The Love Story of Jean Harlow and William Powell | Hollywood's Iconic Couple

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Love the young photos of them! Thank you for covering this. She dies in 1937, Eileen Wilson, his first wife dies in 1942, Carole Lombard his 2nd wife, in 1942. Later Powell’s son dies in 1968 at 43...it’s amazing William Powell lived so long enduring such horrible tragedies. ♥️ They were great actors! Very, very sad for all these people. Sad for Harlow...she just couldn’t get away from them... Sometimes...you’re just so done.

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

Her times with dark and sexy Powell were her happiest.

[@katarzynamariamuszynska2811]

So many people He loved dies

[@gardensofthegods]

Too bad he didn't give her what she wanted ; too bad he didn't marry her . So sad how it went down for her in the end ... seems like she was really in love with him but he didn't quite feel the same ... at least not until it was too late

[@kellyhiggins4234]

She had been buried in the pink negligee that she wore in her last movie Shanghai. Also, William ended up given up his share of the tomb along with making sure that noone else would ever be buried there beside her. I tell you all one thing about this era was the parents living off there starlets Shirley Temple, Judy Garland the list goes on . As for MGM and Paramount they made billions off the backs of these actors and actresses never to be held accountable for any wrong doings. I find it so sad. However, Hollywood at one time made for many of dreams. Today its gone and California has fallen to waste .

[@aislingbooks]

I met William Powell as a young girl having had an emergency appendectemy at Hollywood West Hospital, the same hospital I'd been born in when it was then named La Brea Hospital. I remembered when introduced to him by a young orderly making his rounds and encouraging me out of my bed and exercising my then 11-year-old body by greeting some of who he'd then told me were interesting people to meet. I don't know why William Powell was really in hospital then, but the orderly told me he was having a nose job...hahaha. I think not, as he was already very senior. Regardless, he charmed this young girl whom he really didn't have to pay any attention to, so much so that I've remembered him all the rest of my life.

[@CultCinemaClassics]

@aislingbooks Great anecdote! Thanks for sharing!

[@annamossity8879]

What a wonderful memory! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@kkay7718]

Beautifulllll

[@morganssmashingpearls3329]

That’s awesome

[@anthonyfrew1571]

How loverly - he always came across as a gentleman

[@cynthiatucker2147]

I was surprised William Powell was born in 1892! This was a wonderful love story. So sad for the young actress with a mother who lost her major perspective, the well being of her daughter. She lived the life she wanted through her daughter’s success. William Powell is one of my favorite actors. He was a very handsome man with beautiful eyes. Jean Harlow, a life cut very short.

[@alidabaxter5849]

I saw a documentary about Jean Harlow many years ago and apparently she was so loved by people working with her - technicians, not only actors - that when she died the word went around in disbelief, "Baby's dead". I hope its true that she did get conventional medical help, albeit incorrect, because it was previously thought that her mother insisted on only Christian Science being used. Many years later Doris Day, who also believed in Christian Science, went to a conventional doctor when she was overwhelmed by her symptoms and had to have an immediate hysterectomy. It's right to say Jean Harlow had a tragic life, and could have been so much happier if William Powell had married her. As its clear he knew.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

It seems that Powell treated her very badly. Not only did he break her heart, but by not visiting her when she needed him most, he failed to see how sick she was and thereby didn't help her.

[@DeniseFudge]

0

[@akrenwinkle]

I recall Mickey Rooney saying that the day after Harlow died, the MGM commissary, usually bustling with activity, had patrons, but it was silent. Nobody said a word.

[@lauralaladarling3775]

Thank you all who participated in this sensitively produced film on not only the background of William Powell and Jean Harlow but also their love affair. Jean Harlow had incredible Star quality and also appeared vulnerable, feisty and sensual in her movies. To me, she looked sweet and kind as well. I am so sad and so sorry her mother and ex-husband, cotrolled/stole her money and even her life; to have been forced to have two abortions is cruel and horrible. Her mother was a parasitical vampire using and abusing her daughter Jean, by proxy, to be rich and famous. It's too tragic the doctors' diagnosed her illness incorrectly and she died, at only 26, because of their errors. God bless Jean Harlow. Xxx ❤❤❤

[@morganssmashingpearls3329]

Which ex husband?

[@CatherineLeighe]

She died because she had nephritis, something medical science could do nothing for back then. All they had were sulphur drugs which were all but useless. She died because it was her time. It’s unfortunate she was tied to her mother’s apron strings. She died so young it’s impossible to tell if she would ever have untied them. She still would have died of kidney disease.

[@elizabethpease8290]

@@morganssmashingpearls3329 : It was her stepfather, not ex-husband. Her mother made her divorce her first husband because she didn’t like him.

[@yolandagaines1760]

Thanks for this superb story. Both William Powell and Jean Harlow loved each other. Hopefully, they will be together in another life.

[@siameseblue4824]

William Powell and Myrna Loy...magical on the screen like Astaire and Rogers.

[@mortsims]

love their movies together.

[@karenhiebert5023]

So sad. I love Jean Harlow. I'm sure William Powell lived the rest of his life with many regrets. How could he not.

