Warren William & Pre-code Hollywood

Monday, May 16 @ 7:30 p.m.
Warren William was often cast as the unsympathetic, woman-seducing scoundrel in the 1930s pre-code era of movie making. He also starred as the big screen's first Perry Mason and was Julius Caesar to Claudette Colbert's Cleopatra in Cecil B. DeMille's 1934 epic film. So why has such a prominent actor been lost in the annals of movie history? John Stangeland, author of the book Warren William: Magnificent Scoundrel of Pre-code Hollywood, will give an introduction to the actor, explain the influences on his career, and show The Mouthpiece, in which Williams plays a crafty and imaginative lawyer whose clients are crooks.

[@beatlessteve1010]

I couldn't agree more with this author how when I first saw Warren William how I never heard of him before commanding a great stage presence and a very suave style and personality , how was it that I never heard of him? Warren William has become one of my all-time favorite actors because I feel I saw the real him in his acting and he seemed like such a nice down to earth guy even in his villain roles

[@walterwheeler5465]

I only "discovered" Warren William within the last year. He was a very fine actor. This video on the book of his life is appreciated.

[@brez-ed9dd]

Thank you for writing the book. I had a very similar experience, after seeing him for the first time. "This guy is so much cooler than so many, who are more well known". He reminds me so much of an uncle of mine , a successful, alcoholic lawyer, it's uncanny. Also, a lovable rogue.

[@deb7457]

One of my favorite Warren William movies was his debut as Perry Mason in The Howling Wolf! He was SO good in that movie, and he played the good guy, which wasn’t so unusual. I’d previously seen him in Imitation Of Life.

[@tallpaul521]

Thanks for this. I'm a huge film buff, but only discovered William a few years ago. I found him through "Lady For A Day"..which I found and have on VHS. I love William and seem to see a bit of John Barrymoore in him. William is a lost film treasure.

[@johnbones6257]

Warren William was a wonderful actor. I saw him in The Match King. He was a charming villain. "Never worry about it till it happens, and I'll take care of it then."

[@charlesramos4294]

Warren William was the King of Pre Code with his performances in The Mouthpiece, Imitation of Life with Claudette Colbert, Three on a Match, Lady For a Day, Gold Diggers of 1933, Employees Entrance, The Match King, Cleopatra, and a very fun romantic comedy with Marian Marsh called Beauty and the Boss In 1932! I love watching his films!

[@GloriaJanvier]

Fantastic interview! Thank you for sharing! A great tribute to a great actor.

[@Scullymouse]

Very interesting interview. Thank you so much. I also just discovered Warren William by researching the early Perry Mason movies. And I was pleasantly surprised by his performances. Can't wait to explore more of his work and I must get this book. :o) :o)

[@1949LA-ARCH]

Thanks luv Warren William, such a first class actor. Lady for a Day as The Dude 😊I first saw him in The Lone Wolf series movies.

[@Vebinz]

Very nice. He's one of my favoruite actors, though sadly his movid as hard to find.

[@stevefilice9784]

Been a big fan for years. Love the Perry Mason and Lone Wolf movies.

[@mortalclown3812]

One of my favorite actors. Recall seeing him as the Match King when I was a child and being riveted by the character. Apparently, he was the polar opposite in his real life. Rest in paradise, WW.

[@stevelaferney3579]

Having only seen Warren William as The Lone Wolf I can say he has great potential but I can’t wait to see him in great form with great parts. Thanks for this look. Important: Please do something about the rumble in your sound system. Not that hard to clean up. Thanks.

[@SoulSister66]

Love Warren, love the book!! Warren Williams is so delicious on screen.

[@jameseaton9746]

Loved Warren in Imitation of Life. Lady for a Day

[@philipgregory4748]

interesting that a successful writer is such a poor speaker.