I was really captivated by the humor naturalness of this actor!
Too bad this type of performances weren't rewarded by the Academy back then and also that he died so soon after, would have really liked to have seen more of his performance.
Same here. I caught about 45 minutes of this and couldn't believe what I was seeing. His glib, naturalistic acting style is about 20 years ahead of its time. Incredible. And of course all I could think was, how have I never heard of him? Why didn't he make more films, and why isn't he at least as well known as someone like, say, Lee Tracy? And in the back of my mind I was thinking that he must have died young. There could be no other explanation.
shareIt's sad, but the first thing I wonder when watching these old films and seeing actors who never went on to fame in spite of amazing performances and great charisma, is that they must have died young. Within minutes of starting to watch this movie, I was wondering that about this actor. A shame.
shareYes, he stands out in this film! That's high praise in a movie with Jean Harlow and Loretta Young.
shareI was impressed as well. I saw Platinum Blonde back in the 80s for a film history class and everyone in the class enjoyed his performance. It was great to watch it again last night on TCM. Williams really carried this movie as Young and Harlow, though both packing plenty of beauty and on camera charisma, were both a bit miscast. But that didn't matter when playing opposite Williams. I especially enjoyed the scene where Williams and Harlow are on the bed and teasing each other and singing. A very genuine and gently funny moment of what love in first bloom can be like.
shareHe was terrific. He reminded me of the classics-era version of Bill Murray... Heavy lidded eyes and offhand manner, but sharp as a tack.
No doubt he could have gone on to even greater things if he hadn't so tragically died.
"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"
He was so great! I was sad to see he died so young.
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