[@clairedisapia]

I loved Jean Harlow and am so sorry she died at such a young age. They were a wonderful couple ❤️

[@sandraboyd8344]

😅😮😮😮😮 13:58

[@jackieedmondson8422]

I was not aware of powell and harlow being an item. This should be interesting!!

[@MaryAnn-mn3fm]

​@@jackieedmondson842251:28

[@scvandy3129]

"clairedisapia, Harlow's forced to abort their baby -- one she so desperately wanted. Later, he's openly dating other actresses while she's dying in Good Samaritan Hospital. "They were a wonderful couple" -- NOT. "They were a wonderful couple" -- by all outward appearances, as dictated by the M-G-M publicity machine.

[@jjmboston5832]

LOVE both Powell and Harlow. Thank you for the posting.

[@melindalemmon2149]

He is the most wonderful, intelligent, and beautiful man to ever grace the screen. My fave of all time. Forever. It hurts to learn he had feet of clay.

[@TheSaltydog07]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

Yes his swarthy good looks and intense stormy dark eyes make me melt!

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

He seems to fit the genre of LATIN LOVER 💓

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

Innocently provocative JEAN JUST THOSE FEMININE CURVES AND STYLE

[@Thefrugalgal]

I see no good looks in him at all. It's all in the eye of the beholder.

[@jerrymoore838]

I read David Stenn's book Bombshell. An excellent and well researched work. Nice to see him participating in this documentary. Such a sad end to the short life of Jean and the tragedy of Powell's grief

[@edoarda68]

Very moving events of two film stars, Jean Harlow and Dick Powell!

[@scvandy3129]

@@edoarda68 Dick Powell NOT. Try William Powell. "Very moving" - so true.

[@edoarda68]

@@scvandy3129 yes, you are right. Sorry. Edoarda

[@ittybittykittymama7582]

I believe that William Powell was the sexiest man to ever live. His smoldering sexuality first captured my heart in '"One Way Passage." His suave and debonair style was unsurpassed, though many tried to emulate him. His smooth voice and his smoldering manner made him the idol every girl loved. Though he has long left this world, his image lingers on the small and large screens and in the minds of many fans of movies from the golden age of Hollywood. Rest in peace, William Powell. You were and are loved by many. 🌹

[@melindalemmon2149]

AMEN AND AMEN. IN SPITE OF AN ALMOST WEAK CHIN, HE WAS THE MOST ATTRACTIVE MAN TO EVER HIT THE SCREEN. HIS BRILLIANCE AND BEAUTIFUL SPEAKING VOICE HAD A LOT TO DO WITH THE PERFECT CONFIDENCE HE EXUDED.. NOTHING SEXIER THAN INTELLECT WITH CONFIDENCE.

[@melindalemmon2149]

For me too, he is the most attractive of all men. In case I didn't make that clear. Haha!

[@LaoSoftware]

I think Valentino or Robert Taylor are more attractive than old man William Powell.

[@norahs104]

So true

[@johnhummer265]

Clearly, luv is in the eyes of the beholder, n AMEN to that as well!!!! @@melindalemmon2149

[@amiblueful]

In my mind, Jean Harlow was the epitome of Hollywood glamour and spunk. More so than Marilyn Monroe, in my eyes.

[@nadyarossi5102]

Both Carole & Marilyn were wonderful, each in their own way.

[@scvandy3129]

"amlblueful," Monroe had more psychological and emotional issues than Harlow. Plus, she lived nearly ten years longer than Harlow -- allowing more time for the 'warts & all' aspect of stardom and her private life to unfold. If Powell hadn't allowed or permitted the abortion of their baby, i.e., 'stepping up to the plate' and marrying Harlow, surely her serious medical condition would be uncovered by regular visits to her / the OB-GYN physician; then treated ASAP. . . . 'We'll never know,' but had they married and she went through the pregnancy, Harlow may very well have 'retired' from stardom to be a full-time Mrs. Jean Powell, wife and mother. Her dying young was totally unnecessary, but I'll say Monroe's death is sadder due to the situations preceding her death. BTW, what a wonderful film this is.

[@fflubadubb]

I find both Harlow and Monroe gorgeous and fascinating !

[@amanda1500]

I love William Powell in My Man Godfrey with his ex wife Carol Lombard.

[@angelica2155]

They both lived in Kansas City, Missouri and went to central high school and lived near each other, but didn’t meet until they were in Hollywood. Jean was such a KC woman with a sweet attitude , whom all loved 💚 it was so sad all the forced abortions, divorces, and thieves around her, thank god he investigated her step dad. she so died of a broken heart 💔 I’m from kc, they are my favorite couple ever, liabled lady and reckless are their best movies 💚

[@FreedomSpirit7]

I read her Autobiography when I was 15. You can see in the last photo with her and her mother in the book Jean Harlow looked like she was an ailing 75 year old woman. Her mother interfered with her life and screwed her life up. She had too much control over Jean Harlow. Some think their parents can do no wrong. At times after you get older, better to follow what's going on in your own self. Follow your intuition.

[@CultCinemaClassics]

@lemorab1Thanks for the heads up! Typo... 😉 We are on it!

[@ChuckStaley]

I have been colorizing images of Jean Harlow, and, at age 92, falling in love with someone even older than myself. This film is perfect. Thank you so much.

[@morganssmashingpearls3329]

That’s awesome!

[@morganssmashingpearls3329]

Wait- as in Chuck Staley the artist?

