Welcome to Hollywood's Golden Age

William Powell, following drama school and a stint in vaudeville and on Broadway, made his screen debut in 'Sherlock Holmes' in 1922. Employed by Paramount Pictures in 1924, he was kept busy throughout the 1920's, often in period pictures as nobles, rogues, and supporting rotters. With clipped moustache, smooth manner, fine voice, and cynical eye-wink, he was well suited to drawing rooms and cocktail cabinets in the talkies. He made his name in 'The Thin Man' series, from 1934, with Myrna Loy.

After making only 29 films, Marilyn Monroe became the personification of Hollywood glamour and she had a unique, magical quality in front of the camera quite unlike any other performer. She appeared to exude sexuality whilst retaining a vulnerable waif-like quality and an innocence which endeared her to millions of moviegoers. Her emotional life was in tatters, she was an increasing nightmare for directors and fellow actors, recklessly spoiled and unsure, but she became a dominant force in Hollywood and was indisputably the most famous woman of the 20th century.