What follows is how I found Warren William and how I’ve watched as his celebrity has undergone an unlikely growth over the past several years. But first, your TCM television schedule for Thursday, August 30, 2012:
Thursday, August 30 – Warren William – TCM Summer Under the Stars
- 6:00 am – Bedside (1934) starring Warren William, Jean Muir, Donald Meek
- 7:15 am – The First Hundred Years (1938) starring Robert Montgomery, Virginia Bruce, Warren William
- 8:30 am – Wives Under Suspicion (1938) starring Warren William, Gail Patrick, Ralph Morgan
- 9:45 am – The Mouthpiece (1932) starring Warren William, Sidney Fox, Aline MacMahon
- 11:15 am – Skyscraper Souls (1932) starring Warren William, Maureen O’Sullivan, Verree Teasdale
- 1:00 pm – Three on a Match (1932) staring Joan Blondell, Bette Davis, Warren William
- 2:15 pm – The Match King (1932) starring Warren William, Lili Damita, Glenda Farrell
- 3:45 pm – The Mind Reader (1933) starring Warren William, Constance Cummings, Allen Jenkins
- 5:00 pm – Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933) starring Warren William, Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler
- 6:45 pm – Times Square Playboy (1936) starring Warren William, Gene Lockhart, June Travis
- 8:00 pm – Lady for a Day (1933) starring May Robson, Warren William, Guy Kibbee
- 9:45 pm – Cleopatra (1934) starring Claudette Colbert, Warren William, Henry Wilcoxon
- 11:45 pm – Employees’ Entrance (1933) starring Warren William, Loretta Young, Alice White
- 1:15 am – The Case of the Howling Dog (1934) starring Warren William, Mary Astor, Allen Jenkins
- 2:45 am – The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt (1939) starring Warren William, Ida Lupino, Rita Hayworth
- 4:00 am – Arsene Lupin Returns (1938) starring Melvyn Douglas, Warren William, Virginia Bruce
Note: All times EST
I first found Warren on VHS. The old Forbidden Hollywood Collection which included titles like Three on a Match (Great Ann Dvorak film; lousy for Warren William) and the much more defining pair of Employees’ Entrance and Skyscraper Souls. I was hooked and began buying up every title I could find featuring Warren William.
Of course having all of these movies on hand and enjoying one as much as the next–though truthfully none as much as those first two named above–I naturally became curious about Warren William off camera. Let me tell you, back in 2007 the internet had barely heard of this guy. He had a page at the IMDb, the IBDB and something sparse on Wikipedia. Not much more.
My personal library didn’t help much either. Outside of Mick LaSalle even film writers ignored him! It was those few commercially available recordings from the 1990’s along with LaSalle’s coverage
I launched WarrenWilliam.com at the end of 2007 (actually Warren-William.com for a few years until I could secure the better web address) and began posting all I could find about the man and the movies he starred in.
When my research led me to the files of the Warner Bros. Archive held at the USC libraries I put in my request and paid a few hundred dollars for all of the old Warner Brother files that mentioned Warren by name: pay stubs, contracts, general communications with the studio and other ephemera. I thought maybe I’d write a book.
Then, in the Spring of 2010, I received an email from John Stangeland. I’d bumped into the name a few times as I had researched online. John had completed a biography of Warren William that would be published late in 2010. John and I continued to exchange emails and he was gracious enough to supply me with an advance copy of his book, Warren William: Magnificent Scoundrel of Pre-Code Hollywood
John had covered not only everything I had come across for myself but more. He had traveled the country and even forged relationships with Warren William’s surviving nieces. His book is 200-plus pages of pure biography, well written yet never too academic to put it out of anyone’s reach. The films are all covered and explained but not at exhausting length. The photographs ranged from the familiar to shots I’d have never dreamed existed. (Full review HERE).
Speaking as someone who had come to consider himself an absolute authority on the subject, Magnificent Scoundrel of Pre-Code Hollywood was perfect.
If Mick LaSalle had provided the spark, John Stangeland let the blaze loose! It was with the publication of his book that Warren William went from forgotten film star whom those in the know could wink about, to major pre-code film figure whose best work became familiar to every fan of the period. This happened through occasional airings on Turner Classic Movies or the films were discovered, as I discovered so many myself, through an internet market hovering between gray and black.
A good one. It’s not airing, but it does sum up what Warren William appeared to be back in 2007!
Since the release of John’s book that fire has been stoked every so often by TCM. During TCM’s Critic’s Choice feature in October 2010 Leonard Maltin selected Skyscraper Souls as one of his choices to air during the night he shared the TCM set with host Robert Osborne. Maltin’s face had previously graced the covers of my VHS Forbidden Hollywood tapes, so this seemed full circle.
It wasn’t just on our television sets either. Last Summer the Film Forum in New York highlighted “Heel of Heels” Warren William atop their Essential Pre-Code film festival showing eight of Warren’s best pre-code titles over a four-week period.
