William Powell at Warner Bros. (DVD-R)

US Import

When William Powell signed with Warner Bros., he did more than find a new studio home for his urbane sophistication -- it was there he solidified himself as a leading man. Culled from the nine 1931-34 films Powell made at Warner, these four films variously draw on the star's renowned romantic, comic and sleuthing talents.

The Road to Singapore (1931): The roving eye of boozing playboy Powell settles on a blonde (Doris Kenyon) disenchanted with her neglectful husband (Louis Calhern).

High Pressure (1931): Powell's roguish wit is in high gear as he plays a garrulous promoter selling investors on a scheme to make ersatz rubber.

Private Detective 62 (1933): Private eye Powell falls for the socialite (Margaret Lindsay) he's supposed to frame.

The Key (1934): In volatile 1920 Dublin, British officer Powell sacrifices his freedom for the woman he loves (Edna Best) and her political-captive husband (Colin Clive).