Classic Montgomery - Film thoughts from a modern-day Robert Montgomery fangirl

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

"Chocolate my dear, not flowers."

Made on Broadway

2012-02-12T16:35:00.002-06:00

Mr. Jeff Bidwell.

I watched Made on Broadway last night from the Robert Montgomery Collection DVD set. A so-so story that makes it up by having some good one-liners and toothless bail bondsman Stitch Lepedis.

Unfinished Business

2012-01-29T15:30:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Kathy for sharing this blurb from The New Yorker about a showing of Unfinished Business (this weekend) in NYC.

Yeah, the big cities get all the fun...

Distinguished

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

This has to be a favorite.

Happy Birthday, Ray Milland

2012-01-03T18:20:00.003-06:00

This morning, I jumped into my freezing 8 degree car, in the dark, returning to work after a long time off, and heard Ray Milland on the radio - things kinda feet better after that. XM was playing an old radio broadcast The Uninvited and I just so happened to remember the date...

Holiday Wishes From CM

2011-12-23T15:09:00.001-06:00

Required, tacky Christmas image.

...or if you prefer...

Fueling the Letty Lynton Rumor Mill

2011-12-20T14:43:00.000-06:00

Holy cow if this is true...

Via Lou Lumenick's Dec. 20 column:

And finally, there's a pretty strong hint that Clarence Brown's "Letty Lynton'' (1933), which has never been shown on TV much less released on video, may finally become available in 2012. A query was posted to Warner Archive Collection's Facebook page the other day about this "holy grail'' title, which was pulled from circulation by MGM in 1935 to settle a plagiarism suit.

"We're trying and ready to write a check to make it happen,'' came the response almost certainly written by WHV marketing VP George Feltenstein. If a deal can be struck in time, "Letty'' could turn up at the 2012 TCM Classic Film Festival (titles announced so far are here) in April and be available on DVD by the end of the year.

Another Language

2011-12-19T19:08:00.004-06:00

I just want to welcome back Anna to blogging! Do check out her Crowd Roars blog - she's talking about Another Language (1933), which I hope the Warner Archives releases to DVD soon.

Odd as it may seem, I love the drapes in their apartment. The perfect Art Deco style.

Robert Montgomery Collection DVD Set

2011-12-14T16:56:00.002-06:00

Received in today's mail....

Props to WB for not issuing this as a massive DVD box that just sucks up room on your shelf (it's the size of a regular DVD box). On the flip side, I was hoping to see some artwork for all of the films, but alas, it's just Bob staring you on each DVD.

See You at Loew's

2011-12-08T18:30:00.001-06:00

Early Loew's Theater promo card with a far from original signature.

No wonder I missed him...I was at Lowe's.

Top Hat Taylor

2011-12-08T18:25:00.001-06:00

Just love the composition on this one with the hat. Uh oh, I'm getting technical.

Be Seated

2011-12-03T19:44:00.001-06:00

It's sll about the upholstery.
Date? Right before the war? Any guesses?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T16:19:00.000-06:00

On the set of No More Turkeys.
Remember to enjoy the leftovers. It's the best part.

Two Words - DVD Set!

2011-11-17T17:56:00.001-06:00

I never thought I'd ever write the phrase "Robert Montgomery DVD Set" here and not be joking. Well, today is the day.

The Warner Archive collection is taking pre-orders on The Robert Montgomery Collection. That's right folks, $44.95 for this December 6 release will get you the following new-to-DVD titles:

Shipmates (1931)
The Man in Possession (1931)
Faithless (1932)
Lovers Courageous (1932)
But the Flesh Is Weak (1932)
Made on Broadway (1933)
Live, Love and Learn (1937)
The Earl of Chicago (1940)

Eight movies on four disks.

Can I put in a vote for Letty Lynton?

Hide-Out (1934)

2011-11-10T16:10:00.001-06:00

Bob & Maureen O'Sullivan.
I'm still waiting for the sequel when Lucky gets out of jail...ho hum.

Robert Taylor Fangirls

2011-10-31T18:50:00.001-05:00

I'm just having too much fun with this theme - this time, with some calm, collected Robert Taylor fangirls:

30s-ish. What, no security?

Going "Above and Beyond" in 1952.
In this case, Eleanor Parker is the one doing the signing.

Hurrell Riptide

2011-10-28T16:29:00.000-05:00

Finally, have this Hurrell photo tied to a better time-frame - 1934:

A new camera study of Robert Montgomery, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star, who will be seen in the near future with Norma Shearer, in "Riptide," which is being directed by Edmund Goulding.

