TCM will be showing The Divorcee this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. EST/6:00 a.m. PST. The movie would have been improved significantly if they had given Bob more screen time. Mrs. Thalberg may have gotten an Oscar for her performance, but Norma's particular style of overacting can be a tad unnerving. Yet, I admire her for succeeding in an extremely tough profession. Besides, one has to be thankful to her for her role in helping to boost Mr. Montgomery's early career. Thank you, Ms. Shearer.
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I thought I read somewhere (in a book about someone else because so little has been written directly about Bob), that he might have been a bit of a boy toy for Norma (or at least that she was more than a little interested in him). She had a lot of power in those days and it certainly would explain all the boosts she gave to his career. Can't say that I blame her if it's true. Such a beautiful young man!
Boy Toy is such an endearing term. And, yes, it might just fit our young Mr. Montgomery. I'm sure Norma, among others (Joan and Bette, for sure) had the pick of the lot during their reigns. Gee, just like the men. I'm sure they would all have a good laugh to hear about the #Me Too goings-on.
Uhh...Not exactly the same thing. I doubt that tiny little Norma could physically force six foot tall Bob to do anyting.
(I do need to check prior posts for comments more often!) Norma had true power over people, the ability to make or ruin a person's livelihood. She and a select few women did not need physical prowess in their "workplace" to force people to do whatever they desired. To hear someone as powerful as Meryl Streep say she was "shocked" (think Claude Rains in Casablanca!) to hear about Harvey, that is a subject of dark humor. Meanwhile, Norma vs a young, very ambitious Bob...Norma by a knockout.
You missed my point. I said she could not "physically" force Bob. Coercing someone to do your will with your power over their career is one thing. Physical rape is a another, no matter what the circumstances.
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