[@nicoletanis3703]

Jean Harlow had class and William Powell was a good actor. Thanks for sharing the story of this Hollywood's Iconic couple!

[@RealBigBadJohn]

I agree, Nicole Tanis! Sure is good to see you.

[@helenpoornima5126]

​@@RealBigBadJohn Yes its good to see you Big John ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👸 💃

[@AliMemmedov-g1l]

идите Все в Сад 📍

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

When you see Harlow in her fabulous clothes you can easily see she didn’t have ridiculously large breasts. Just enough to give her alluring curves (like catnip)

[@norahs104]

William Powell was an exceptional actor

[@veecee3669]

Well, I thought I'd just watch a few minutes, and then mosey on over to another video, then I stayed and watched it in it's entirety, entranced by Jean Harlow. I've watched some of her old movies, but watching her here, I got the full Jean Harlow effect. She was gorgeous and mesmerizing. How I wish she had lived a long and happy life.

[@barbarad1115]

“ Life With Father “ was my favorite movie 🍿 with William Powell .

[@karolinesmail489]

My man Godfrey with Carole Lombard

[@voyaristika5673]

Without the heavy makeup her face is really sweet looking, cute. Also, the public didn't know the truth about her horrible mother. It was publicized as a healthy, devoted and loving relationship, not the sick mother controlled thing it was. And her father was so cruel to abandon his little girl. So Sad!!

[@scvandy3129]

"voyaristilka5673," " . . . her face is really sweet looking," Pretty, for certain. But without her eyebrows -- only 'penciled in' ones allowed for many young actresses of the era -- her natural looks, scrubbed clean, and NO eyebrows would, I'm afraid to say, take some 'getting used to.'

[@decembrie23]

I too was surprised how different she looked without makeup, her eyes and smile so pretty. The makeup aged her

[@brendadrew834]

Thank you for one of the great tragedies and scandals of the Golden Age of Hollywood! Harlow was tiny and petite but had a great bod with all the curves in the right places along with being intelligent with a witty senses of humor. Powell, a great actor, was sauve and debonair was one of the best dressed men with great comedic timing. It's also said he was a functioning alcoholic himself. May they rest in peace and may they never be forgotten!

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

It’s also said the sky is pink. How can he defend himself against the functioning alcoholic charge? Unfair accusation.

[@brendadrew834]

@@jacquelinejanz5792 Nothing new, that's been said about William Powell for decades! A great many were alcoholics and smokers back then, part of their nightclub culture!

[@deliawright8626]

​@@jacquelinejanz5792z Well known facet of his being. He was a functioning alcoholic.

[@MariaPerez-zm6hj]

Beautiful yet very complicated lives made a romantic couple having a sad ending story. They could have had it all especially each other but a few important obstacles interfered in their lives project making it impossible for them to stay together. Although not too extrange for Hollywood's standards, the studios practically owned their stars. Very sad indeed. May both be resting in peace.🙏🏻

[@cynthiaennis3107]

Indeed...they were considered property.

[@maureenmehmen1327]

Apparently her mother thought she owned her too. So sad.

[@cynthiaspagnole6381]

Jean Harlow was a beautiful woman, inside and outside!! She was a truly a wonderful talent! So very tragic her dying at such a young age of kidney failure. I love her movies with Clark Gable! They had hot chemistry together! Rest in peace, beautiful Baby!!

[@gardensofthegods]

It's weird that her kidney failure came so quickly out of the blue . It would be weird if she had actually been poisoned enough that it caused severe kidney damage but went unnoticed . After all she did want to retire from film and just get married and be a mom .

[@lorinelson9663]

I just read that her kidney failure was a result of damage caused to her kidneys by a bout of scarlet fever as a child. This was before penicillin and antibiotics.

[@jenniferkleczka279]

One of my all time favorite movies are the Thin Man series. Then the Scarlet Letter (all version) and Wuthering Heights (most recordings). I could watch them over and over.

[@CultCinemaClassics]

@jenniferkleczka279 Please do! Cheers!!!

[@gardensofthegods]

@@CultCinemaClassics This was an excellent documentary on Jean Harlow's life ... thank you so much for the upload

[@kaydee4296]

I believe William Powell stayed away from acting for many years after Harlow's death until he finally agreed to do Life With Father. If you haven't seen that you really should.

[@debraperez7171]

Absolutely! One of my very favorites!!

[@scaramouche853]

At the Time of Harlows death William Powell was filming Double Wedding with Myrna Loy… both were devastated (Myrna had also been a close friend) and shooting was postponed for a few weeks to allow them both time to grieve their loss. However they did finish the picture, and Bill Powell went straight into The Baroness and the Butler. During filming he was diagnosed with rectal cancer and took several months off for treatment, returning to the screen in 1939 for Another Thin Man again with Loy…apart from his time off for his cancer treatment Bill Powell worked continuously until 1955 when he retired from filmmaking. There was never a long absence from the Screen following Jeans Death. Romantic fantasy yes… reality no.

[@rogerpropes7129]

Yes, Liz Taylor's best movie.

[@cynthiatucker2147]

I saw that movie too. It was good.