Some 1930s Bob Fans

2011-10-17T16:57:00.000-05:00

Nice to see the fans so well-behaved ;)

Bark & Bob

2011-10-03T19:01:00.002-05:00

I've posted this photo before:

But just discovered it's "companion" image in my "junque" folder:

The pooch in the photos is MGM All Barkie star Buster. I believe the other gentleman in the photo is William Bakewell. And if I totally messed this up, let me know!

Montgomery Escadrille

2011-09-12T18:16:00.000-05:00

The description is almost better than the photo itself, although I've never heard of Bob collecting a squadron of flying model planes before....Hollywood embellishment?

FILM STAR COLLECTS MINIATURE AIRPLANES

HOLLYWOOD --- Robert Montgomery, motion picture star, has gone aeronautical minded in a big way. He’s collecting miniature planes, and as soon as he has enough he’s going to form the Montgomery Escadrille. In this photo, Montgomery displays a miniature airplane given him on his birthday by his friend, Reginald Denny, screen actor. The plane is powered with a one-cylinder gasoline motor that enables it to stay aloft up to four hours, attaining an altitude of 4,000 feet. When the gasoline runs out it glides down to a “3-point” landing.

Photo is dated June 12, 1935

Robert Montgomery - Harvey White Portrait

2011-08-26T16:22:00.002-05:00

Also in Mick LaSale's Dangerous Men book, this photo is labeled as an unretouched Harvey White photo.

Question About Eye Witness

2011-08-12T16:16:00.002-05:00

Hey fans, Robert posted a question to the blog and I'm at a loss. Can anyone assist? If you know, please post!

Could anyone point me in the right direction? I watched "Eye Witness," loved it and wondered if the site location in England was a studio set or a real village that could be visited. Thanks, Robert.

I thought it was filmed abroad, but can't find where I read that.

And a quick reminder, Eye Witness was released on DVD earlier this year.

100 Years of Robert Taylor

2011-08-05T21:37:00.002-05:00

Just feeling a bit western tonight...

Summertime and the Blogging is Slow

2011-08-03T17:10:00.001-05:00

Sorry, I'm not ignoring you (or Bob), just enjoying summer while I can!

A Robert Doubleheader

2011-07-10T15:07:00.003-05:00

Get your DVR ready for July 14 - TCM has a Robert Montgomery/Robert Young day of films set. Times below are eastern, so check your local schedule! What TCM should do is play Hell Below in between, which has both Bobs in it.

7:15 AM
Shipmates (1931)
A young sailor falls for the captain's daughter.
Dir: Harry Pollard Cast: Robert Montgomery, Ernest Torrence, Dorothy Jordan.

8:30 AM
Another Language (1933)
A newlywed discovers that she and her husband's snobby family speak different languages.
Dir: Edward H. Griffith Cast: Helen Hayes, Robert Montgomery, Louise Closser Hale.

10:00 AM
Three Loves Has Nancy (1938)
A country girl follows the man who jilted her to the big city, where she finds two new suitors.
Dir: Richard Thorpe Cast: Janet Gaynor, Robert Montgomery, Franchot Tone.

11:15 AM
Last of Mrs. Cheyney, The (1937)
A chic jewel thief in England falls in love with one of her marks.
Dir: Richard Boleslawski Cast: Joan Crawford, William Powell, Robert Montgomery.

1:00 PM
Right To Romance, The (1933)
A lady plastic surgeon jeopardizes her marriage when her ex-boyfriend is scarred.
Dir: Alfred Santell Cast: Ann Harding, Robert Young, Nils Asther.

2:15 PM
Calm Yourself (1935)
An advertising man takes off after kidnappers.
Dir: George B. Seitz Cast: Robert Young, Madge Evans, Betty Furness.

3:30 PM
Bride Walks Out, The (1936)
A model weds a struggling engineer then has her own struggles with domesticity.
Dir: Leigh Jason Cast: Barbara Stanwyck, Gene Raymond, Robert Young.

5:00 PM
Longest Night, The (1936)
A department-store head tries to stop a gangland plot.
Dir: Errol Taggart Cast: Robert Young, Florence Rice, Ted Healy.

6:00 PM
Bride Wore Red, The (1937)
A chorus girl crashes an exclusive Swiss resort to snare a rich husband.
Dir: Dorothy Arzner Cast: Joan Crawford, Franchot Tone, Robert Young.

Strings n Things

2011-07-02T15:57:00.000-05:00

Some serious tennis racket string analysis goin' on here...

Chester & Bob

2011-06-21T16:44:00.000-05:00

Chester Morris & Robert Montgomery.
Seriously, a photo can't get much cooler than this.

Night Flight Now on DVD

2011-06-07T16:50:00.002-05:00

As of today, Night Flight (1933) is now on DVD. A nice surprise in my mail today as I had pre-ordered from Amazon months ago. Add another Montgomery movie to the DVD list...

