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William Powell Collection

He was best known for his role as Nick Charles in The Thin Man in the film version. Although he did not play the role in the radio version of The Thin Man series, he numerous radio appearances.

William Powell

47 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 31 hours, 495 min)
available in the following formats:

2 MP3 CDs
or
33 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from May 09, 1938:

"Lux Radio: My Man Godfrey"



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Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

William Powell
(1892 – 1984)

William Powell and Myrna Loy


Whenever we see a picture of William Powell, it is difficult to imagine the man in any other get up than a shiny tuxedo. With his wavy dark hair and insouciant pencil-thin moustache, Powell epitomized American sophistication. Even in shots where Powell is relaxing outdoors or in a role as a Foreign Legionnaire (Beau Geste, 1926) or a wise old Navy Doctor (Mr. Roberts, 1955), he seems ready to slip into the tux like it was a second skin.

Powell was born in Pittsburgh, but his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, when he was a teenager. The Powells lived just blocks away from the childhood home of screen siren Jean Harlow, but the future stars did not meet until their Hollywood days. After high school, Powell studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. After working in stock companies, Vaudeville and briefly on Broadway, he landed a small role in John Barrymore’s silent Sherlock Holmes(1922).

Although Powell had considerable success in silent pictures, his career really took off when MGM cast him as Nick Charles in The Thin Man (1934). Although the picture is a delightful soft-boiled detective story, the real delight of the film is the chemistry between Myrna Loy and William Powell. Loy and Powell would appear in 14 films together, not limited to the Thin Man franchise. They reprised their roles for Lux Radio Theater, but in the Thin Man radio series Nick was played by a series of actors, including Les Damon and David Gothard.

Powell was married to actress Carole Lombard in 1931 (his second marriage). The marriage only lasted two years, but the couple remained friends after their divorce, and appeared together in My Man Godfrey (1936). Lombard and Powell both received Academy awards for their roles. Powell was reportedly devastated when Carol Lombard became Hollywood’s first casualty of WWII (the actress was killed in a plane wreck while returning to her then husband Clark Gable after a War Bond Drive tour).

William Powell and Betty DavisIn 1934, Powell met and fell in love with fellow MGM star Jean Harlow. Harlow was reportedly close friends with Powell’s screen partner Myrna Loy. The couple seemed fated to be together, having lived very near each other as teenagers. Personal differences (she wanted kids, he didn’t) and studio politics prevented them from marrying.

While filming Harlow's last picture, Saratoga (1937) with Clark Gable, Loy noticed that her friend had taken on a grey complexion, was fatigued and gaining weight. Jean had a history of delaying films due to her illnesses, so there was not great concern at first. On May 27, 1937, Powell left the set of his own picture to drive Harlow home. When he went to check on her the next day, he saw that she had not improved, so called her doctor and her mother. Harlow was suffering from kidney failure, possibly related to a childhood case of scarlet fever. She passed away on June 7 at the age of 26. She was buried holding a single gardenia and a handwritten note from Powell which said "Goodnight my dearest darling". Powell paid for the $25,000 room in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn.

Powell was diagnosed with cancer in 1937, but after undergoing surgery and an experimental radium treatment, the disease went into remission. His career slowed a great deal during the forties, although he was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Life With Father (1947). He reprised the role for the 1950 radio series My Mother’s Husband, but only the audition episode was recorded. Powell’s last film role was in Mr. Roberts. He passed away in 1984 at the age of 91.

A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1636 Vine St honors William Powell’s contributions to Motion Pictures.

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

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    COMMENTS

    Just simply one of the best. Without a Gable, Powell was King.

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  • MP3 CDs are delivered by mail. These archival quality MP3 CDs are playable in your computer and many MP3 player devices.



    47 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00. Total playtime 31 hours, 495 min
    47 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00
    total playtime 31 hours, 495 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. Volume 1 – 23 shows – total playtime 15 hours, 44 minutes
      MP3 CD
      Volume 1: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Academy Award Theater 461002 My Man Godfrey.mp3
    3. Bill Stern 480716 455 William Powell Subs.mp3
    4. Bill Stern 490722 508 Pat Obrien Subs.mp3
    5. Burns And Allen 440201 22 William Powell.mp3
    6. Campbell Playhouse 400128 47 It Happened One Night.mp3
    7. Cav 471020 Oath.mp3
    8. Cav 480614 Chautauqua Fable.mp3
    9. Com 21 After Thin Man 1936 William Powellmyrna Loy.mp3
    10. Com 24 Great Zigfield 1936 William Powellfannie Brice.mp3
    11. Cp 420618 018 William Powell Gene Autry Judy Garland.mp3
    12. Cp 450814 Victory Extra.mp3
    13. Guess Who 470913 1st Guest, Jane Walter William Powell Wor V.mp3
    14. Hollywood Star Playhouse 500918 022 Question Of Time.mp3
    15. Jack Benny 450408 547 From Torney Hospital Palm Springs.mp3
    16. Kraft Music Hall 480108 Robinson Cursoe Go, William Powell.mp3
    17. Lux Radio Theater 360608 084 Thin Man.mp3
    18. Lux Radio Theater 380509 175 My Man Godfrey.mp3
    19. Lux Radio Theater 390109 201 Mayerling.mp3
    20. Lux Radio Theater 390306 209 Oneway Passage.mp3
    21. Lux Radio Theater 390515 219 Tovarich.mp3
    22. Lux Radio Theater 390619 224 Exmrs Bradford.mp3
    23. Lux Radio Theater 400401 257 Love Affair.mp3
    24. Lux Radio Theater 400617 268 After Thin Man.mp3

