Classic Comedy “Libeled Lady” Still Delivers Laughs

A pugnacious newspaper reporter, his neglected fiancée, and his former employee/bestie, hatch an elaborate, farcical and hilarious scheme to turn a false news story into reality in order to prevent a litigious, jet-set woman from suing for libel.  Zany high jinx ensue.  “Libeled Lady” was released by MGM in 1936 and starred Jean Harlow, William Powell, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy. 

A classic screwball comedy, with numerous slapstick nods and a farcically complex plot which takes creative license with the press, liberties with the statutes and lighthearted pokes at justice—all as light as meringue. The original blond bombshell Jean Harlow, the irrepressible Myrna Loy, utility player William Powell and the anchoring Spencer Tracy, are perfect as a light-comedy foursome who would put any of today’s players through their paces. Rounding out the cast is Walter Connolly, who masters the fawning and protective father tasked with looking after his impulsive daughter Connie Allenbury (Loy).

A quick and zestful script which has a generous measure of witty lines and a surplus of comic situations. Jack Conway's more than capable direction keeps things moving at a pace expected of like-minded fare like the classic “Bringing Up Baby.” It is a $5,000,000 libel suit against The Evening Star that is the fulcrum of this yarn.  The Star, in printing an unfortunate story from London, had confused the wealthy Connie Allenbury with someone else, and had let it be known that she was accused of stealing another woman's husband (“clutch my pearls”). Warren Haggerty, deftly played by Spencer Tracy who is the paper's managing editor, consults the wily Bill Chandler (Mr. Powell), who recalls that truth is an excellent defense against libel suits. They hatch a plan whereby the Paris Hilton-ish Connie will actually be caught in the apparent act of snatching another’s husband and The Star will rise again. Chandler uses himself to bait the trap and must discover a wife willing to be annoyed by his alienation. 

In this media calamity the two talk/con Gladys (Miss Harlow) into helping the cause, by playing the role of the aggrieved wife whose hubby was stolen by the conniving Allenbury. We learn that Gladys has been waiting (less than patiently) at the altar for the loving but preoccupied Mr. Haggerty. She is none too pleased with the substitution, but accepts to help the cause. Chandler sets his net for Miss Allenbury, and the co-conspirators stand-by, but Gladys has a change of heart. Mr. Haggerty suffers to the amusement of the audience. Most of the situations are lively and engaging, particularly Mr. Powell's trout-fishing mishaps and the Harlow-Powell marriage scene, in which the bride accepts a peck on the cheek from her husband and throws herself ardently into Mr. Tracy's arms. "A good friend," explains the groom to the pastor. "A very good friend," he adds, rubbernecking.