With Humble Gratitude

2011-05-31T16:48:00.002-05:00

I'm breaking my "don't post what's on ebay" rule, but I couldn't pass this autographed Robert Young photo up (no, I'm not bidding...). Someone, give it a good home!

The Start of Summer, Montgomery Style

2011-05-27T17:46:00.003-05:00

Robert Montgomery behind the wheel of his new yacht, Jacksonville, FL, 1961.

I feel so bad . . . I have no notes on who emailed me this photo. Drop me a comment - I want to make sure you get credit!

Programming Alert: Piccadilly Jim

2011-05-23T20:40:00.004-05:00

Just found out that TCM will be showing Piccadilly Jim on June 1, 1:15 PM (Central, check your local listings!). Do DVR it, it's rarely shown. If that's not enough to watch, Robert Benchley and Madge Evans are in it, too!

Happy Birthday, Robert Montgomery!

2011-05-21T12:10:00.000-05:00

Early Ruth Harriet Louise Portrait

The Big House - 1930

They Were Expendable - 1945

Robert Montgomery Presents: The Lost Weekend - 1955

Media History Digital Library Update

2011-05-13T12:18:00.004-05:00

Robert Montgomery historians may want to check out the recent additions to Archive.org from the Media History Digital Library Project: issues of The Film Daily. To-date, it appears to be early issues 1927-1929. If you find anything good, drop me a note!

And this has been bugging me -I forgot where I had found out about this. Just remembered: The Shelf!

Back to Regular Programming: Robert Montgomery

2011-05-02T15:13:00.000-05:00

Thanks for indulging me with all my Ray Milland rambles this month. We now resume Robert Montgomery programming.

Not on TCM This Month: Skylark

2011-04-26T18:33:00.002-05:00

Before I ever got a copy of Skylark to watch, I had listened to it half a dozen times on my MP3 player. To be honest, I think I like the 1942 Lux Radio Theater version better! I'm not going through the plot here, that's what the IMDB is for.

If you've seen the movie - or not - download the MP3 and have a listen (you'll be taken to the Times Past OTR Archive - scroll way down!)

And if you search good enough on YouTube, you might find Skylark as well (hint hint).

Awesome match: Ray and Claudette Colbert

Fugitive Lovers (1934)

2011-04-22T16:17:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Renee for the photo

Not on TCM This Month: Are Husbands Necessary?

2011-04-19T18:50:00.003-05:00

One from the "haven't seen" list. You have to love classic poster art. The woman in red seems to be conjuring a black hole and or having a seizure.

What's My Line, Ray?

2011-04-11T12:35:00.001-05:00

Not on TCM This Month: Alias Nick Beal (1949)

2011-04-04T20:00:00.000-05:00

Oh hell...

While TCM won't be playing Alias Nick Beal this month, we have the next best thing: the Screen Director's Playhouse version from December 28, 1950. And have no fear, the devil in this version is Ray Milland as well. Visit Archive.org with this link and scroll down to download the MP3.

Classic Milland

2011-04-02T17:18:00.002-05:00

It's April. It's Ray month on TCM. Let the recording begin!

April 5

8:00 PM - The Major and the Minor (1942)
Cast: Ginger Rogers, Ray Milland, Diana Lynn. Dir: Billy Wilder.

10:00 PM - Crystal Ball, The (1943)
Cast: Ray Milland, Paulette Goddard, Gladys George. Dir: Elliott Nugent.

11:30 PM - A Woman of Distinction (1950)
Cast: Rosalind Russell, Ray Milland, Edmund Gwenn. Dir: Edward Buzzell.

1:00 AM - The Doctor Takes A Wife (1940)
Cast: Loretta Young, Ray Milland, Reginald Gardiner. Dir: Alexander Hall.

2:45 AM - Irene (1940)
Cast: Anna Neagle, Ray Milland, Roland Young. Dir: Herbert Wilcox.

4:30 AM - The Bachelor Father (1931)
Cast: Marion Davies, C. Aubrey Smith, Ray Milland. Dir: Robert Z. Leonard.

April 7

8:00 PM - The Uninvited (1944)
Cast: Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp. Dir: Lewis Allen.

April 12

8:00 PM - So Evil My Love (1948)
Cast: Ray Milland, Ann Todd, Geraldine Fitzgerald. Dir: Lewis Allen.

10:00 PM - Dial M for Murder (1954)
Cast: Grace Kelly, Ray Milland, Robert Cummings. Dir: Alfred Hitchcock.

12 AM - The Safecracker (1958)
Cast: Ray Milland, Barry Jones, Jeanette Sterke. Dir: Ray Milland.

2:00 AM - Ministry Of Fear (1944)
Cast: Ray Milland, Marjorie Reynolds, Dan Duryea. Dir: Fritz Lang.

