks are too stilted and tame by today's standards.
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Tony Whitt, Now Playing Magazine
A little gem of a movie that should have won an Oscar.
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Jeremiah Kipp, Slant Magazine
Four classic comedy stars liven up a tepid affair...and a bland DVD package.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Jean Harlow
as Gladys Benton
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William Powell
as Bill Chandler
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Myrna Loy
as Connie Allenbury
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Spencer Tracy
as Warren Haggerty
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Walter Connolly
as James B. Allenbury
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Charles Grapewin
as Mr. Bane
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Cora Witherspoon
as Mrs. Burns-Norvell
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E.E. Clive
as Evans the Fishing Instructor
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Otto Yamaoka
as Ching
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Charles Trowbridge
as Graham
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Spencer Charters
as Magistrate McCall
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George Chandler
as Bellhop
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Greta Meyer
as Connie's Maid
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William Benedict
as Johnny
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Hal K. Dawson
as Harvey Allen
- Norman Ainsley
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Harry C. Bradley
as Justice of Peace
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Ralph Brooks
as Dance Extra
- Jay Eaton
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Fred Graham
as Press Man
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Sherry Hall
as Denver Courier Editor
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Hattie McDaniel
as Maid in Hall
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Howard Hickman
as Cable Editor
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Olaf Hytten
as Reporter
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Charles Irwin
as Steward
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Selmar Jackson
as Adams Editor of Washington Chronicle
- Eric Lonsdale
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James T. Mack
as Pop
- Wally Maher
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Myra Marsh
as Secretary
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Alphonse Martell
as Table Captain
- Jack Mulhall
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William Newell
as Divorce Detective
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Inez Palange
as Fortune Teller
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Barnett Parker
as Butler
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Thomas Pogue
as Minister
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Eddie Shubert
as Mac the Circulation Editor
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William Stack
as Editor
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Edwin Stanley
as Clerk
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Libby Taylor
as Tiny Gladys' Maid
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Nick Thompson
as Hot Dog Stand Man
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Richard Tucker
as Barker
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Pat West
as Detective
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Eric Wilton
as Steward on Dock
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Duke York
as Taxi Driver
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Charles King
as Barker
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Tom Mahoney
as Alex
- Dennis O'Keefe
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Pat Somerset
as Photographer
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Bunny Beatty
as Babs Burns-Norvell
- Harry Lash
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George Davis
as Waiter
- Spencer Tracey
- Charley Grapewin