Tuesday, December 29, 2009

At The Stork Club

The "autograph hound" comment is priceless...



THE LIEUTENANT STEPS OUT: Robert Montgomery, now a naval lieutenant in the Morale Division, is a New York night time visitor at the Stork Club, where he relaxed in light chatter with Tallulah Bankhead. Montgomery, who has learned that his naval uniform does not scare away autograph hounds, was one of the first top-notch movie stars to engage in World War II. He drove an ambulance during the Battle of France, and since then, has given up his career in favor of the American war effort. He is stationed in Washington, D.C.

Thanks to Renee for the photo.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Merry Christmas!

With wishes that your holiday is joyous!

Lady In the Lake

Film Noir of the Week has a good writeup on Lady In the Lake up this week.

It is a Christmas movie after all . . . sorta.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Trailer Park: Even Faster

Rounding up the rest of the "Fast..." movies:



Friday, December 11, 2009

Monday, December 07, 2009

Check It Out...

Some recent good stuff from around the Internet:

The Chester Morris Web
Another classic actor heard from on the web with this fun site on Chester. Photos, wallpaper, filmography - you name it, it's here.

Be sure you check out the Did You Know? section for tidbits like this: Chester Morris, who went for loud sweaters and occasionally hectic ties, got razzed by his friend Robert Montgomery about his tastes.

Tyrone Power Interview
Andre Soares interviews Tyrone Power researcher Maria Ciaccia in this fascinating, multi-post story on the actor.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

New to DVD: The Easiest Way

When it rains, it pours - just ran across this one after posting on Eye Witness. New to DVD December 1 via the Warner Archive Collection, it's 1931s The Easiest Way with Constance Bennett. Yeah, some guy named Clark Gable is in it, too.


Eye Witness Coming to DVD

Here's something I never thought I'd write: Robert Montgomery's Eye Witness is coming to DVD February 23 as part of VCI's Forgotten Noir: Volume 13. The DVD will also include 1952s Breakdown with Ann Richards. Shell out $14.99 at Amazon.com to pre-order.

My bootleg of a bootleg of Eye Witness (a.k.a. Your Witness) has iffy quality, so I'm hoping this issue is a notch above static in a snowstorm.


Friday, November 27, 2009

Talking it Over



Palm Springs, Calif. Muscling in on a new racket, nope you’re wrong. This time there’s no romantic attachment --- it’s just a picture of refreshing pause in the middle of a tennis match on the “Desert Inn” courts at Palm Springs, and shows Janet Gaynor and Robert Montgomery talking it over. 5-13-33.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a safe, and fun Thanksgiving (especially if you dare to go out on Black Friday)!

Via Flickr

Aw Nuts

Not like I was in the "neighborhood" and could stop by, but I just found out that Faithless was on the big screen over the weekend. The showing was part of an Irving Thalberg event at the Egyptian Theater in LA. Now that is what I really needed on my Hollywood visit...

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Trailer Park: The First Hundred Years

Today I embark on a new "feature" for the blog, affectionately referred to as the "Trailer Park." You can also call it filler for a lazy blog owner :) Anyhow, trailers are a bit of an art form in themselves and at times, seem to be easier to find than the actual movies they represent. So with that, on with the show:

Monday, November 16, 2009

No More . . . Filmclips

I was going to post a YouTube clip of one of my fav. scenes from No More Ladies. Alas, the copyright police beat me to it. Instead, use your imagination with some space-filling picspam:





Saturday, November 07, 2009

Good News of 1938

I don't believe I've posted this file before, so here it goes. Here is an episode of Good News of 1938, from March 24, 1938. The episode includes a skit with Robert Montgomery and Rita Johnson. The couple is out of work and out of cash. Enter a pair of stilts a chicken costume and, well, I'll let you listen.

14 MB MP3 - 62 Minutes

Monday, November 02, 2009

Hollywood Pics: Part Three

Part three and the end - I'm running out of interesting photos! The famous Hollywood stars didn't do anything for me. Maybe it was the volume of them, who knows. All this and I never got the chance to find Robert Montgomery's two stars. If you have pics, do share!





Tuesday, October 27, 2009

I Stepped On Ray Milland...