On December 2 of last year, after years of giving over the day to Julie Harris, TCM finally afforded Warren William a birthday celebration. A half day. Better than any he had had at anytime I have had access to the channel. That day TCM aired several of Warren’s earliest pre-code films. There were some goodies–Beauty and the Boss and The Dark Horse spring first to mind–but none are repeated today. Today TCM picks up from where they left off on December 2.
From my perspective TCM’s honoring of Warren William with 24 hours of Summer Under the Stars programming feels like the culmination of a long overdue celebration. Warren William will never be associated with the major stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age, nor should he. But he has finally seemed to earn his spot amongst those worth remembering.
Warren William Elsewhere
Any visitor to WarrenWilliam.com will get a kick out of the “Picto-Sked” I posted to Immortal Ephemera on Wednesday. It shows period newspaper advertisements for all 16 of the films TCM is airing … more than one ad per movie in many cases.
Also HERE is my general Summer Under the Stars post for Warren at Immortal Ephemera.
And Warren’s biographer, John Stangeland, who I mentioned prominently up above, has been very busy as well in preparation for Summer Under the Stars. Check out his MagnificentScoundrel’s Blog for his recent blitz of reviews covering today’s “Sweet 16” titles. You can also access those articles in full at John’s Facebook page … which it goes without saying should be a favorite.
Also see more new Warren William articles and reviews posted to the Summer Under the Stars Blogathon. Access this work through either Sittin’ On a Backyard Fence or ScribeHard on Film.
Enjoy the movies!
Available on Amazon for just $2.99 -
What a wonderful summation of what’s happened to Warren’s reputation over these few short years. When you and I were looking for him on the internet in 2005-2009, there was just about NOTHING around. Now we trip over him everywhere, and TCM has decided that he’s popular enough to feature on SUTS. It’s very satisfying to see it happen.
If anyone is responsible for Warren’s revival (after Mick LaSalle, and the other WW mavens), it is the man himself. It’s no accident that as soon as the films began turning up with any regularity, new fans were born. He’s just that good.
We all know what the next step is, right? Star of the month, anybody?
I am ordering your book soon. Cruised it a bit on Amazon, and look forward to learning more about this sadly forgotten star.
David Straithairn reminds me of Warren William.
John, I’m glad I have you around to back me about the sad state of affairs way back when! Great point too, it’s the great appeal of this somewhat different actor that really stoked those fires!
I’ll be adding hundred years, mouthpiece and mindreader to my collection today.
I’ve got the rest. And these 3 will make 32 WW movies in the collection.
Still kicking myself for missing ‘The Lone Wolf Keeps a Date’
Yup, I recorded upgrades of First Hundred Years, Bedside and The Mind Reader, but otherwise I’m all set.
I’m sure TCM will make it back to the Lone Wolf movies again in that Saturday morning ‘series’ time slot. It may be a bit of a wait though!
I am so excited that Warren is FINALLY getting some overdue kudos. I adore him, and am so glad for sites like this which highlight his great body of work. My DVR will be running all day and it will be difficult to drag myself away from the tv. I suppose the heat is good for something, if only to give me a good excuse to stay in the air conditioning and enjoy a great artist.
Thanks, Amanda — it certainly is a perfect day for air conditioning! Hope you enjoy the movies and discover a couple of new ones in the process.
Yes! The great day is finally upon us.
A few years ago on a frivolous IMDb thread on the Classic Board, we were discussing who we would choose as our classic movie prom date. I chose Warren William. To my surprise, a number of responses included “never heard of him” and “had to look him up”. That doesn’t happen any more.
My husband still refers to “Warren Williams” or “Warren Wellman” just to get my goat. I think he’s jealous.
That pesky “S” ergh!
My suggestion for your prom date is to dress like Ruby and the girls in the “Pettin’ in the Park” number … protection required!
AHH YES Skyscraper Souls! WAtched it a million times, today goes a million and one.
Green tricolettes for everyone! They should have played it in prime time so wecould hear Robert Osbourne give some background. Obviously love WW but this film is extra juicy with Anita Page. I’ve watched her marriage proposal scene with Jean Herscholt over and over. Her acting is priceless in that scene.And Verree Teasedale oof Warren is a lucky guy. Enjoy!!!
Skyscraper is my #2, but only because of Employees’ Entrance! You take your Anita, I’ve got Alice White. Yeah, Anita can out act her every time, but Alice is a force of personality!
Love Verree Teasdale! Oh, don’t forget Hedda Hopper either!
Two of my all-time favorites whether factoring Warren William into the equation or not (wish they were back to back at 8 pm).
I, like many others, was most looking forward to this day even though I’ve seen most of these movies.
When I went on the TCM cruise in December, one evening at dinner the conversation turned to obscure favorites. Most of my tablemates were women, including myself, and when William’s names came up there was an overwhelming consensus that we Loved this man. I’m glad he’s getting some recognition. Great article.
Boy, do women love a cad, or what 🙂 Hope you enjoy the movies, Hab, even if there is nothing new for you. Who knows, maybe one you overlooked will wind up better than you remembered (as was the case for me recently with Arsene Lupin Returns).
