Synopsis
Warren Haggerty (Tracy), managing editor of a newspaper, is about to marry his longtime fiancée Gladys Benton (Harlow) when the wedding is disrupted by a message from one of his staff. The newspaper is printing a false story that accuses heiress Connie Allenbury (Loy) of breaking up a marriage. The story is not stopped before some copies are printed, and Connie sues for libel. Haggerty hires former reporter Bill Chandler (Powell) to put an end to the suit. Chandler devises a complex scheme involving marrying Gladys and trapping Connie into breaking up the marriage. Complications, including Chandler demonstrating his fishing ability, Connie and Chandler falling in love, and Gladys falling for Chandler, ensue. Eventually, Connie drops the suit, the couples are properly matched, and everybody is happy.
Discussion
MGM's motto during the 1930s and 1940s was
more stars than there are in heaven,
and Libeled Lady, which
the studio touted was its first all-star production since
Dinner at Eight (1933), showcases four of them: Jean Harlow, William
Powell, Myrna Loy and Spencer Tracy. Primary elements of this film include the
high energy of a screwball comedy, sophistication, wit, and typical MGM polish.
The story is outlandish, but the polished group of actors carries it off
delightfully. Although Harlow is top billed, she has less screen time than either
Loy or Powell, appearing in their fifth screen pairing (including
The Thin Man). Loy, beautifully dressed and made up, makes the most
of her scenes. Powell, sophisticated and charming, shows his ability at physical
comedy. His fly-fishing scene, during which he is dunked in the river, is
hilarious, amd his interactions with Loy are warm and subtle.
TCM Film Festival, 2013
Libeled Lady was shown in the Discoveries
category at the TCM
Classic Film Festival in 2013.
Further Reading