He had comic timing to be sure.
I give my respect to those who have earned it; to everyone else, I'm civil.

Agree 100%! He had that special star-making "It" factor. While watching this, the only reason I could think of that I hadn't ever heard of him before was that he must have died young - which unfortunately turned out to be true. Robert Williams deserved top billing in this film because he was the real star of Platinum Blonde, not Harlow or Young, even though I enjoyed both ladies in their against-type roles. In fact, I liked his portrayal of Stew so much that I bought the dvd, 1 of only 4 black & white films I own. Two of those are famous Christmas movies and the third is "Dodsworth" starring Walter Huston as the leading man who was also phenomenal in that.

Very talented, charming
and
hot. Had he lived longer, he would have surely become a big star, that's for sure.
Animal crackers in my soup
Monkeys and rabbits loop the loop

I have to agree with all the previous posts (with one negative exception) - Robert Williams was a method actor before there were method actors. His naturalistic acting was well ahead of his time and has been come to the attention of other actors. Interesting too that Williams was briefly married to Marion Harris, a popular singer in the ear, one of the first proponents of "blue-eyed soul". As more people study the films of the pre-codes, I think his talent will be appreciated by more and more students of cinema.

I just saw it for the first time and I thought he was incredible. He could have also played dramatic roles I'm sure. He reminded me of Alan Alda, Bing Crosby and Spencer Tracy. Loved him

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Robert Williams reminded me of Alan Alda doing his Hawkeye Pierce MAS*H character. The tone and inflection as well as the off-the-cuff remarks and quips.
Actually the only thing I found really humorous in this film was the bowing contest between Williams and the snooty lawyer. I could see Hawkeye mocking Frank Burns in such a manner

I agree.
I think he was way ahead of his time.

Yep, Bill Murray, all the way!
"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"

His voice reminds me alot of Danny Kaye.

The second I saw him he reminded me of Bill Murrayat least the Ghostbusters Bill Murray. Anyone else get that?

Too bad he died as his complaints of pain were medically ignored until it was too late. He could have been a film great in comedy.

EdwardRFernandez said, above, 'His acting seemed so modern in the sense it was real, relaxed and unforced.' I agree! His wonderful style seemed to come from the future!

I looked him up too, after watching this movie, and was very sad to see that this was his last film.
Did anyone else see Bing Crosby in Williams? I did, and would be very surprised if Bing hadn't seen this movie, and lifted the character for his own screen persona. Eerie resemblance.

Yes, I thought this guy was terrific the first time I watched the film as well - and, of course, had to IMDb him as I hadn't heard of him and wondered why the heck not. Was very saddened to read of his untimely death directly after the release of this film. I feel certain he would have been a much bigger star - too bad - I would have loved to see what else he might have been destined for.

C'mon, if you have time to post here, you have time to play
http://www.HumorMeOnline.com

I agree. He had a more naturalistic style than many of the early talkie actors, quite an affable onscreen persona, and really made the role of Stew a standout.
Am I anywhere near the imaginary cliff?

Agree. I'm not as familiar with some of the early film stars as others, so expected upon looking him up here, to see a long list of his film credits that I had somehow missed.
"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five."

I just finshed watching the film on TCM and had to run to the computer to look up Mr. Williams and find out why I hadnt heard of him. He was absolutely wonderful in the film. His acting seemed so modern in the sense it was real, relaxed and unforced. I was so saddened to learn that he had died so early. Very, very sad. What a loss.
"The true emeny of art is .. good taste"- Pablo Picasso

I thought the same thing when watching the film last night. I'd seen it before, but never paid as much attention to the Robert Williams role.
"Sometimes you have to take the bull by the tail, and face the truth." G. Marx

We'll have to disagree on this one, hon!
"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"

Another actor named Robert he resembled was Robert Young.
Stupid!?! I never called you stupid! To call you stupid would be an insult to stupid people!

He reminded me of a cross between Frederic March and Robert Montgomery, but not quite in their league. But given time to grow, maybe he would have been up there. Too bad about his untimely death, very sad.

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I have to disagree. I thought he was extremely annoying!
Why you so nasty? ~ Rudebox