3:30 AM - Hostile Witness (1968)
Cast: Ray Milland, Sylvia Syms, Felix Aylmer. Dir: Ray Milland.

5:15 AM - Payment Deferred (1932)
Cast: Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Sullivan, Ray Milland. Dir: Lothar Mendes.

6:45 AM - Blonde Crazy (1931)
Cast: James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Ray Milland. Dir: Roy Del Ruth.

April 19

8:00 PM - Kitty (1945)
Cast: Paulette Goddard, Ray Milland, Patric Knowles. Dir: Mitchell Leisen.

10:00 PM - Reap The Wild Wind (1942)
Cast: Ray Milland, Susan Hayward, John Wayne. Dir: Cecil B. DeMille.

12:15 AM - Beau Geste (1939)
Cast: Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, Robert Preston. Dir: William A. Wellman.

2:15 AM - Everything Happens at Night (1939)
Cast: Sonja Henie, Ray Milland, Robert Cummings. Dir: Irving Cummings.

3:45 AM - The Uninvited (1944)
Cast: Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp. Dir: Lewis Allen.

6:00 AM - Wise Girl (1937)
Cast: Miriam Hopkins, Ray Milland, Walter Abel. Dir: Leigh Jason.

April 26

8:00 PM - The Lost Weekend (1945)
Cast: Ray Milland, Jane Wyman, Howard Da Silva. Dir: Billy Wilder.

10:00 PM - Close to My Heart (1951)
Cast: Ray Milland, Gene Tierney, Fay Bainter. Dir: William Keighley.

11:45 PM - High Flight (1957)
Cast: Ray Milland, Bernard Lee, Kenneth Haigh. Dir: John Gilling.

1:15 AM - Night Into Morning (1951)
Cast: Ray Milland, John Hodiak, Nancy Davis. Dir: Fletcher Markle.

2:45 AM - A Life of Her Own (1950)
Cast: Lana Turner, Ray Milland, Tom Ewell. Dir: George Cukor.

More Fan Favs

2011-03-23T15:59:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Desiree for providing a few of her favorite photos. Desiree also runs the Rosalind Russell blog - go check it out!

Fast and Loose: One of my fav's too

Behind the scenes on Night Must Fall

Three Live Ghosts: The one Bob flick we may never get to see

A Star Has Died. Do You Know Where Your Collectibles Are?

2011-03-23T15:41:00.002-05:00

I just read about the passing of Elizabeth Taylor. I'll have to admit, I've only seen one or two of her films, so I know very little of her work (recommendations welcomed!).

This post is less about Ms. Taylor and more about the feeding frenzy now going on Ebay. As of 3:45 PM today, 115 pages of goods. Yes, we have:

Tribute t-shirts
Barbie dolls
Autographs ranging from $10 to $2,500 - mostly fake I'm sure
Ice cream caps
Maltese dog ornaments
Birthday programs (did you ever have a program for your b-day?)
Beanie baby bears

I'm sure as the evening goes on, the number of items will only increase. The free market in action, that's for sure.

Kids, buyer beware. And Ms. Taylor, rest in peace.

Favorites: Night Must Fall

2011-03-16T19:19:00.003-05:00

A beaut of a photo, and one I haven't seen before. Belated thanks to Debbie for sharing one of her favorites.

Have a fav. Bob photo you want to share? Drop me a comment!

A Word From Management

2011-03-16T19:11:00.002-05:00

I'm changing my hosting situation in April and as a result, all links to photos and files posted prior to January will be broken. So if there's something you want to download, grab it now - I don't intend to update any links. I'll still have everything locally if there's a need to grab something later.

In addition, my Classic Montgomery email address will be going away. Best way to contact me is to leave a post. Thanks!

Millandia Charm

2011-03-07T18:10:00.004-06:00

So, when do you figure the last time Ray Milland was on a magazine cover? 50 years ago or so? Voila, TCM Now Playing for April 2011.

Photo is from Ministry of Fear, the only movie where Nazi spys and cake collide. You'd look scared too if you got sucked into that plot. Anyway, it is a good film and I do recommend . . . with a slice of cake. Watch it April 12.

Oh, and where did this "Millandia charm" thing come from. Tis a Robert Osborne-ism.

Petticoat Fever - 1936

2011-03-03T17:49:00.000-06:00

Cute as a couple. Wish we could have seen more.

Night Flight Coming to DVD

2011-02-15T16:52:00.003-06:00

Great news via Laura's Miscellaneous Musings: Night Flight is coming to DVD June 7 on Warner Home Video. Yes, folks - Home Video not the Archive Collection. This 1933 star-packed film includes Clark Gable, Lionel Barrymore, Helen Hayes, Myrna Loy, and our favorite . . . in a smaller part.

