Libeled Lady (1936) in Color — Starring Jean Harlow & William Powell

Libeled Lady (1936) — Buy This Classic in Color

Enjoy one of Hollywood’s most sparkling screwball comedies with Libeled Lady (1936), now available to buy as a professionally colorized version. Starring Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy — four of MGM’s biggest stars in a single film — this classic film follows a newspaper editor who concocts an elaborate scheme to discredit a socialite suing his paper for libel, only to have every element of his plan spiral hilariously out of control. Originally released in black and white, this restored comedy gem has been carefully enhanced through frame-by-frame HD colorization. Download your instant, DRM-free copy today for just €15.00 and watch four legends at the peak of their powers in color.

Plot Summary

Warren Haggerty, the hard-charging managing editor of the New York Evening Star, is in serious trouble. His paper published a story falsely accusing wealthy socialite Connie Allenbury of being a home-wrecker, and she is suing for five million dollars — a sum that would destroy the newspaper. Making matters worse, the crisis has forced Warren to cancel his wedding to the long-suffering Gladys Benton for the third time, and her patience is nearly exhausted.

In desperation, Warren hatches an outrageous scheme. He recruits Bill Chandler, a suave, charming con man and former reporter, to seduce Connie and then arrange for Gladys — now legally married to Bill in a sham ceremony — to “discover” the affair, creating a scandal that would undermine Connie’s libel suit. The plan requires Gladys to marry a man she despises, Bill to romance a woman he’s supposed to ruin, and Warren to trust everyone to play their parts.

Naturally, nothing goes according to plan. Bill falls genuinely in love with the intelligent, witty Connie. Gladys discovers she enjoys being a married woman — just not to the right man. Warren’s jealousy erupts. And Connie’s formidable father subjects Bill to increasingly dangerous “gentleman’s activities” that include a disastrous fly-fishing expedition. Lies compound lies, true feelings collide with false identities, and the elaborate charade accelerates toward a brilliantly chaotic conclusion. This classic movie is screwball comedy perfection, powered by four of the greatest stars Hollywood ever produced.

Cast & Crew

• Starring: Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy, Walter Connolly, Charley Grapewin, Cora Witherspoon
• Director: Jack Conway
• Runtime: 98 minutes
• Year: 1936
• Rated: Not Rated
• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• Country: USA

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized and restored version brings dazzling visual glamour to one of the most star-studded comedies ever made. The colorization process reveals Jean Harlow’s legendary platinum blonde beauty and bold fashion choices, Myrna Loy’s patrician elegance, William Powell’s effortless sartorial sophistication, and Spencer Tracy’s rumpled everyman appeal in vivid, period-accurate detail. The contrast between the glittering world of Connie’s high society and the frantic energy of the newspaper office becomes a visual delight, while the infamous fly-fishing sequence — one of the funniest set pieces in 1930s cinema — gains additional comic impact when the lush riverside colors and Powell’s increasingly waterlogged dignity are rendered in full. Now also available in colour.

Buy now for an instant, secure digital download with no DRM restrictions. Compatible with all devices that play MP4 files.

Historical Significance

Libeled Lady represents the absolute zenith of MGM’s golden-age star power. Never before or since have four stars of this caliber appeared together in a single comedy: Jean Harlow, the original platinum blonde and Hollywood’s most electric comedienne; William Powell, the epitome of debonair wit who had already created the Thin Man persona with Loy; Myrna Loy, voted “Queen of the Movies” by American audiences; and Spencer Tracy, already recognized as one of the finest actors in film. The chemistry was enhanced by real-life connections — Powell and Harlow were romantically involved during filming, and the playful tension between them crackles off the screen. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, competing in the legendary 1936 ceremony that also honored The Great Ziegfeld, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, and A Tale of Two Cities. Director Jack Conway orchestrated the four massive personalities with the precision of a conductor, ensuring each star shone while serving the ensemble. The film’s fly-fishing sequence, in which the hopelessly incompetent Powell attempts to land a trout, remains one of the most quoted and beloved comic scenes in classic Hollywood history.

Technical Details

• Original Format: Black and White (1936)
• Colorized: Frame-by-frame HD colorization
• Resolution: HD 720p
• File Format: MP4 / MKV
• Running Time: 98 minutes
• Delivery: Instant download link on-screen and sent to your email upon purchase.
• Price: €15.00
• License: Personal, non-commercial use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What is Libeled Lady about?
A newspaper editor concocts an elaborate scheme involving a sham marriage and a fake seduction to defeat a socialite’s libel suit, but real feelings derail the plan spectacularly.

Q: Who stars in this film?
Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy — four of the biggest stars of the 1930s — in one of the great ensemble comedies.

Q: Was this film nominated for any awards?
Yes, it received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture in 1936.

Digital Download Questions

Q: Is this the original film with added color?
Yes, this is the original black and white film professionally colorized frame-by-frame for authentic, vibrant visuals.

Q: What devices can I watch this on?
Any device that supports MP4 playback, including Smart TVs, Windows/macOS computers, and iOS/Android devices.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
Yes, this digital download is DRM-free for your personal use.

Q: How and when will I receive my download?
You will receive a secure download link on the confirmation page immediately after purchase. A copy of the link will also be sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• Passport to Pimlico (1949)
• Forsaking All Others (1934)
• The Hucksters (1947)
• Song of Love (1947)
• Saratoga (1937)