William Powell comes out on top every time I sit down to make a list of favorite stars. I really can't analyze why, I just adore him. He's my idea of a true movie "star", so graceful. Debonair without being too fussy. His acting pretty much can't be beat, no matter the movie. He makes it look easy, informal, fun. With that clipped moustache, and his insouciant eyebrow, he just suits me, whatever mood I'm in. I feel like I am in on the biggest joke, but only he and I (and maybe Myrna) - know it.
Powell was class all the way, even when wearing an ice bag on his head. He's sardonic - the sadder-but-wiser man with a little poignancy underlying the wit. However, he has a great sense of fun. To me, he is very possibly the most comforting presence in all of the movies. He's lovely, my absolute favorite star ever.
Aside from his great comic sarcasm and incredible charm, my favorite thing about him is the way he drops his resonant voice low when saying something serious. Oh, he does that vocal trick when he's fooling too.... but there is something more to it when he gets his rare chance at "the big scene". He's not one to wear his heart on his sleeve, but there is usually one line in each of his films where he takes a moment to say something heartfelt and true - something noble that strikes to the heart of the situation. Sometimes, it's only a look. He could make a line mean fathoms more than what was written. Maybe it's just a touch embarrassing for him to admit those deeper, more serious feelings. He never makes a big deal of that rare emotional response. He takes his moment, and then it is over, and the dashing rogue is back.
He has the most wonderful dimple when he allows himself the extremely rare really big smile.
He was such a good partner on-screen that there aren't a lot of photos of him alone. To me, he seems slightly lost when he doesn't have someone to play off of, or a joke to tell.
Even here, in what seems like a rather somber photo, there's a little joke going on:
Perhaps he was uncomfortable alone. I don't know, but he's always goofing around with Myrna,
or Carole,
or Ginger,
or his pet doggie:
Gentlemen's Quarterly named Powell one of the most stylish men in the last half century:
GQ Hollywood Style Original
William Powell
Powell’s most famous role, in 1934’s The Thin Man, fit the man to a T: With a lean silhouette and a pencil-thin mustache, he somehow managed to give the disarming wit of his character, Nick Charles, a keen sartorial expression. He unleashed a trademark sardonic demeanor on society’s more corrupt elements that suggested he’d seen it all before. And with his impeccably tailored suits and a preternatural sense for black tie, Powell got that you have to know how to look well-groomed before you can even think about looking unruffled.
Another reason I continue to name Powell is my ultimate favorite, year after year, no matter how much time passes. He ages well. He stays firmly in the #1 spot on my list, as others move around or have dropped because I can see their faults more readily over time...I see the strings working in the background of their acting. Powell, however, remains irreproachable, acting wise for me.
He's so tremendously appealing. And not because he's the best looking or the most serious actor. Perhaps it's that he's the opposite - he is just having the best time imaginable acting in films. It's as simple as that. He's never full of himself, even if his characters are.... he's rather self -effacing as an actor.
There is one more thing about William Powell. Something that makes me love him all the more, because it is something lacking in today's world.
He's gallant.
Here's to our Star of the Month, the most nonchalant man ever to work in Hollywood.
William Powell.
He's another who I respect more and more as time goes on. 
