Thursday, January 05, 2017

Belated Happy Birthday, Marion Davies!

Marion Cecelia Douras was born January 3, 1987, in Brooklyn, NY.  A star in her own right, she is, unfortunately, primarily remembered as the mistress of William Randolph Hearst.  

Bob and Marion's first movie was Blondie of the Follies (1932)Bob and Marion were, respectively, 28 and 35 at the time.  So, Bob was at his prime, while Marion was already past her peak, way old for female stars of the time.  But, she carries it off in Blondie, while holding her own in gorgeously photographed publicity stills. 

             Bob and Marion Davies in Blondie of the Follies (1932)

Only five years later, Marion and Bob co-star in Ever Since Eve (1937).  It is the last movie for Marion who is now 40 and showing her age.  Bob turned 33 during filming.  He has left his gorgeous stage, adding a few pounds and losing some hair....but, still handsome.

                       Marion and Bob in Ever Since Eve (1937)  

How frustrating it must have been for actors of this period, the skills and knowledge of their trade improving while their appearances declined.  These days, those double chins, age lines and thicker waists are taken care of in the editing room, extending the career of many a middle-aged star.  

2 comments:

Debbie said...

OK, I beg to differ with you about Bob's gorgeous stage. Since I first fell in love with Bob while watching "Night Must Fall", and since that film was also from 1937, I happen to believe he only got better looking as he aged. Granted, the war and it's stresses took its toll on all the stars who fought in it, but from very early Bob right up to "Mr. & Mrs Smith" Bob, the man was GORGEOUS!!!!! :)

Kathy said...

LOL ... I thought I might get some flack on this one! Perhaps I should have said Bob had entered another stage of his "gorgeousness!" Hey, you stop at 1941...I'd extend that to 1945...but, then, I might just have a thing for Bob in uniform! And, lets not forget the handsome/elegant stage of Bob in the 1950s. I feel another post coming on for next week! Anyway, he was a gorgeous man indeed.