Tuesday, June 12, 2012

1949, An Uncomfortable Year for "The Boys"

Ray Milland, 44, starred in "It Happens Every Spring" with Jean Peters who was 22, a 22-year difference.  Bob Montgomery was 44 and co-star Ann Blyth was 20 when they filmed  "Once More, My Darling," a 24-year difference.  My vote for the most uncomfortable lead is Robert Taylor, who was 37 when he starred in "Conspirator" with Elizabeth Taylor.  Liz was still 16 when filming began ... ouch!


6 comments:

Debbie said...

The casting might have been akward but I still like this film. It was almost as if Bob was poking fun at himself. So many references to him being a "beautiful" man (of course he was). I have a bad copy of this movie. I wish if Warners owns the rights to this one they would release it on DVD. Of course, Take care of Letty first. LOL

Kathy said...

Yeah, he was having fun. Party Guest: "I saw one of your movies." Bob: "Oh, how was I?" Party Guest: "Tall. Very tall."

And, yes, Letty first...followed by Hide-Out, Once More, and all the others not yet on DVD.

Laura said...

This is one of my favorite Montgomery films, I love the sense of humor, such as the "Very tall" line quoted above. Jane Cowl is marvelous as his mother. Blyth is a bit too manic, but otherwise there's much to like in this one. :)

Best wishes,
Laura

Kathy said...

And, Collie fondly remembering his tour overseas, "...those delightfully Free French girls, and some who weren't."

Paul at Lasso The Movies said...

I haven't ever seen this movie, but the age difference certainly seems terrifying to me.

Kathy said...

Paul, before you write it off completely...the male lead being considerably older than their co-star is an honored Hollywood tradition. Cary Grant was 25 years older than Hepburn in Charade and 27 years older than Leslie Caron in Father Goose. Gable 25 yrs older than Monroe in The Misfits. Bogart 29 yrs older than Hepburn in Sabrina. And on and on. Besides, in "Once More..." it's Ann, "The Killer", who chases after Bob and the closest they come to physical contact is a kiss by Ann on Bob's cheek. It's a safe movie, really. Now, Bob bringing the 8 yr-old boy to his studio in "Live, Love and Learn," that IS an almost scary moment!