Check Out the Kerchief Hiding that Long Neck!

Three Live Ghosts (1929) is Bob's first film.  Yes, of course he had an uncredited role as a party attendee in The Single Standard, but dancing wildly in the background behind Garbo does not a movie actor make.  (Although he was quite the dancer!)  For a film that has been lost all these years, I am continuously amazed at the memorabilia available.  Photos, lobby cards and this movie summary from the British magazine "Picture Show" of April, 1930. 

Come to think of it, I really don't know when the movie disappeared.  It was remade in 1936, and I always assumed it was gone before then, perhaps after the first initial release.  It was an independent production, so who knows what kind of records were kept by the company.  What really causes me to wonder is the existence on IMDB of both a user review and five ratings.  I mean, how old are these people that they have seen this movie?  Just wondering....  Anyone know more than me, about this movie I mean ...

What the well dressed man should wear!

Robert Montgomery, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star dresses for the polo field, in white sweat shirt, white whipcord riding pants, helmet to match and tan boots.

Bob is obviously enjoying a photo shoot on his own turf, without the hot lights and makeup of the studio shoot.  

Nice Little Surprises Can Make My Day

Another treasure find, after buying a large lot of photos.  There are only two of them, about 4x5, very rare ads for The Big House (1930).  The first card has three scenes, the first three images shown below.  The 2nd card gets to the point of what they are selling, guns and violence.  You'll note that Bob isn't in any of the scenes.  Bob got fourth billing, but he has only a supporting role to Chester Morris and Wallace Beery. 

TCM is showing the movie tomorrow,  January 7th at 6:30 p.m.
EST.   I find it an enjoyable movie, worth a watch. 

Hey, the Man Could Ride a Horse, Too!

Happy Birthday to my favorite Welsh horseman, Ray Milland!  Ray was a championship rider in England, even serving as a member of the British Household Cavalry or guardsmen to the Royal Family.  If King George VI needed to be escorted in a parade by young, dashing horsemen in snazzy uniforms, Ray filled the role most amiably.

Below we find Ray in 1937, still pursuing his passion.  His saying he was going out for a ride had a slightly different meaning than if Bob or your weekend polo enthusiast had said it.  

But being a great horseman does not a western star make.  Ray made a few westerns in his later career, but no one seriously considered him as cowboy material, thank goodness.  I mean, he may look comfortable leaning on a horse, but that smooth voice with the slight whisper of a Welsh brogue ... just not an American cowboy.  No way. 

                            Ray Milland in California (1947)

By the way, TCM will be showing Night Must Fall this coming Sunday at 7:45 a.m. PST.  Not exactly a great viewing time, but ... 

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

from Classic Montgomery