Even cooler, Night Flight will be shown at the TCM Film Festival this April. If you're going, Classic Montgomery needs a report!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T16:36:00.001-06:00

Heh, Debbie reminded me what today is. I don't recommend strangling your loved one, though.

Lucky Gagin

2011-02-13T18:55:00.001-06:00

And why again is Ride the Pink Horse not on DVD?

On the Fence

2011-02-07T20:13:00.000-06:00

Many thanks to Reynolds for the photo.

Ray Milland: April Star of the Month

2011-02-01T15:05:00.003-06:00

Via Laura's Miscellaneous Musings, I happily learned that April's TCM Star of the Month will be Ray Milland. Check out Laura's blog for details & schedule info. I was hoping to see Wings Over Honolulu or I Wanted Wings on the list (and countless others). No prob. We'll just have to keep waiting.

Fast and Loose (1939)

2011-01-29T17:06:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Debbie for sharing one of her favorites! Want to share yours? Leave a comment!

In the Library

2011-01-26T18:21:00.003-06:00

A big thank you to Reynolds for this portrait photo!

Have a favorite Bob photo? Why not share with fellow fans. Drop me a line: classicmontgomery at gmail dot com

Fugitive Lovers Lobby Cards (Part 2)

2011-01-14T16:47:00.001-06:00

Fugitive Lovers Lobby Cards (Part 1)

2011-01-08T15:59:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Reggie

2011-01-03T00:01:00.001-06:00

I got into the car for the morning commute today and XM Radio Classics had a 1946 Jack Benny Show broadcast with Ray. A good way to start a Monday morning...

Be sure to check out the Ray movies all month on TCM (times listed are Eastern):

Jan. 3
4:00 PM Life Of Her Own, A (1950)
An innocent small-town girl climbs to the top of the modeling business man by man. Cast: Lana Turner, Ray Milland, Tom Ewell. Dir: George Cukor.

6:00 PM Safecracker, The (1958)
A reformed burglar calls on his criminal skills to aid the war effort. Cast: Ray Milland, Barry Jones, Jeanette Sterke. Dir: Ray Milland.

Jan. 4
6:00 PM Let's Do It Again (1953)
A divorced couple finds it impossible to stay out of each other's lives. Cast: Jane Wyman, Ray Milland, Aldo Ray. Dir: Alexander Hall.

Jan. 6
8:30 AM Doctor Takes a Wife, The (1940)
A man-hating author and a woman-hating doctor have to pretend they're married. Cast: Loretta Young, Ray Milland, Reginald Gardiner. Dir: Alexander Hall.

Jan. 18
11:30 PM Markheim (1956)
Another episode of the Screen Directors Playhouse, which ran from 1955-1956. Cast: Ray Milland, Rod Steiger. Dir: Fred Zinnemann.

Jan. 22
10:15 PM Uninvited, The (1944)
A brother and sister buy a house with a ghostly secret. Cast: Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp. Dir: Lewis Allen.

Jan. 29
9:00 AM Ministry Of Fear (1944)
When hidden microfilm comes into his possession, an innocent man is drawn into espionage. Cast: Ray Milland, Marjorie Reynolds, Dan Duryea. Dir: Fritz Lang.

Jan. 30
12:00 PM Lost Weekend, The (1945)
A writer fights to overcome his addiction to liquor. Cast: Ray Milland, Jane Wyman, Howard Da Silva. Dir: Billy Wilder.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T20:16:00.000-06:00

Party like it's 1940 - you go, Bing!

Warmer Wishes

2010-12-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

What? No snow or cold?

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-23T16:42:00.004-06:00

I hope everyone has a safe holiday. May a movie you're looking for find a home under your tree!

Required Santa hat photo

Random Photo: Polo Anyone?

2010-12-15T17:04:00.002-06:00

Clarence Bull photo

It's 2010. Do you know where your favorite stars are?

2010-12-07T14:07:00.003-06:00

I vaguely remember in the back of my mind the series of Diet Coke commercials with dead movie stars in them. Cary Grant is the only star I really remember. John Wayne may have been another, although I can't picture John Wayne drinking anything with the word "diet" in it.

The reason I bring this up is an article floating around the interwebs about George Lucas purchasing film rights to dead celebrities. Add to that 3D.

First off, 3D is ok. My only experience with modern 3D technology was via a demo at a Sony outlet store. After noting how dumb it was - nothing looked 3D - the clerk kindly asked if the glasses were "on." Slight oversight.

Anyhow, back to the topic. What are your thoughts on dead movie stars being generated in a new movie?

I'm torn. Part of me thinks it would be pretty slick, but then they'd give Robert Montgomery blonde hair. In general, it's the novelty that appeals to me.