...aka Hollywood Pics: Part Two


















Thursday, October 22, 2009

Hollywood Pics: Part One


Just off of Hollywood Blvd., Above the door it notes "Max Factor"


Hooray for...it's the sign in the fog, way in the distance...


Great architecture on a building I don't know the name

Update: We've got an ID thanks to la peregrina! It's the Pacific-Southwest Trust and Savings building, now known as the Hollywood First National Bank


Coming next, Grauman's

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Hollywood in My Mind

There's a scene in Free and Easy where Buster Keaton's character drops off Ma and Elvira at Grauman's Chinese Theater, then proceeds to find a parking spot. Passing multiple lots that are already full, he settles for a roadside spot - in the country - next to a cow. I'm glad to say our trip to Grauman's had easier parking ($10), but was somewhat disappointing. I think it's because I have an imaginary image of Hollywood in my mind.

Let me back up a bit. Last week I had my first opportunity to visit Hollywood and Grauman's Chinese Theater. The latter has been on my list for a long time. And following Murphy's Law, this was the day LA was experiencing a ton of rain last week.

Grauman's itself is still impressive. All the prints in concrete are still there, although Cary Grant seems to be sinking. My feet seemed to be bigger than everyone's, except Donald Duck.

What disappointed me was Hollywood Blvd., the road that Grauman's graces. It's basically a tourist trap these days. Total nobodies we're standing on the public sidewalk in front of Grauman's in various superhero costumes, rotating hourly. I had to laugh when I heard the disclaimer over the PA at Grauman's: "...characters are not affiliated with the theater." I went into the McDonalds across the street for a bite (yes, not very classic Hollywood of me) and a seedy Captain America showed up for his lunch as well. At least the McDonalds had some taste: giant photos of classic and current stars, some being Hurrell photos. On one corner, a giant gift shop hocking cheap t-shirts and postcards with half naked women on the beach. On a side street, an old Max Factor building, in pink, now home to a Hollywood museum. Further down, a wax museum and Ripley's Believe it or Not. And then there was the constant bothering by folks to go on a "Homes of the Stars" tour. Bug off.

Did I mention the three-story mall next to Grauman's, which also doubles as a front for the Kodak Theatre?

There was one point where I was walking down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, noticed Irving Thalberg's star at my feet, then heard someone screaming the F word repeatedly. This wasn't the image of Hollywood in my mind.

Sure, I understand how things change with time. Luckily, the classic architecture still remaining on various buildings didn't disappoint. The good ol' Hollywood sign is still up as well.

Oh well, one more thing off of the "to do" list. Photos to come!

Thursday, October 08, 2009

What's Old is Made New Again

I was just reading over on 50 Years Too Late about a planned mini-series remake of Mildred Pierce for television.

Ugh.

I think what turned me off was the mention of television. Oh, wait, HBO - ok better, but I don't have that channel.

I keep crabbing to friends how today's movies, well, suck. I don't like going out to movies like normal people. I cringe at the too cold or too hot atmosphere, being arm to arm with hundreds of strangers, and paying $13 for a lame movie. Yet a glimmer of hope always appears in the back of my mind when I hear about remakes or stories based in the 30s or 40s. Remakes are typically terrible, but maybe what appeals to me is the connection you can make with the old.

So, back to Mildred Pierce, which holds a firm slot in my DVD collection. Perhaps we'll all be able to see Mildred really clobber her daughter. That would be worth the watch.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

TCM Bob Schedule for October

Nice to see Faithless in the rotation - that one hasn't been on in quite a while, and it does come recommended from me! Remember, times listed below are eastern. Check your local listings, blah, blah.

Tuesday, October 6
8 a.m. Three Loves Has Nancy (1938)
A country girl follows the man who jilted her to the big city, where she finds two new suitors. Cast: Janet Gaynor, Robert Montgomery, Franchot Tone. Dir: Richard Thorpe.

Wednesday, October 7
4 p.m. Night Must Fall (1937)
A charming young man worms his way into a wealthy woman's household, then reveals a deadly secret. Cast: Robert Montgomery, Rosalind Russell, Dame May Whitty. Dir: Richard Thorpe.

