Can There Be Too Many Bobs? No Way.

ROBERT MONTGOMERY FINDS A DIRECTOR'S LIFE IS A BUSY ONE ..... After sixteen years as a motion picture actor, Robert Montgomery turns to directing in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Lady in the Lake"...... Here we find Montgomery in his new role of movie director.

Montgomery lunches in his portable dressing room on the set while Bob Pierce, electrician provides impromptu luncheon music.  The busy director-actor seldom left the set while the film was in production.  
 

Bob eating lunch with a crew member providing music background on the accordion ... wouldn't today's unions have a complaint about this!  I think it's a good guess that photographer Bob set up the shot.  Do note the mirrors in the photo.  On the left side you see Bob reflected in a full-length mirror.  There's also a shadowy figure in the reflection, maybe the photographer. 

Bob is also seen in the dressing table mirror, along with a gent catching the entertainment. 

Which brings us to the six photos stuck in the frame of the dressing mirror.  These three are clear enough to determine that all are "candids" taken of Bob on the set.  So, 6 small photos of Bob, 2 reflections of Bob, and one original Bob.  Good one, Mr. Montgomery. 

P.S.  June Bride is being shown on demand on TCM until December 19th. 

Bob in Color (Almost)

A nice photo, anyway. 

                    Bob and Irene in Unfinished Business (1941)

Robert Benchley & Our Robert at Home in NYC

Robert Benchley and Bob obviously having a good laugh together while enjoying a night at the Waldorf-Astoria in NYC.  The Waldorf is the kind of place both gentlemen could feel at ease while amongst the social elite.  Oh, that's right, they both are social elites.  The lady whose hand Bob is holding is Evelyn Wadsworth Symington, a member of both the social and political elites.  The Wadsworth men were New York businessmen and politicians, in the U.S. Senate, etc.  Stuart Symington was the son of wealth, becomes a very successful businessman and, at the urging of his father-in-law, runs for the U.S. Senate representing Missouri, serving from 1953 to 1976.  It's nice to be rich, so I've heard. 

Robert Benchley, humorist, (left) Robert Montgomery, film actor (right, standing) and Mrs. Stuart Symington (right, seated) as they attended the recent singing debut of Alice Marble at the Waldorf-Astoria.  12-3-1938, New York City

Bob, as you well know, was interested in politics and no doubt had hoped to become more than Eisenhower's media consultant.  But he was unable to cross that hurdle of being a movie star, politicians thinking themselves to be above such a lowly profession.  Ha.

I do have to say the photo shows Bob could make it as a politician ... shaking hands with his right and holding a beautiful rich lady's hand with his left.

And for you fellow trivia fans ... Alice Marble was a top tennis player, the kind that could attract elites to hear her sing at a supper club in the Waldorf.  I had not heard of her before, discovered she was quite the interesting person.  Look her up on Wikipedia for an entertaining read. 

Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving!

Psssst! Thanksgiving is Almost Here!!!

The holidays are such hectic times.  Too much to do and too many things to cause us to worry.  So easy to overlook the to-give-thanks part of Thanksgiving.  Sometimes it is simply easier to list all the negatives.  But, sometimes it can be surprisingly easy to run across what is good in your life.  Ta-da ... like this photo is for me.  It brought a huge smile to my face the first time I saw it.  Ah, yes, Frank Morgan at his befuddled-king-of-some-before-unknown-country best.  And, as a twofer, under all that ceremonial garb and huge mustache, the ever reliable Reginald Owen.  Just love it.  No need to hear the scene, you know those two are taking turns stealing it, while Ray Bolger is thinking, why am I even in this scene. 

       Ray Bolger, Frank Morgan and Reginald Owen in Rosalie (1937)

Watching old movies is like visiting old friends, for which I am ever grateful.  Since my youth I have kept the company of war heroes, tough private eyes, handsome lovers in tuxedos, and adventurers of all kinds.  Just all kinds of wonderful characters who make me smile, or cry, or simply feel good.  I have rarely been lonely.  Thanks, good friends.