[@scvandy3129]

"kaydee4296," "I believe . . . " With ALL the information available on the people in this film none of us need to be side-tracked by a maudlin, fairy-tale Comment, but simply know the facts, the truth -- so as to clearly state "I know . . . ." "scaramouche853," Replying to you here, shoots down IMMEDIATELY your incorrect, fabricated " . . . stayed away from acting for many years." In addition to the numerous Powell movies post 1937 stated in that helpful Reply, another consideration entirely you clearly missed: he's under a multi-year contract to M-G-M. After a suitable 'grieving period' -- like Harlow had after Paul Bern's death -- the powers that be are going to hold him to his obligations for the remainder of the contractual agreement. They would NOT let him 'sit on his hands' an entire decade until "Life with Father" (1947). "Life with Father" (ed. - lower case "w") is indeed a wonderful movie. . . . A contributing factor: Powell's leading lady, Irene Dunne, and he believably 'pulled off' playing a married couple.

[@carl77242]

My mom always talks about Mrs. Harlow my mom was born in 1920s she was a great actress thank you for sharing

[@imasumacwatkins6638]

I know that Jean Harlows Biographers did all the best research and their take on her is their perspective with lots of facts, but it always surprises me that most bios of these talented women are men, not one woman's perspective in this show, there was much more about her and who she was. I'm sure she had women friends and that she had to be strong and smart to hold her own with the studio and yes, I know that the show is not about her but about their romance still there is more to her.

[@Celisar1]

Indeed, all they can talk about is her sexuality. It is almost pitiful.

[@A-FrameWedge]

@@Celisar1Nothing is stopping a Woman to write a book about Harlow, and someone making a YT video about her, and sexuality and talent is what Harlow used to be a star.

[@Vicki1951]

She had a tragic life. Very sad that what she wanted the most was kept farthest away by those who she trusted. All of them. That’s not love.

[@portiamatthews9654]

My thoughts exactly, this poor soul and beautiful Lady only wanted the essence of life which is in my opinion, love, respect, security and laughter. Only 26 years old when she died, over bearing mother, weirdo step-father, Hollyweirdo hounds, and married multiple times and several lovers all before the age of 30.

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

ALL OF THEM? POWELL GAVE HER WHAT SHE NEEDED AND WANTED‼️

[@Vicki1951]

@@jacquelinejanz5792 she died at age 26. Hardly a long life filled with love, security and joy. Why does everyone have to jump down everyone’s throats just because someone might have a different view or see things differently? And with capital letters and exclamation points. William Powell had a tragic life too. Many actors and actresses did at that time and many probably still do.

[@mkw2784]

I agree with you. Harlow wasn't the love of his life, he used and abused her. He's dating other women, gets her pregnant but doesn't marry here especially when she was willing to quit. They lived in the era where getting an abortion wasn't a piece of cake. I too feel so sorry for her. All she wanted was a respectful secure love.

[@caroleminke6116]

Narcissism at its very worst

[@joanbroad3528]

I absolutely loved Jean but I definitely prefer her original eyebrows!

[@cynthiaennis3107]

What the hell was wrong with her mother?! Breaking up her daughter’s marriage, having her abort her baby, blowing her money?! 😡 Horrible woman! Harlow should’ve divorced her mother!

[@TheSaltydog07]

I read that mom was Christian Science.

[@michaelcollins237]

very common perhaps mom was a textbook sociopath

[@carmenpeters728]

but isn't that the way women are treated, like property?

[@lindagibbs428]

Selfish

[@TheSaltydog07]

@@carmenpeters728 Most contract actors were in that period.

[@stephenoconnor9904]

Jean Harlow was a Great & Talented actress who had class, talent,& Beauty, who was taken from us too early in her life (at age 26, i believe) and who should have been given a much more longer chance at life , Unfairly taken from this world, at such a young age, & so suddenly, too.

[@corineusa1454]

Hands down the funniest movie ever produced was Libeled Lady in my opinion. The actors were perfect together. I also don't think people realized how sick she was due to her youth.

[@scvandy3129]

"corineusa1454," It is WONDERFUL, a 'riot' as was said back then. Harlow to fiance Spencer Tracy, "And stop talking to me like a house detective." Tracy, after a pause that allows her comment to 'register' -- "Say, and just HOW do you know what a house detective talks like?!" That's paraphrased, but it's a clever back-and-forth I always remember from repeat viewings, initially when it was screened at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art [LACMA] around the American Bicentennial [1976] for the multi-month long 'The Mirth of a Nation' film series. Lastly, "corineusa1454," when over 45,000 movies have been released since the days of comedic geniuses like Chaplin, Fields, Keaton, Chase, (Mae) West, Laurel & Hardy, Marx Bros., Wheeler & Woolsey -- and yes, Powell, Loy, Tracy and Harlow -- one boxes herself / himself into a corner because how can ANYONE have seen every comedy since the dawn of move-making? "One of the funniest . . . " alleviates that. As we see in this documentary "youth" had nothing to do with her critical medical crisis. It's not like people responded, "But she's so YOUNG" when apprised of her illness because kidneys shutting down isn't age specific; it's an 'equal opportunity' killer. . . . 'People didn't realize how sick she was' because of the deceitful M-G-M publicity machine and her NOTORIOUS stage mother and leech who knew the truth would jeopardize her career. Until the kidney disease was successfully addressed, M-G-M could not get insurance on her to start ANY picture. . . . . . "Cult Cinema Classics," thank you; in my mind this was a "10." p.s. It's highly unlikely a civic media's celebratory film program in 2023 could use 'The Mirth of a Nation' as its (umbrella) title.

