The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937) in Color — Starring Joan Crawford & William Powell

Plot Summary

Mrs. Fay Cheyney arrives in London society like a breath of fresh air — beautiful, charming, wealthy, and mysterious enough to set every tongue wagging in the drawing rooms of Mayfair. She is quickly embraced by the upper crust and becomes the most sought-after guest at every fashionable gathering, courted by aristocrats and admired by duchesses who have no idea that the elegant Mrs. Cheyney is actually a skilled confidence trickster working with a team of professional jewel thieves.

Her partner in crime is Charles, her ‘butler,’ who is in reality a master thief and the brains behind their elaborate schemes. Together they have spent years infiltrating wealthy social circles across Europe, using Fay’s beauty and social skills to gain access to the homes and jewel collections of the unsuspecting rich. Their current target is the Duchess of Dorington’s legendary pearl necklace, worth a king’s ransom and ripe for the taking at a forthcoming country house weekend.

But two complications threaten to unravel the carefully laid plan. First, Fay finds herself genuinely attracted to Lord Arthur Dorington, a witty and charming aristocrat whose intelligence and genuine warmth make him unlike the shallow social parasites she has been accustomed to deceiving. As their relationship deepens, Fay begins to question whether she can go through with robbing the family of the man she is falling in love with.

Second, when the attempted theft goes awry and Fay is caught in a deeply compromising situation, the exposure threatens to bring scandal not only on her but on the aristocrats who embraced her. The resulting confrontation reveals that the supposedly upright members of high society have secrets and moral failings that make Fay’s straightforward criminality seem almost honest by comparison. The film builds to a delicious climax in which the thieves and their victims must negotiate a settlement that acknowledges the hypocrisy on both sides.

Cast & Crew

Director: Richard Boleslawski

Stars: Joan Crawford, William Powell, Robert Montgomery, Frank Morgan, Jessie Ralph, Nigel Bruce

Joan Crawford brings her full star power to the role of Fay, combining breathtaking glamour with sharp comic timing and unexpected emotional vulnerability. William Powell is characteristically urbane and witty as the debonair ‘butler’ turned thief. Robert Montgomery provides sophisticated romantic charm as Lord Arthur, and Frank Morgan adds superb comic support as a pompous aristocrat with embarrassing secrets.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of The Last of Mrs. Cheyney brings sumptuous visual splendour to Adrian’s exquisite costumes for Joan Crawford, the elegant English country house settings, and the glittering world of 1930s London high society. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation beautifully enhances the sophisticated social atmosphere and the contrast between the dazzling surface and the moral compromises that lie beneath. Buy The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

The Last of Mrs. Cheyney is based on Frederick Lonsdale’s hugely successful stage play and was one of MGM’s most prestigious productions of 1937. The film brought together three of the studio’s biggest stars — Crawford, Powell, and Montgomery — in a sophisticated comedy that showcased the kind of glossy, witty entertainment at which MGM excelled. Through colorization, this sparkling example of Golden Age Hollywood sophistication has been preserved for modern audiences who appreciate stylish filmmaking.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 98 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is Joan Crawford good in comedies?
A: Crawford demonstrates superb comic timing in this film, proving that her talents extended far beyond the dramatic roles for which she is best remembered. Her charm and wit make this one of her most purely enjoyable performances.

Q: Is William Powell in this film?
A: Yes, the legendary William Powell brings his trademark sophistication and dry humour to the role of the master thief disguised as a butler, creating wonderful chemistry with Crawford.

Q: Is this based on a play?
A: Yes, the film is adapted from Frederick Lonsdale’s popular stage play, which was one of the biggest theatrical hits of the 1920s and had been previously filmed in 1929.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Letty Lynton (1932)
• Sadie McKee (1934)
• The Bride Wore Red (1937)
• Lady of the Tropics (1939)
• No Sad Songs for Me (1950)