On the flip side, many stars were pretty adamant about what types of movies they wanted to appear in (or not). C'mon, can't you picture middle-aged Orson Welles "inserted" into a National Lampoon college humor movie?

Any dream scenario you'd like to see?

Watch Cary Grant age in 60 seconds...

Night Must Fall coming to DVD

2010-12-06T08:51:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Reynolds for sharing that Night Must Fall is coming out on DVD via the Warner Archive. Better yet, it has been remastered, so let's hope for the best! I'm willing to bet the DVD will also include the trailer.

Classic Stats

2010-11-27T16:44:00.007-06:00

I just noticed that Blogger offers stats for the blog, so I had to dig around.

Here's an interesting one . . . most visitors find the blog via the following search keywords.

1.) Joan Crawford

2.) Classic Montgomery
Voila!

3.) Ray Milland
Seriously, he beat Bob? There must be a pent up demand for Milland photos out there. Someone jump on the opportunity!

4.) Robert Montgomery

OK, I knew he'd show up at some point. No, not LB Mayer. Really, I think they're doing SEO keyword research to help them rank better on the web.

5.) Gloria Stewart (not Stuart)
One photo on the blog and it hits the top five. Wow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T15:33:00.001-06:00

Still defrosting the bird...

1932 Hurrell

2010-11-22T15:42:00.003-06:00

If you're looking for a little something for yourself, buy this off of ebay. I've bought photos from this seller and he's top notch. The beauty of these photos are the way they're processed: thicker paper with a a beautiful sheen (read the description, it's better than I could write).

Mister and Missus

2010-11-11T17:20:00.001-06:00

Robert Montgomery, popular Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star, with his wife on their arrival in New york for a short vacation. Mr. Montgomery last appeared in "Shipmates." which incidental was his first starring vehicle. On his return to the coast, he will be starred in "A Man in Possession."

Thanks to Reynolds for the photo!

Boo! Three Live Ghosts (1929)

2010-10-30T18:39:00.002-05:00

Being Halloween, I thought it would be perfect to bring up Bob's first "starring" role in Three Ghosts. I'd love to tell you more, but it is the only Bob movie I have never seen - it's lost. For a quick plot overview, I'll run you over to IMDB. In the meantime, there is the 1936 version with Richard Arlen and Beryl Mercer, who was also in the 1929 version. Wonder if that's on DVD...

A Colorful Life

2010-10-22T16:25:00.003-05:00

Reynolds is my hero. She found me the only decent color photo of Bob that I own!

It looks like he's sporting a Ruptured Duck lapel pin, so if that's true, this would have been taken just after his Naval service. So, mid 40s-ish.

War Nurse (1939)

2010-10-20T18:40:00.003-05:00

I was pleasantly surprised to find this clip. War Nurse isn't exactly a film you see played on TV everyday:

What Happened to Your VHS Tapes?

2010-10-13T16:35:00.004-05:00

When I was in high school, I recorded old movies onto VHS like there was no tomorrow. Back then, AMC was AMC (you know what I mean) and TNT showed old movies in prime time (gasp). Ahh yes, I remember setting up the timer on the VHS player, adding five minutes at the beginning and an hour at the end, just so I wouldn't cut off the precious conclusion.

I just realized that I recorded ton of movies that are rarely played on TV now.

And I threw them all out.

I'm not quite sure I remember why I did that. Introduction of DVD? Broken player? Clunky & hard to store? That stupid tracking knob that would (or would not) remove the snow from the screen? Probably all of the above.

How about you? Did you keep your VHS tapes?

Grr....

Update: As I think more about this topic, I have keep all of my laser discs and know exactly where they are! There's a handful that haven't been released on DVD yet!

Random Photo (Postcard) Day

2010-10-03T13:22:00.001-05:00

Bob Names the Best

2010-09-20T16:56:00.001-05:00

I've seen the debate online a few times regarding which film Bob felt was his best or favorite. Well, in this Jan 7, 1955 New York Journal article, he names a few. Mr. Montgomery also notes his thoughts on best actor and actress.

See if you can spot the fact typo in this article. Clue: a Helen Hayes movie.

Thanks to Tracy for digging this up (a while ago, but not forgotten).

Bob's Coke Wagon (* Sigh *)

2010-09-16T16:50:00.004-05:00

Two loves: Bob & Coca-Cola. The only think that would make this photo better would be Ray Milland in the background holding a bowl of tortilla chips.

Interested? It's on ebay now. If you win, send me a scan, would ya?

34 and Holding

2010-09-05T18:01:00.002-05:00

Going through my junk this afternoon and found these stills. I never realized they were from the same photo shoot. The interesting part is how they're labeled:

Dated 1941.