[@SJ-ni6iy]

Jean’s look is completely connected to that time period.

[@scvandy3129]

"SJ-ni6iy," Hair, make-up, face -- yes. THAT heavenly figure -- especially gifted to one so comfortable appearing clothed sans bra and panties -- timeless.

[@windstorm1000]

Yes, but her comedic flair, like Marilyn, transcends all times

[@giselegamble9973]

This breaks my heart for Jean! She was ahead of her time. I love her and William Powell and wish things had been different for them.

[@2001Tavis]

William Powell 💎 Sophisticated

[@norahs104]

That's my guy William Powell, love to watch him act. Both him and Jean was beautiful ❤️

[@darylmoir1644]

I LOVE AND ADORE WILLIAM POWELL. I FELL IN LOVE WITH HIM WHEN I SAW ALL SIX OF THE THIN MAN SERIES. HE WAS SO SUAVE, SURE OF HIMSELF, FUNNY, CLASSY, SEXY, ETC. HE HAD IT ALL. SUCH A NATURAL ON SCREEN. I LOVE HIM IN ALL HIS MOVIES. HE PERFECTED ANY ROLE HE PLAYED. HE WAS SO VERSATILE. HE COULD DO A COMMERCIAL FOR TOILET PAPER AND MAKE IT SEXY!! THIS MAN COULD ALWAYS DRAW ME IN. MY THREE (3) FAVORITE MALE MOVIE STARS ARE, JAMES STEWART, WILLIAM POWELL AND CARY GRANT.

[@sofismamaior2080]

Thank you for this documentary, what a sad story about this actress! Obrigado por este documentário, que triste história desta atriz!

[@НатальяЦветкова-у4е]

Platinum blond lookes spectacular. But I think she looked older than her age. It's a shame that she died so early.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

It’s sad Jean Harlow died so soon in her career

[@nikanikasavina]

Honestly, I might be wrong, but Powell seems to be that man who just wanted to be with the hottest actress of the day... He promised to be buried with Jean after his death, but clearly, he did not fulfil the promise, and he quickly moved from top actress to top actress. Something not very pleasant about him in this sense. I love Jean Harlow, she was great actress and had a magnetic aura, very sharp mind and elegant beauty with a spicy twist. I hope I am wrong about Powell, tho.

[@cynthiaennis3107]

He brought her a $25K crypt! Her parents were buried there. Powell’s son committed suicide & left his father a note...they were very close. I’m sure he wanted to be buried with his son.

[@nikanikasavina]

@@cynthiaennis3107 then don’t make promises like that? Also, his behaviour while Jean was sick and literally dying was not very nice, was it? “He thought she had a flu and will get better soon”, great! If my partner is sick, I will stay and look after them, not go party with other people :( I feel for his loss of Jean and later, his son, but his behaviour was not very nice. Jean loved him more than he loved her 😢😞 and no money in the world will be more important than being with someone you love when they are sick or having bad time in their life.

[@lindafurr2404]

When you’re dead you have no choice where your body will rest.

[@henryottis295]

​@@lindafurr2404 Exactly. His current wife isn't going to bury him with an old girlfriend!

[@carolynhawley8128]

Biographers have noted that when Harlow went into hospital the last week of her life, Powell spent the week going out with other starlets. It seems he was not the devoted lover portrayed in most stories of Harlow. Sadly, we will never know the true story.

[@mercedezlucke-benedict1122]

Thank you. This was a beautiful documentary and l never knew any of this information so l appreciate watching this.

[@mischamartinstudios]

Beautiful documentary. It is so sad when real love loses.

[@Tawadeb]

Harleans Mother was a monster!!

[@bevy814]

Beautifully Done! Thank You!

[@lynnetedder-ward3164]

I think he treated her badly then felt guilty at her funeral.she deserved Better😢

[@CatherineLeighe]

I don’t think he ever meant to marry her. He was a star & he was not going to give any of that up by becoming the fourth husband of a 26 year old who would take the spotlight of him. There was also her mother & Bello & Powell wasn’t going to get stuck with them. I think he liked her just not enough to marry. Toward the end of her life I think he was stringing her along. He was also seeing another starlet

[@angienoexiste]

The lovely and ever charismatic Jean Harlow, it was a pleasure to see David Stenn´s participation on this docummentary, his biographic Bombshell : The Life and Death of Jean Harlow is the finest I´ve ever read. It´s heartbreaking how short Jean´s life was, a true talent for the silver screen, may she keep resting in peace. ♡

[@joeblow2069]

I cried when I saw the inscription "my baby".. on her grave.

[@r.j.powers381]

Something not stated in this excellent biography of two compelling stars: William Powell was buried in Desert Palm and not next to Jean Harlow. It makes sense considering his long marriage to Diane.

[@ladydar69pluto76]

Everyone treated her like dirt.......right down to William Powell--you don't "date" other women while you're with "love of your life." Hope he felt guilty and sad the rest of his life, miserable deutsch. So sad she died so young, never really getting what she wanted from life. I hope her rewards came to her in heaven. She deserved to be happy. Makes me want to cry for her.