    1. Volume 2 – 24 shows – total playtime 15 hours, 23 minutes
      MP3 CD
      Volume 2: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Lux Radio Theater 400909 272 Manhattan Melodrama.mp3
    3. Lux Radio Theater 411103 324 Hired Wife.mp3
    4. Lux Radio Theater 421005 364 Love Crazy.mp3
    5. Lux Radio Theater 430426 393 Lady Has Plans.mp3
    6. Lux Radio Theater 440103 421 Shadow Of Doubt.mp3
    7. Lux Radio Theater 440918 449 Suspicion Repeat.mp3
    8. Lux Radio Theater 480329 609 I Love You Again Repeat.mp3
    9. Mail Call 471203 275 Chili Williams, Hoagy Carmichael.mp3
    10. Mgm 1936 Libeled Lady.mp3
    11. My Mothers Husband 500504 Audition.mp3
    12. Philco 481027 William Powell And Peggy Lee.mp3
    13. Readers Digest 461017 33 He Fell In Love With A.mp3
    14. Screen Guild 500914 473 Ninotchka.mp3
    15. Screen Guild Theater 400310 Ballerina Slightly With Accent.mp3
    16. Screen Guild Theater 410406 081 Lucky Partners.mp3
    17. Screen Guild Theater 430118 127 To Be Or Not To Be.mp3
    18. Screen Guild Theater 440117 179 I Love You Again.mp3
    19. Screen Guild Theater 450604 Heavenly Body.mp3
    20. Sealtest Variety Theater 480923 003 Love Pact.mp3
    21. Stage Struck 540418 Major Studios Anniversary .mp3
    22. Suspense 481021 Give Me Liberty.mp3
    23. Suspense 500119 Escape Of Lacey Abbott.mp3
    24. Suspense 530209 Man Who Cried Wolf.mp3
    25. Suspense 540301 Barking Death.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    47 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00. Total playtime 31 hours, 495 min
    47 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00
    815 MB – total playtime 31 hours, 8 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. Volume 1 – 23 shows – 418 MB – total playtime 15 hours, 44 minutes
      Instant Download
      Volume 1: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Academy Award Theater 461002 My Man Godfrey.mp3
    3. Bill Stern 480716 455 William Powell Subs.mp3
    4. Bill Stern 490722 508 Pat Obrien Subs.mp3
    5. Burns And Allen 440201 22 William Powell.mp3
    6. Campbell Playhouse 400128 47 It Happened One Night.mp3
    7. Cav 471020 Oath.mp3
    8. Cav 480614 Chautauqua Fable.mp3
    9. Com 21 After Thin Man 1936 William Powellmyrna Loy.mp3
    10. Com 24 Great Zigfield 1936 William Powellfannie Brice.mp3
    11. Cp 420618 018 William Powell Gene Autry Judy Garland.mp3
    12. Cp 450814 Victory Extra.mp3
    13. Guess Who 470913 1st Guest, Jane Walter William Powell Wor V.mp3
    14. Hollywood Star Playhouse 500918 022 Question Of Time.mp3
    15. Jack Benny 450408 547 From Torney Hospital Palm Springs.mp3
    16. Kraft Music Hall 480108 Robinson Cursoe Go, William Powell.mp3
    17. Lux Radio Theater 360608 084 Thin Man.mp3
    18. Lux Radio Theater 380509 175 My Man Godfrey.mp3
    19. Lux Radio Theater 390109 201 Mayerling.mp3
    20. Lux Radio Theater 390306 209 Oneway Passage.mp3
    21. Lux Radio Theater 390515 219 Tovarich.mp3
    22. Lux Radio Theater 390619 224 Exmrs Bradford.mp3
    23. Lux Radio Theater 400401 257 Love Affair.mp3
    24. Lux Radio Theater 400617 268 After Thin Man.mp3