Dated 1943 for Lady in the Dark with Ginger Rogers.

Danny & Olivia

2010-09-04T14:09:00.000-05:00

Another "Possessed" Bob Fan

2010-08-26T16:48:00.002-05:00

Lol, I'm a pusher - a pusher of Bob movies that is.

Check out Kelley's review of The Man in Possession on her blog, Confessions of a Film Addict.

Riptide now on DVD

2010-08-25T16:32:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, Warner Classics announced their new releases list and Riptide is one of them.

I love how the Warner site describes the story: Can an Insect Man and a Lady Sky Bug find happiness together?

Nope.

Yeah, it's that weird. Riptide has always had an odd vibe for me. I think it's the combination of the insect costume scene and Herbert Marshall.

Go out and support Warner Classics & Bob & buy a copy.

All Aboard

2010-08-15T16:21:00.002-05:00

Random photo for today. And please, watch your step.

More Ladies Meeting

2010-08-10T16:39:00.001-05:00

TCM likes to show both versions of When Ladies Meet (1933 vs. 1941) quite often. Which one's better? I have to vote for 1933 with Ann Harding.

Via Dr. Macro

Robert Montgomery on OTR

2010-08-02T11:08:00.003-05:00

I think I've finally found the most comprehensive list of Robert Montgomery appearances on radio, thanks to RadioGoldIndex.com. Count 'em, 71 programs!

Not too long ago I was flipping around XM Radio stations in my car and popped on XM Radio Classics. An episode of Suspense was ending and Bob's voice seemingly came out of nowhere as he added the show's end narration. Odd how you "tune" into things like that.

Welcome to August

2010-08-02T10:33:00.003-05:00

Thinking a bit cooler on this hot August day. A somewhat odd photo from Petticoat Fever.

See Mr. Milland's Style Selections for Summer

2010-07-26T09:21:00.003-05:00

I'm still on the old ad kick:

Larger ad

Randomness

2010-07-21T16:43:00.004-05:00

OK, why is it again that Ray movies are hardly on TV? Never mind, I think I know. Just venting.

Many thanks to Carrie for sending me a copy of I Wanted Wings. Believe it or not, it was missing from the collection!

And finally, anyone have a high-res version of the below image they can share? I think it's safe to say that's in my top 10 favorite classic photos.

Finest Beer I Ever Tasted!

2010-07-12T17:06:00.004-05:00

I've noticed that a couple of blogs I read have been posting advertisements with classic stars. I have to add my contribution to the mix:

From 1948. Too bad Relentless didn't have a plot similar to The Lost Weekend. There'd be an odd movie tie-in.

See the others at:

I'll have to do some more digging to see what I can find....

Yup

2010-07-10T18:10:00.002-05:00

Just settling in for John Dall nite here at the ranch. Something in the Wind, Gun Crazy and a beer or two thrown in for good measure.

I Should Watch More WIlliam Holden

2010-07-10T12:28:00.001-05:00

Popping out of the screen! The Bridges at Toko-Ri

Happy 4th!

2010-07-02T21:03:00.002-05:00

Yeah, a bit overboard on the theme, but I can't pass up classic color like this!

Let's Talk Hitchcock for a Moment

2010-07-01T16:34:00.008-05:00

I must have been living under a rock - just ran into my new favorite site: HitchcockWiki.com.

Tons of details and photo downloads. My favorite find so far . . . Know the movie?

Did I mention photos? Be sure to check out Mr. and Mrs Smith and your other favorites.

Related, I was driving home from work today and flipped to the Radio Classics channel on XM. I caught the tail end of a discussion of Ray Milland starring in a version of Strangers on a Train. From what I've dug up so far, it's dated 51-12-03 from the Lux Radio Theater. If you have a copy on MP3 and would like to share, please drop me a note! If I can get a copy, I'll post it on the blog as well for everyone.

UPDATE: Kelsey found a link to the MP3 of Milland's Strangers on a Train over at Calfkiller OTR. Thanks!

When Youngsters Attack

2010-06-28T19:18:00.000-05:00

MEETING THE PUBLIC...Because they are public figures and their private lives are only a small part of their existence, screen actors must always be prepared to Meet the Public, whether in the matter of giving autographs, making appearances or answering letters from their fans.

Here is a re-enactment of a rush for autographs from a star with Robert Young as the star. This is a scene for "Honolulu" with Young playing a star but such a manhandling of stars is not unusual, although not a regular thing. Both Joan Crawford and Rosemary Lane were jabbed close to their eyes by pencils in such a rush. Clark Gable once had fans start to top over a taxi-cab in which he was riding in New York and he was forced to hop out and sign autographs before be was allowed any peace. Robert Taylor couldn't get off a boat in Honolulu because of crowds and had to sail back home to escape a mob of fans.