[@sydneyg1880]

THANK YOU. Harlow and Powell weren’t some “great love story”-he treated her like shit…like an option. It was a one-sided love and he took full advantage of that.

[@bdazzleddesigns9219]

The music at the end is so beautiful, and yet so sad...

[@CultCinemaClassics]

Indeed, very moving... 😔

[@JoTracy]

Did Harlow's mother kill her daughter's husband? I have the feeling that Jean was a victim of narcissistic abuse from her mother

[@scvandy3129]

"JoTracy," "Did Harlow's mother kill her daughter's husband?" No. Some evidence points to his wife from back east who was instutionalized; traveled west, ? "Bang!" ?, then committed suicide by jumping into the Sacramento River. " . . . narcissistic abuse from her mother" -- most definitely.

[@Alipotamus]

I don’t think the most people realize how devastating killing your unborn child is to a woman. Sad, all around.

[@scvandy3129]

"bethanieerickson3484," As of October 2023 there are 3.95 billion females in the world. That BROAD, unsubstantiated statement comes across as irresponsible; and in this instance -- one man's or one woman's feeling or mindset. In other words, "bethanieerickson3484" claims to know how most people feel about . . . ed. - 'take your pick; any subject.' Sorry; can't be done.

[@ebriggs3498]

You are correct; its now know as Post Abortion Stress Syndrome. Typicals symptoms include a love/hate relationship with surviving children, alcoholism or drug addiction to numb the pain.

[@unasperanza9803]

I never knew she had one so tragic for her . Women's mental health is devastated by this and they don't talk about it it , you are 70% more likely to try to kill yourself at least once afterwards. I wonder was it done badly and could have contributed to her death!! The narrative Hollywood spun might nit be the truth.Your hormones apart from anything else will destroy you after one!!

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

Love the photo of Powell with his Dachshund

[@568843daw]

I have heard, from my female friends, who have also had an abortion, that they never emotionally got over the abortion. All of them said they would never do it again. So if she found it emotionally troubling, I would say that was normal. On the other hand, it was likely a relief to Powell.

[@cindychristian1700]

She got pregnant by him multiple times and @borted them all and he never tried to marry her!

[@starcrib]

🌿🇺🇲🌿 What a trajectory of malignant destiny - she: reaching for a tree bearing poisonous fruits. Poor Harlow, she was used in such reckless ways. An American Juggernaut, an icon of the early 20th century, shamelessly lost to other people's lives and desires. William Powell was so captured in his hubris that he didn't see what was right in front of him. 🌿🇺🇲🌿 CRUSHING.

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

Yes Too damn bad

[@gardensofthegods]

My guess is it was because of her mother and he probably would have married her if she wasn't so close to her mother because she probably made it clear to him that if they get married her mother would be over there almost all the time in their home . It is a shame he couldn't give Jean Harlow what she wanted so much ... just to be loved .

[@gregorymoreno-vy9us]

Your mastery of the English language is a rare treat!

[@themarvellousmrsmorticia]

I loved loved loved him with Myrna Loy in The Thin man. It's wonderful to see him so young. Jean Harlow's parents were just awful 😮 x

[@sara_._paula]

Thank you for sharing this gracious respectful telling of many intertwined life stories. 💕🤗

[@honestlyyours1069]

"Red dust" was one of the sexiest movies that I have ever seen. It's too bad that shortly thereafter the Hays Production Code took effect.

[@elainebrown874]

Such a great documentary. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@cocoaorange1]

It is good.

[@rogerphillips2063]

Libeled Lady incredibly funny with Harlow, Powell, Tracy, and Loy!

[@cocoaorange1]

I just saw Wife vs Secretary. Very good. I have seen some of Jean's films over the past few years.

[@mariegeorge8865]

The one about "Redhead" was hilarious! Twist at the end. Loved it! "Bombshell" is terrific, too.💕

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

William powell is like so many other men.. ..Attracted to a certain type of woman.. But it's not the type of woman he would want to be married to... Yes I believe he strung Harlow along

[@angelica2155]

I agree with you, but it was because of his first marriage to carol Lombard, and she got all the attention and he couldn’t stand it or compete with her, he did not want to repeat that, allegedly. And then regretted it after Jean transitioned, at least their together now 🙏🏽

[@susang4507]

After watching this, I don’t think Jean was the love of William’s life.

[@richardswinbusk7787]

So tragic the audience lost the top three expert blonde comedienne of the 1930's within just a few short years of each other Thelma Todd in 1935, Jean in 1937 and Lyda Roberti in 1938 All talented and taken 💔 too yound

[@yolandagaines1760]

Thank you for mentioning Thelma Todd. Indeed, she is underrated.