    1. Volume 2 – 24 shows – 397 MB – total playtime 15 hours, 23 minutes
      Instant Download
      Volume 2: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Lux Radio Theater 400909 272 Manhattan Melodrama.mp3
    3. Lux Radio Theater 411103 324 Hired Wife.mp3
    4. Lux Radio Theater 421005 364 Love Crazy.mp3
    5. Lux Radio Theater 430426 393 Lady Has Plans.mp3
    6. Lux Radio Theater 440103 421 Shadow Of Doubt.mp3
    7. Lux Radio Theater 440918 449 Suspicion Repeat.mp3
    8. Lux Radio Theater 480329 609 I Love You Again Repeat.mp3
    9. Mail Call 471203 275 Chili Williams, Hoagy Carmichael.mp3
    10. Mgm 1936 Libeled Lady.mp3
    11. My Mothers Husband 500504 Audition.mp3
    12. Philco 481027 William Powell And Peggy Lee.mp3
    13. Readers Digest 461017 33 He Fell In Love With A.mp3
    14. Screen Guild 500914 473 Ninotchka.mp3
    15. Screen Guild Theater 400310 Ballerina Slightly With Accent.mp3
    16. Screen Guild Theater 410406 081 Lucky Partners.mp3
    17. Screen Guild Theater 430118 127 To Be Or Not To Be.mp3
    18. Screen Guild Theater 440117 179 I Love You Again.mp3
    19. Screen Guild Theater 450604 Heavenly Body.mp3
    20. Sealtest Variety Theater 480923 003 Love Pact.mp3
    21. Stage Struck 540418 Major Studios Anniversary .mp3
    22. Suspense 481021 Give Me Liberty.mp3
    23. Suspense 500119 Escape Of Lacey Abbott.mp3
    24. Suspense 530209 Man Who Cried Wolf.mp3
    25. Suspense 540301 Barking Death.mp3
  • Standard Audio CDs are delivered by mail on archival quality media with up to 60 minutes on each CD and play in all CD players



    47 recordings on 33 Audio CDs. Total playtime 29 hours, 29 min
    47 recordings on 33 Audio CDs
    total playtime 29 hours, 29 min

    William Powell Disc A001

    1. Com 21 After Thin Man 1936 William Powellmyrna Loy
    2. Com 24 Great Zigfield 1936 William Powellfannie Brice
    3. Mgm 1936 Libeled Lady

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A002

    1. Lux Radio Theater 360608 084 Thin Man

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    William Powell Disc A003

    1. Lux Radio Theater 380509 175 My Man Godfrey

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    William Powell Disc A004

    1. Lux Radio Theater 390109 201 Mayerling

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    William Powell Disc A005

    1. Lux Radio Theater 390306 209 Oneway Passage

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    William Powell Disc A006

    1. Lux Radio Theater 390515 219 Tovarich

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    William Powell Disc A007

    1. Lux Radio Theater 390619 224 Exmrs Bradford

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    William Powell Disc A008

    1. Campbell Playhouse 400128 47 It Happened One Night

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A009

    1. Screen Guild Theater 400310 Ballerina Slightly With Accent

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A010

    1. Lux Radio Theater 400401 257 Love Affair

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A011

    1. Lux Radio Theater 400617 268 After Thin Man

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A012

    1. Lux Radio Theater 400909 272 Manhattan Melodrama

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A013

    1. Screen Guild Theater 410406 081 Lucky Partners

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A014

    1. Lux Radio Theater 411103 324 Hired Wife

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A015

    1. Cp 420618 018 William Powell Gene Autry Judy Garland

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A016

    1. Lux Radio Theater 421005 364 Love Crazy

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A017

    1. Screen Guild Theater 430118 127 To Be Or Not To Be

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A018

    1. Lux Radio Theater 430426 393 Lady Has Plans

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A019

    1. Lux Radio Theater 440103 421 Shadow Of Doubt

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A020

    1. Screen Guild Theater 440117 179 I Love You Again
    2. Burns And Allen 440201 22 William Powell

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A021

    1. Lux Radio Theater 440918 449 Suspicion Repeat

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A022

    1. Jack Benny 450408 547 From Torney Hospital Palm Springs
    2. Screen Guild Theater 450604 Heavenly Body

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A023

    1. Academy Award Theater 461002 My Man Godfrey
    2. Readers Digest 461017 33 He Fell In Love With A

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A024

    1. Guess Who 470913 1st Guest, Jane Walter William Powell Wor V
    2. Cav 471020 Oath

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A025

    1. Mail Call 471203 275 Chili Williams, Hoagy Carmichael
    2. Kraft Music Hall 480108 Robinson Cursoe Go, William Powell

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A026

    1. Lux Radio Theater 480329 609 I Love You Again Repeat

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A027

    1. Cav 480614 Chautauqua Fable
    2. Bill Stern 480716 455 William Powell Subs

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A028

    1. Sealtest Variety Theater 480923 003 Love Pact
    2. Suspense 481021 Give Me Liberty

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A029

    1. Philco 481027 William Powell And Peggy Lee
    2. Bill Stern 490722 508 Pat Obrien Subs

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A030

    1. Suspense 500119 Escape Of Lacey Abbott
    2. My Mothers Husband 500504 Audition

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A031

    1. Screen Guild 500914 473 Ninotchka

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A032

    1. Hollywood Star Playhouse 500918 022 Question Of Time
    2. Suspense 530209 Man Who Cried Wolf

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    William Powell Disc A033

    1. Suspense 540301 Barking Death
    2. Stage Struck 540418 Major Studios Anniversary

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

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