I keep thinking about Warren himself today. He was too modest to enjoy the recognition, but I bet he’d be happy that people were still watching. (Oops – Veree Teasdale just jumped off the Dwight building!) Here’s to the man…
I don’t know. Modesty is one thing, but I think anyone would get a kick out of this. I suppose we could ask James Caan how he feels about tomorrow, though, uh, not exactly a similar personality.
Cliff, My DVR is doing full duty today and I’m looking forward to spending hours with Warren William tonight and over the next few days.
Enjoy! I’ve done the same leading in to today, but have a few (see reply to Shthar above) that I’m looking forward to watching upgraded versions of tonight and tomorrow. Hope you find some new ones amongst this big bunch of 16!
For those who haven’t done so check out the TCM SUTS page for the WW films great write ups on each film and lots of trailers this one for The Mind Reader is especially a hoot.
Oh and Cliff, the interesting thing about those all those ladies in Skyscraper is their age. Although Warren is 38 his ladies run the gamut, Veree is 29, Maureen 21 and Hedda is 47!. Love them all tho Veree is highly underrated…….Can’t believe Anita Page died just a few years ago….and yes Alice is tops, one of her best roles In Employees Entrance.
Wow, I actually had to check on Verree Teasdale, can’t believe she was only 29, but of course, you are correct. She strikes me as a woman who was perpetually 40. She was just a kid in Skyscraper Souls!
Yes, TCM did a ridiculously beautiful job for all 30 stars and unleashed an incredible amount of new content with detailed reviews of almost every movie! I hope they incorporate all of that info into the main TCM.com site once SUTS is over, it’d be wasted otherwise.
Yes I had the same reaction to her age. The irony about your comment is when I first saw Warren I assumed he was 50!!! Now I can see his age better.
Warren William is my new favorite actor! I thought I knew every actor from that era, but just discovered him a few weeks ago. I assume I’ve seen his movies before, but for some reason I didn’t take notice. He is another actor we lost way too soon. I’m going to buy the biography.
Welcome to the club, Mollie! Very glad you found Warren. I give John Stangeland’s biography of Warren my highest recommendation. If you need any further info before buying please check out my review of the book and additionally an interview I conducted with John on the site. Enjoy it!
hey Cliff! i’m a bit late to the party but that was one hell of a great WW day last august! I finally got to see Bedside (i was up at 5:45 ready to record AND watch it) and yeah it has to be just about the most reprehensible guy he ever played, lol! stayed awake for The First Hundred Years (not bad) and grabbed DVD upgrades of Match King, Mind Reader, Times Square Playboy, Lady for a Day, Lone Wolf Spy Hunt and Case of the Howling Dog. Still havent watched Arsine Lupine Returns and i still have Firefly, Story of Lillian Russell and the Man in the Iron Mask to watch. it was fun seeing him in the Wolfman on Halloween night, which is most def the first WW film appearance i ever saw – god knows how young i was, probably around 3 or 4 lol! anyway i’ve babbled enough , take it easy!
So basically you stayed up watching the entire 24 hours, awesome! So glad you caught Bedside, hoping you enjoyed it! You’ll see a post around here from just before the Warren-party wherein I revised my opinion of the Arsene Lupin movie, it’s very good! Firefly and Iron Mask are a pair that always seem to put me to sleep, but I do like Lillian Russell–unfortunately, not for Warren, his part is small, but it’s great to see Edward Arnold reprise his Diamond Jim Brady, plus I’m a fan of Alice Faye. Enjoy them!
almost all of it! i finally watched Stagestruck the other night. man talk about dropping the ball, that was pretty lame. what a waste of WW, Dick Powell, Joan Blondell and Frank McHugh. i have found that, for the most part, films directed by Busby Berkley are not that good :/
but WW did have the best line in the whole film!
Yeah – but those Yacht Club Boys, they’re a hoot…
I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but the Yacht Club Boys have grown on me over time. At the same time, I remain a bit embarrassed about Warren’s scene with them.
the yacht club boys made me seriously consider taking my life in the most disgusting manner possible! obviously, i fought the battle and won…this time O_o
When I first wrote about Stage Struck I was baffled by their existence and had nothing nice to say whatsoever. Since then I’ve seen them in Artists & Models and at least one other and now I’m kind of charmed by them. Don’t know how, but I’ve definitely warmed up to them. By the way, their numbers seem to always be just as outrageous and obnoxious as they were in Stage Struck.
its totally understandable Cliff…i used to LOATHE Joe E. Brown, but over the past 10 years or so I have really done an about face (pun intended, lol) and now quite often find him and his films to be very funny indeed! and he usually had a great leading lady which is a nice bonus! sometimes just one film can cause one to re-evaluate a performer, it was ‘Earthworm Tractors’ that turned me around on Joe. i will say this much for the yacht club boys…their first number about the govt is certainly more relevant than ever!
Had the same experience with Joe E. Brown, except it was Alibi Ike that won me over.