When Lily Pons Came to Town

2010-06-19T08:56:00.000-05:00

Lily Pons, of grand opera fame, seems to have gone "up in the air" over move folk during her current Los Angeles visit. Here she is, seeing the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, assisted by those two good-looking young stars, Robert Montgomery and Ramon Novarro, whose guests she was at lunch.

Lily Pons, star of the Metropolitan opera, visits the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio on her visit to Hollywood and is greeted by Robert Montgomery, whose next picture is “Pig Boats.” Joan Crawford, who just returned from a trip to Europe, and Ramon Novarro, whose shaved head is part of his make-up for his role in “Son Daughter.”

Note: Pig Boats would become the film Hell Below.

More June For Your Bride

2010-06-16T16:25:00.001-05:00

Cake Boss

2010-06-12T09:27:00.003-05:00

Sure, they hated each other's guts, but they still made a hell of a power couple. Love this shot.

Ride The Pink Horse

2010-06-11T12:12:00.002-05:00

French Movie Poster

Bob Fans Rock

2010-06-08T18:40:00.004-05:00

The one thing I love about this blog is all the folks I get to meet who are fellow Bob fans. Check this out . . . thanks, Meri!

Thoughts on Daddy

2010-06-04T17:35:00.006-05:00

Thanks to Debbie & Laura for letting me know about these . . . excerpts from a 1991 interview with Elizabeth. Looks like they're from the Criterion Collection Laser Disc issue of Here Comes Mr. Jordan.

June TCM Bob Schedule

2010-06-01T16:29:00.004-05:00

Some lesser shown titles this month, which is a nice change of pace. If you can only watch one, make it Mr. X...it's the action/mystery you wish Bob made more of.

As always, check your local listings for exact times.

June 9
9 AM, Our Blushing Brides (1930)
Three roommates try to land rich husbands. Cast: Joan Crawford, Anita Page, Robert Montgomery. Dir: Harry Beaumont.

6 PM, June Bride (1948)
Two bickering reporters turn a small-town wedding into a battleground. Cast: Bette Davis, Robert Montgomery, Fay Bainter. Dir: Bretaigne Windust.

June 12
6 AM, Mystery Of Mr. X, The (1934)
A sophisticated jewel thief tries to prove himself innocent of a string of cop murders. Cast: Robert Montgomery, Elizabeth Allan, Lewis Stone. Dir: Edgar Selwyn.

June 27
6 AM, Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941)
A quarrelsome couple discovers their marriage isn't legal. Cast: Carole Lombard, Robert Montgomery, Gene Raymond.

June 29
7 AM, Forsaking All Others (1934)
A woman pursues the wrong man for almost twenty years. Cast: Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery. Dir: W.S. Van Dyke II.

Happy Birthday, Robert Montgomery

2010-05-21T00:01:00.001-05:00

If I could stuff cake through the internet, I would. You know, with gooey strawberry filling.

Don't forget about the mini marathon going on today. I picked out a few to DVR. What's everyone else watching off the list?

Times shown are Eastern:

6:30am Big House, The (1930)
8:00am Divorcee, The (1930)
9:30am Private Lives (1931)
11:00am Faithless (1932)
12:30pm Hide-Out (1934)
2:00pm Night Must Fall (1937)
4:00pm Last of Mrs. Cheyney, The (1937)
5:45pm Lady in the Lake (1947)

TCM in HD on AT&T

2010-05-17T16:33:00.001-05:00

I was flipping around the channels last night and ran into TCM HD for the first time. Although it sounds like the bulk of the movies, if not all, are upconverted to HD, the picture certainly is sharper. If you are an AT&T Uverse customer, be sure to check it out (added to the lineup May 10).

I've seen a handful of true HD classic films, all wide-screen Jimmy Stewart, on HDNet Movies. It'll be interesting to see how this progresses.

Life Movie Photos

2010-05-15T16:15:00.000-05:00

The Life magazine archive on Google is now starting to have film stills appear:

Download larger image

If you do any searching, so far the only way I've been able to locate the stills is by searching for "cin." A handful of photos are tagged to their appropriate movie, such as Flight Command and Johnny Eager.

Enjoy!

Architectural Digest - May 2010

2010-05-08T12:02:00.005-05:00

The May issue of AD includes Leading Ladies at Home, or as they describe it: "Beauty, talent and a sense of style—AD celebrates 10 silver screen legends memorably captured in the privacy of home." On quick glance, the online slideshow accompanying the article includes Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard, and more. A separate article on Ronald Reagan is also included.

I'm just wondering if this a modification of they're yearly Hollywood at Home issue or if that was in the April issue.