[@richardswinbusk7787]

@@yolandagaines1760 Hi Yolanda! Thelma was the Original Queen of Comedy in terms of a stunning beautiful woman who played physical and slapstick humor naturally She was the leading premiere comedienne of her day Bert Wheeler of Wheeler and Woolsey said all the leading male comedians wanted Miss Todd ❤ as their female foil Too bad she never played with The Three Sooges

[@scvandy3129]

@@richardswinbusk7787 The Three Stooges were cinematic, comedic geniuses, especially with good material and a top director. But popular, identifiable women co-stars were less important to their mayhem than the likes and skills of Harold Lloyd, Buster Keaton, Chaplin, Wheeler & Woolsey, Charley Chase, and the Marx Brothers. For an actress of Thelma Todd's caliber to do Stooges shorts, why that would be considered 'slumming' within the Hollywood community. Some cautioned her she was jeopardizing her career doing all those [comedy] shorts at Hal E. Roach Studios. "Todd . . . a stunning{ly] beautiful woman . . . " Thelma Todd is indeed pretty. Appealing with a so-so figure. But stunningly beautiful would be a label better reserved, limited for Hedy Lamarr, Grace Kelly, Lana Turner, Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner -- all in their youth [ed. - since Todd died in her youth]. . . . . from one Todd fan to another.

[@johannadavis7594]

Sounds to me like The last ab0rtion noted was either botched, which is what really killed her. Or she had another one and died from an infection.

[@scvandy3129]

"Sounds to me . . . " is the tell-tale warning sign to the KZbin universe it's one person's 'hunch',' 'assumption,' 'opinion.' Along the lines of 'Hawkeye's (Alan Alda) iconic line from "M*A*S*H*", "Don't confuse me with the facts, I've already made up my mind."

[@mariegeorge8865]

Wow! I believe that could have happened. Who knows. Other women died from those abortions back then.

[@MissBonditt]

I’m a generation too late for William Powell, but I love him and in all the movies of the thin man and anything I see him in. I just I just wanna hug him. He’s so warm and sensitive and so endearing. I’m not crazy about his drinking and movies, but that was what they did in those times, at least what some men did. But he reminds me of a guy I went out with the first guy I was involved with in my life and he was just a cuddler. He was a bright guy. Very good person.

[@evalinawarne1337]

They were one of the top two couples who I loved in the movies. The couple was Lauren Bacall & Humphrey Bogart#1 and this couple. All four actresses & actors played separate or together with excellence. Can you see how the four together could be❓🤟🤟🤟🤟. They do not make great movies like before. Thank you very much. Thank you GOD BLESS EACH of YOU

[@bevalee1533]

Wow. I had no idea about all this. How tragic. How romantic. How sad.

[@rickipacaci1338]

Enjoyed this so much. My mother loved her. It was my mom’s era. Anyway Jean’s mother was evil and William Powell was foolish. Everyone managed her. She had fame but not the life she wanted 😢. If her mother had gotten her to a hospital she may have survived. Scientology cheez🤦‍♀️

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

They were not of that religion That rumor was started because of a single prayer recited at the funeral

[@jacquelinejanz5792]

Everyone tried to manage her. I believe she NOW has what she wants.

[@KJ-xc6qs]

Scientology did not exist back then! Her mother followed the work of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science.

[@gardensofthegods]

Yes she was from my parents are also and they loved her .

[@candaceroberts3238]

Perhaps William Powell didn’t marry her because of the age difference. He had reached the age that he could see the future with him being elderly and her still youngish. My Dad had the same experience although he went on to marry her. And it was difficult for her the last few years of his life.

[@joan22]

He marriaged later a very young women. Much younger than Harlow. So, that could not be the reason.

[@MariaLacsamana-ik3in]

A sublime love affair of 2 of early Hollywood's greatest acting couple love it thanks somuch for sharing it ❤️ 😊 💖 ♥️ 💕 😀 ❤️

[@liora1954]

Love to Get to know our movie stars. Thank you for doing such a good job !

[@JSB1882]

There's a great book, "Deadly Illusions" by MGM producer, Sam Marx, who was around at this time. He goes into the whole cover up over the Paul Bern murder.

[@TheSaltydog07]

"Bring on the Empty Horses" David Niven

[@henryottis295]

Who killed him ?

[@myroselle6987]

I’ve read most everything about Harlow and I tried to get into “Deadly Illusions” but it just didn’t pique my interest. Maybe I’ll have to give it another go…. Interesting little fun fact….. Jay Sebring, who was murdered along with Sharon Tate also lived in the Paul Bern house….you probably already knew that but I just thought I’d mention it….lol!

[@1171]

I love these actors and it’s sad she didn’t have proper medical care for her problems and thank heavens Doris Day knew her body and she was able to get to a Dr to save her life. I love William Powell in everything I have seen him in.❤😊Jean Harlow was excellent and she played the show RedDust with Clark Gable and she was superb and Dinner at Eight with Marie Dressler , Lionel Barrymore and John Barrymore,with a cast of great actors and a great many were older actors and actresses why do today’s actors think that they need a fake face these people were beautiful just as they were and Marie Dressler was able to play anything I continue to watch all classic movies and these stars ⭐️ she was a great beauty.(Jean Harlow ) She was glowing and had flawless skin. I just wish she hadn’t died so young.

[@Dwinn10055]

I’ve been a fan of Jean’s since I was a little kid!❤

[@paulodipe1343]

_Hi, my dearest Helen! Although there's no date from when this documentary was made, it seems to be for real a very good movie, with much interesting stuff to be seen! Jean Harlow was a great goddess from Cinema! And William Powell was a talented actor! I hope you enjoy it with us here on CCC movie chat at live! God bless you always, my Sweet Helen from my heart!_ 🤩🤩🤗🤗❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@helenpoornima5126]

Nice of u Paulo 👸❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💃

[@paulodipe1343]

@@helenpoornima5126 _Aww, my Sweet Helen from my heart! I'm so glad to know that you had liked my comments! Thanks a lot for your kindness! God bless you always, my dearest Helen!_ 🤩🤩🤗🤗❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@wavereefrunner]

как жаль... Она ушла слишком рано..

