The Great Ziegfeld
“Who is that girl with the gorgeous red hair?”
-William Powell as Florenz Ziegfeld
I watched The Great Ziegfeld (1936) for two reasons—William Powell and Myrna Loy. I got a lengthy dose of Powell, which was lovely, but after what seemed like four hours, I wondered, where in heaven’s name is Myrna Loy? I checked the video cover several times, searching for Loy’s name in the cast of characters. Hmm… well, there it was as plain as day. During the necessary intermission, I logged onto my computer and triple-checked IMDb, muttering to myself, “Don’t tell me, Myrna has a cameo appearance.” (As it were, Fanny Brice ends up having a great cameo.)
After what seems like 10 hours, in strides in Ms. Loy, the queen of cool, classy, and confident. Naturally, Powell is all aflutter to meet her and steal her attention from rival Jack Billings, played by Frank Morgan. The ploy that he devises as they dance the Paul Jones impels her to remark, “You seem to stand in with the whistle.” As always, I absolutely adore how she projects unflappable wit and intelligence.
And now comes my favorite scene in the entire film, a moment of quiet, good old-fashioned romance.
Powell: Look, there’s another ferryboat going across to the Palisades. Will you keep your eyes on it while I tell you something?
Loy: Must I look at a ferryboat to listen to you?
P: Yes, or else I won’t be able to tell you.
L: You mean the great ladies man is bashful?
P: As strange as it may seem, in your presence he is.
L: All right, I’m looking.
P: I love you, Billie.
(Loy turns and looks directly at him.)
P: (Powell points) The ferryboat! (Loy obeys) I haven’t anything to offer you because there is nothing you really seem to need. You’ve made the most of yourself unassisted and that’s grand. But—
(Loy turns again)
P: (Powell points again) Ferryboat! (Loy obeys again) You’re a great star already so there’s little I can offer you. There’s nothing I can give you except my love.
(After a dramatic pause, Loy turns.)
L: That isn’t enough. I’d expect one-third of your ambition, half of your trouble, two-thirds of your worries, and all of your respect.(They embrace and kiss.)
Prepare yourself for much more of this sparkling duo. Just as I can never have too much champagne, I can never surfeit of them.
