Friday, June 17, 2005

A Hollywood Circle

Note: The images shown below aren't from the films mentioned in the text.


William Powell (1892-1984) played Moriarty in his film debut, the 1922 version of Sherlock Holmes, which starred


John Barrymore (1882-1942) as the legendary sleuth. Barrymore appeared as Mercutio in the 1936 version of Romeo and Juliet, in which


Norma Shearer (1902-83) played Juliet. Shearer starred as Mary Haines in 1939's The Women, as did


Joan Crawford (1904-77), in the role of Crystal Allen. Crawford and


Bette Davis (1908-89) co-starred in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), playing Blanche Hudson and Baby Jane Hudson, respectively. Davis played Libby Strong to the Sarah Webber of


Lillian Gish (1893-1993) in 1987's The Whales of August. To complete the circle: Gish had the title role in Romala (1924), playing opposite William Powell as Tito.

From William Powell to William Powell, in six steps.