[@paulodipe1343]

@@wavereefrunner _Hi, Anastásia! God bless you! Have a wonderful day!_

[@scvandy3129]

"paulodipe1343" -- 2016, which the KZbin Universe ascertains by noting those stark, bold, white letters on black background: copyright ADAMIS Production - 2016 at 51:55 - 52:00.

[@jackieedmondson8422]

I do not know why but I have always been obsessed with Jean harlow. I was born in 1962, and I eventually became interested in the manson murders and marilyn monroe. But as a young child I was obsessed with jean harlows life and death

[@frenchartantiquesparis424]

Married 3 times by age 26, wow, times were different....!

[@Ccyawn123]

Yes indeed. Nowadays they just have three kids by three different guys by age 26 and don't bother with getting married

[@frenchartantiquesparis424]

LOL@@Ccyawn123

[@dakotail]

Thank YOU,,, for sharing that beautiful and ,,,, memorable Story >

[@heatherwhatever7714]

It was done beautifully. Terribly sad.

[@alanaadams7440]

It would be easier to mention girls who didn't date Hughes

[@scvandy3129]

"alanaadams7440," Hughes was quite the hypochondriac. If they were still a couple he would have flown her himself to the / his best doctor(s) in New York City. Her mother's opinion be damned. And she just might have reached middle age.

[@marilynevans8436]

She was much older looking than she was

[@Jack-ms3so]

Jean Harlow was Marilyn Monroe before Marilyn Monroe, and William Powell was. Cary Grant, before Cary Grant.

[@nadyarossi5102]

Marilyn idolized Jean Harlow and was crushed when she died.

[@anairenemartinez165]

But neither was as beautiful as the ones that followed them

[@CarolLustgarten]

Cary grant his real name is Archibald leach. 😮

[@CarolLustgarten]

Marilyn Monroe her real name is Norma Jean baker.😮

[@martinaomar856]

Oh no, I don't agree. Cary Grant for me was much more sympathic than William Powell. Powell had something cruel in his face!

[@MrEdWeirdoShow]

Bill hooks up with a blonde bombshell and she later dies of medical misadventure. Then Bill hooks up with another blonde bombshell and she later dies of an airplane misadventure. So Bill says the heck with it and marries a brunette for 30 years, wisely avoiding another blonde disaster.

[@brendadufaur37]

Great documentary. Thank you so much.

[@duraiselvam]

Sorry, but i dont see any love story here. A 20 something woman being exploited by a 40 something man and left to die. Even when she aborted his child, he didn't realize, goes on to show how casually he took their relationship. She had to die for him to feel his guilt and love. Had he married her and given her the protection that she craved for so badly, she would have lived longer. What a cold, spineless man. Problem is not with strong people that make decisions, the real problem is with weak minded people that cannot make decisions. A classic example of killing with love.

[@ericmartin9296]

MGM had great makeup people because without makeup poor Jean had a hard Manish looking face, especially in those pictures with Paul Bern 😵‍💫😵‍💫

[@anairenemartinez165]

I did not see her in detail before this docu, only her famous name. She was not a pretty woman like Marikyn truly was.

[@amanda1500]

Yea, I don't see what all the fuss is about. So because the studios sexualized her, she was a bombshell?

[@LeenaStark]

Keep in mind: _Beauty is in the eye of the beholder._ What one person deems beautiful, another may deem _ugly._ Everything is _subjective._ 🙂 ( just think --- every mother in the world believes her baby is the most beautiful child in the world! ..... but, this is not always the case. ) ✌

[@michaelcollins237]

This was very well done.

[@jmariew9966]

so wonderful how you told their story thank you.

[@joycegibbs5267]

I thought I knew everything about old Hollywood but I didn't know they were a couple !!!!

[@scvandy3129]

"Then you've only scratched the surface." Good Luck.

[@JodiRenshaw]

Were there no women to interview about Jean? The amount of men interviewed to talk about her body and sex life became creepy. I’m over half way through this video and not one woman discussing Jean. Is this typical of all your bios?

[@marciatrapuzzano8742]

So sad how Hollywood manipulated their lives. Wm. Powell, one of my favorite actors, truly loved her. A shame at the end of her life and her last two weeks he didn’t visit her except once in the hospital. So sad for him emotionally. This is why when we love someone, we are there for them when needed.

[@francescasanna700]

At 1:52 is Franchot Tone and not William Powell, is the kiss in Reckless into mirrors house...

[@honestlyyours1069]

Fascinating and very informative documentary.

[@colonburgess9462]

In one of those movies he asked another character if they wanted a funny cigarette 😂😂

[@mariegeorge8865]

"Jewel Robbery"😂

[@bonniebusypool6835]

I love watching the Thin man I still watch it on TCM classic movies.

[@aeoleaburwell7247]

Powell died two days after what would have been Harlow‘s birthday. That says something about their connection.