Monday, October 12
5:30 a.m. Three Loves Has Nancy (1938)
A country girl follows the man who jilted her to the big city, where she finds two new suitors. Cast: Janet Gaynor, Robert Montgomery, Franchot Tone. Dir: Richard Thorpe.

Thursday, October 29
8 p.m. Faithless (1932)
A spoiled rich girl is wiped out by the Depression. Cast: Tallulah Bankhead, Robert Montgomery, Hugh Herbert. Dir: Harry Beaumont.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

A Movie and a Cocktail

A somewhat bittersweet posting: Today in 1981, Robert Montgomery passed away. I'm not going to go overly fangirly here and blubber on - not my style. Instead, go take a few minutes out of your day, pop in a DVD, & watch your favorite Bob movie. I'd like to think that after all these years, he'd appreciate having not being forgotten to movie history.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Haunted Honeymoon

Sorry for the recent lulls - I just moved to a new home. In the meantime, til I get back up to speed, a little eye candy for the blog:


Friday, September 11, 2009

Photo Friday: Piccadilly Jim


Larger image (I hope this isn't a repeat...)

Monday, August 24, 2009

Name that Roz

Quiz time: Name the film and/or the character Rosalind Russell is playing in the below Clarence S. Bull photo below. Bob movie? Could be . . . or not.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Birthday Wishes

Hey kids, ya'll forgot to remind me August 5 was Robert Taylor's birthday! Remember . . . I do those quirky "old movie star" birthday postings since I have no life (lol). I fall behind blogging and see what happens, belated birthday wishes :)


What a Magnificent Obsession . . .

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Hitting the Mainstream?

Imagine to my surprise a bunch of George Hurrell prints of Robert Montgomery appearing on the artwork/poster online stores. Better yet, a bunch I've never seen.

I can't vouch for the quality, but they're certainly reasonable in the $30-40 range for an 18x24 & 12x16 (comparing to Hurrell prints in general). It appears that the same prints are available on AllPosters.com, Art.com, and Amazon.com (via Art.com) which is the cheapest at $29.99.

Here's a few of my favorites - more appear at the above Web sites, go check em' out.


1937 - Hmm . . . Favorite?


1930s


1937


1937


The Earl of Chicago - 1940


The Earl of Chicago - 1940 - Now if only I had a dorm room, this would be the one

You're Not Watching, Why?

Sunday. . . be there - or at least DVR it!


Monday, August 10, 2009

North By Northwest By Four

Back in June, I visited Mt. Rushmore for the first time. Sadly, I didn't see Cary Grant itching Roosevelt's nose or anything exciting like that. I'm convinced if he did do the "North By Northwest" thing, he would have been arrested. The suit would still look perfect, but don't screw with National Park Rangers.

Which leads me into my actual blog topic: A Blu-Ray release of NxNW (via DigitalBits):

Warners has also announced the release of a 50th anniversary edition of North By Northwest on November 3rd. A DVD SE version and a Blu-ray edition will both be made available. For these releases, the 1959 Hitchcock classic has been newly mastered in 1080p from the original VistaVision elements by virtue of an 8K resolution scan. Two new documentaries supplement the extras carried over from the previous DVD release.

Let's see, I purchased NxNW on VHS, the first DVD issue, the DVD box set, now this? I am such a sucker.


Friday, August 07, 2009

#$%&

I've had to blow away the ClassicMontgomery.com site. Apparently some computer miscreants we're able to do some bad business there.

The blog will remain, but the site will most likely stay offline for a while.

Isn't online wonderful?

Sunday, July 19, 2009

I'm Your Biggest Fan

So, do celebrities write each other fanmail and answer each other with signed photos?


To Norma Shearer -- With all the admiration in the world for a great actress.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Apollo 11

Forty years ago today, Apollo 11 started its journey to put the first man on the moon. Take a few minutes this week to check out some of the articles and sites about the historic mission. One of my favorite stops, WeChooseTheMoon.com, for real-time updates on the mission. And click on over to a great article by John Noble Wilford over on NYTimes.com.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Letty Lynton 2009

I was just reading a Kitty Packard Pictorial story about August's Vanity Fair: A theme of modern stars in scenes from 1930s films.

