Hot Screen Lovers, 1932 Version

How not to disagree.  British magazine "Picturegoer" published a supplemental with full page photos of 1932's noted screen lovers, and placed a photo of Bob and Joan Crawford from Letty Lynton on its cover.  Yes, yes.  Bob and Joan were the hot couple for the year. 

James Cagney and Joan Blondell are featured.  I love both, but I view them as a "good friends" couple, as they were off screen as well.

I don't feel any heat coming off this couple, either.   Understandable, since Norma Shearer has the hots for Fredric March in the movie Smilin' Through, not Leslie Howard.   Need to check out that movie again.

Lucky Kay Francis ... jewels AND Bill Powell.  For myself, jewels would not be necessary.

Now this is hot. Sizzling.  Joel McCrea and Fay Wray in The Most Dangerous Game.  Get this couple a bucket of ice water!

Jack Oakie was an excellent comedic actor, master of the "triple take".  Before his weight gain, he had serious roles as well.  Bit of a handsome dude at this stage.  But, all the same, it is difficult to see him and Miriam Hopkins as hot lovers. 

1932.  Handsome men and sexy ladies.  And it was all pre-code.  Hot. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

From Guest Blogger Debbie: 

He was the dear friend of Myrna Loy and Ronald Coleman, the love of Jean Harlow’s life, and the husband of Diana Lewis for 44 years, from 1940 until his death in 1984.  He remained on friendly terms with both of his ex-wives, Eileen Wilson and Carole Lombard, (that in itself is quite a feat!).  So, who is this marvel you might ask?  Why it’s today’s birthday boy, William Powell.  Born July 29, 1892.

Hollywood can be a tough place.  It’s rare to find an actor who was described by his peers in only the best terms.   Such a man was William Powell.  He has been called charming, sophisticated, funny, and always a true gentleman   It would appear Mr. Powell was truly a wonderful man.

Bill’s career started in silent films, but true fame came later with the Philo Vance films and ultimately with the Thin Man films he made with Loy.  Who doesn’t love Nick and Nora Charles? 

So, thank you Mr. Powell for the many wonderful movies you left us and once again, Happy Birthday!

Beautiful, Blue-Eyed and Tanned Bob

Before the prevalence of air-conditioning, filming at the studios came essentially to a halt in August.  That gave the actors, particularly the young and much overworked Mr. Montgomery, a much needed break and chance to pursue preferred summer activities.  Bob was rather a competitive zealot in a number of sports (polo, tennis, golf, boating) which meant spending many hours outdoors.

War Nurse (1930) was the first film made after his summer break in 1930.  This publicity shot, with June Walker, must have been the very first activity on the production schedule.  Just check out that gorgeous tan, the way it sets off his blue eyes.  Unfortunately, it fades away quickly once he returns to his usual long days shut up on indoor stages.

And not one color photo of of the young man ... 'tis a shame.

                      Bob and June Walker in War Nurse (1930)

"The-Man-They-Fall-In-Love-With"

Just a couple Bob mentions from the December, 1932 issue of "Modern Screen".  I like the reviewer's wrap up of most of Bob's roles up to this time. 

And an interesting presentation of one of the magazine's monthly portraits of the stars.  The line at the bottom reads:  We honor Robert Montgomery for his excellent work, despite an appendix operation, in "Faithless".  It would be remiss of one not to mention that most of the scenes he completed after his operation, involved being sick and in bed.  There probably wasn't much acting going on.

Who the Heck Are These People?

One of the very few positive results of newspapers dying out, is having their photo archives made available to the public.  You will see a number of photos of Bob with President Eisenhower and at political events, plus the occasional celebrity out-and-about type of photo.  Unfortunately, not all those photos have much information re the subject.  Of the photo below, I know Bob and Buffy are pictured and the date stamp on the back is for 8-15-1952.  As to where they are or who the other two people are, one can only guess. 

It would make sense that they are shown arriving in NYC, their primary residence in 1952.  They seem to be overly dressed for a New York summer, but they may have departed from a colder part of the world (doesn't exactly narrow the field much), thus Bob and Buffy would have their heavy coats with them.  Well, I'm sure Buffy would have wanted to keep a close eye on her mink anyway! 

There is the possibility that the young lady is Buffy's daughter, just do not know much about Anne except that she would be in that age category.  The man ... just do not have a clue.  Ann does not marry until 1955 and I doubt Buffy would allow her to travel with a male companion.  Besides, he's walking a step or two behind the others.  Maybe he's the family accountant meeting them at the airport with a financial update.

Did you notice the long white strips primarily running down the airplane's tail?  Those are caused by dimpling in the photo.  Moisture is no friend of the photograph.  They show up this way when the photo is scanned, which is how I keep track of my photos.  The white lines do not show up when the photo is photographed instead.  Most vendors on eBay photograph their photos for sale, makes for a much "nicer" copy.  Just something to keep in mind when purchasing photos from online.  A good vendor will point out  problems like this.  There are always those bothersome exceptions - like the outfit that sold me this photo!!!!  

Thinking of Summering in Labrador

The average annual temperatures in Makkovik, Labrador:  High 37 and Low 22.  I'm booking a flight tomorrow. 

Meanwhile, at the MGM studios in Los Angeles in 1936, the temperature under the massive lights of the set is soaring.  And Bob and Myrna are dressed like Labradorian natives, drowning in sweat no doubt.  Check out Bob's hair in the photos below.  In all that heat, his hair is a match for his fur collar. 

The photo is a publicity shot for Petticoat Fever (1936), with Bob in the lead role of Dascom Dinsmore.  Fun movie.  Great stage name. 

At Least I Made it to July Before "B-------" About the Weather!

Yes, this is a repeat photo.  BUT....I get headaches when the temperature exceeds 103.  Have had a doozy today.  The weather report has Bakersfield in the 100s at least the next 10 days.  Ugly.

Still haven't figured out how he made that splash.  It is somewhat similar to the waves I set off when I launch my Poolmaster chaise lounge, but I would rather not share that photo ...
 

The More Correct Name for a Tux ... the Bob!

                                  Bob in a tux ... perfection.

A Belated (July 1st) Happy Birthday to Madge!

 Madge Evans made five movies with Bob, they were simply a great couple up there on the big screen.  Lovers Courageous (1932) was their first movie, which appears to have produced the most stills of the two as the young lovers.  Clarence S. Bull took the photos.  He did a great job, but, then, he did have two great subjects with which to work. 

Just love this one, the way Madge (Mary) is holding Bob (Willie) and looking adoringly into his eyes.  Sigh.  Lucky lady! 

Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!!!