This one struck me as interesting: Mila Kunis as Letty Lynton.



If my memory serves me correct, she was on That 70s Show. As Joan Crawford? Enh.

Do I even want to know this? . . . Who would Vanity Fair pick to be Jerry Darrow, aka Robert Montgomery?

Friday, July 10, 2009

A Real Hero

Kudos to the National Aviation Hall of Fame for selecting Jimmy Stewart as a 2009 National Aviation Hall of Fame enshrinee. BGen. Stewart will be honored at their annual ceremony on July 18 in Dayton, OH.


Thursday, July 09, 2009

BXM 514

Sure, that Chevrolet Corvette may be appealing as your next 'family' car, but perhaps you should consider owning a 1935 Bentley. Why a Bentley 3 1/2 Litre Vanden Plas Tourer you say? Bob owned one, and recently, his same car was on the sale market. More:

A two-door Vanden Plas-bodied tourer, the car was designated the registration number BXM 514 and delivered to Montgomery's London home in May by Jack Barclay Ltd, and later shipped over to the USA in September.

It was subject to an extensive restoration in 2000, and since that time has resided in the prestigious Keeler Collection, where it has been maintained to a scrupulous standard. Presented with original engine and bodywork, this represents a superb opportunity to acquire an extremely good quality car as well as a piece of vintage Bentley history.

I guess I'll have to settle for the Corvette - this one's been sold.

h/t: Tracy, CM Staff Researcher

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Speaking of Fan Letters...



Robert Montgomery, juvenile player who has forged ahead and developed a tremendous fan following, with his work in "The Divorcee" and "The Big House," is said to receive toe largest volume of mail at the M-G-M studio. Some of it comes wrapped up on stocks, such as the letter Montgomery is now trying to decipher from Persia.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Still Around, But It's (Finally) Summertime

Summer has finally arrived in this neck of the woods. As a result, blogging will slow down in order detach myself from the computer and enjoy the warmth.

Watch for tidbits here & there, such as this from The Modern Screen, January 1931. You know you want to write a letter...


Tuesday, June 09, 2009

So Much Better Than Mickey...

Donald Duck. On this date in history back in 1934, he made his film debut in The Wise Little Hen. Congratulations, Donald...you rock!

Friday, June 05, 2009

The Campus Vamp

Here's your "mystery" for the week - which isn't really a mystery, but more of a "Where's Waldo" type search. Carole Lombard stars in this early color short from 1928, but what other favorite actor from this blog (minus Montgomery) appears as well?

Thanks to Maria for forwarding on!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

"Put on some weight and get more sex"

And now that I have your attention, Movie Morlocks has a great post from Moira Finnie on Robert Young. Read the article . . . you'll get where today's headline came from.

I just want to give a shout out to everyone for their comments on the Bob birthday & TCM marathon posts. Cliff Aliperti asked if I would have substituted anything for the marathon. I would have added Ride the Pink Horse, Another Language, and the film short Starlit Days at the Lido - I can't get over Bob in 1935 color. I ended up recording (and watching) Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Hide-Out, and The First Hundred Years for the umpteenth time. That's fine, I'm ok with that.

Useless history: On this date in 1954, Dial M For Murder opened at the Paramount Theater in NYC. Are you for good or evil Ray Milland?

And finally, I neglected to post on May 26 for the birthday for another of my favorites: John Dall. And no, I really don't think he looks like Ben Affleck - unless you squint at the right angle for a long, long time.


Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day

A humble Thank You to all who have served.


Memorial Day 1942 (via Shorpy)

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Happy Birthday, Bob



William Faversham, one of the old stage evergreens, told Robert Montgomery he should be tending a gas station, anything but acting. Now more people flock to the cinema to see Bob than ever heard of Mr. Faversham or read his old pal, Mr. Shakespeare.

- Photoplay, August 1931

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Is Your DVR Warmed Up?

May 21 is Robert Montgomery's birthday and mini marathon on TCM. Don't forget to check out the schedule and record one or two (or three...).

Stop over here once you've watched a few & share your thoughts on what you liked & didn't like!