I'm Sure She Enjoyed the Flub

It's Bob heading for a fencing lesson in preparation for his role as Crown Prince Florizel in Trouble for Two (1936).  He was no doubt thrilled to wear his complete fencing outfit.  The opportunity doesn't come up that often, even for Bob.  Besides being a nifty photo, the publicity department made a slight error in the description on the back.  'Tis a good one. 

            

Bob and Friends (?) Out On The Town

Other than all being in the movie business, I just do not see Bob, Keenan Wynn and Peter Lawford as having much in common.  And to spend an evening together at Mogambo's ... well, gee, maybe.  It couldn't be that they were all MGM contract players (including Marilyn Maxwell) ... oh, probably.  But it's an entertaining little feature anyway, even if there is a minor mistaken ID in the center photo.***

"A playfully provoked threesome at the Mocambo were Mrs. Keenan Wynn, Peter Lawford and Keenan, who thought it was about time he got a chance to dance with his wife---please.
 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Montgomery were also having a night out with blonde Marilyn Maxwell in their party.
 

Bob did some gag swapping later with comedian Keenan and Peter."
 

I like how Bob has both the women and the men breaking up.  A night at Mogambo's with Mr. Montgomery ... yeah, I could go for that. 

*** Yes, that is definitely not Betty.  I wonder who she was. 

Now That's a Kiss!

Definitely a man in possession ...

                                 Bob and lucky Irene Purcell

Hell by the Clock, by Lt Cmdr. H. Montgomery

In June, 1941, Robert Montgomery went on active duty with the U.S. Navy.  As in, we haven't even gone to war as yet, but our Bob has halted his very successful movie career to serve his country.  And he is 37 years old.  He will serve for four years.  How absolutely amazing that he would do so, to have such a deep sense of civic duty and commitment to his country.  His service stood out during a time when millions served their country.  I cannot think of a present day equivalent.  Practically one of a kind, when you think about it.  Thanks, Mr. Montgomery.

Bob saw action in the Pacific.  He wrote the following article about part of that service. 

Hoping Everyone is Warm & Cozy!

Oops!  Thanks to Debbie for checking in on me.  One of the few drawbacks of being retired, forgetting what day of the week it is! 

Check Out the Kerchief Hiding that Long Neck!

Three Live Ghosts (1929) is Bob's first film.  Yes, of course he had an uncredited role as a party attendee in The Single Standard, but dancing wildly in the background behind Garbo does not a movie actor make.  (Although he was quite the dancer!)  For a film that has been lost all these years, I am continuously amazed at the memorabilia available.  Photos, lobby cards and this movie summary from the British magazine "Picture Show" of April, 1930. 

Come to think of it, I really don't know when the movie disappeared.  It was remade in 1936, and I always assumed it was gone before then, perhaps after the first initial release.  It was an independent production, so who knows what kind of records were kept by the company.  What really causes me to wonder is the existence on IMDB of both a user review and five ratings.  I mean, how old are these people that they have seen this movie?  Just wondering....  Anyone know more than me, about this movie I mean ...

What the well dressed man should wear!

Robert Montgomery, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star dresses for the polo field, in white sweat shirt, white whipcord riding pants, helmet to match and tan boots.

Bob is obviously enjoying a photo shoot on his own turf, without the hot lights and makeup of the studio shoot.  

Nice Little Surprises Can Make My Day

Another treasure find, after buying a large lot of photos.  There are only two of them, about 4x5, very rare ads for The Big House (1930).  The first card has three scenes, the first three images shown below.  The 2nd card gets to the point of what they are selling, guns and violence.  You'll note that Bob isn't in any of the scenes.  Bob got fourth billing, but he has only a supporting role to Chester Morris and Wallace Beery. 

TCM is showing the movie tomorrow,  January 7th at 6:30 p.m.
EST.   I find it an enjoyable movie, worth a watch. 

Hey, the Man Could Ride a Horse, Too!

Happy Birthday to my favorite Welsh horseman, Ray Milland!  Ray was a championship rider in England, even serving as a member of the British Household Cavalry or guardsmen to the Royal Family.  If King George VI needed to be escorted in a parade by young, dashing horsemen in snazzy uniforms, Ray filled the role most amiably.

Below we find Ray in 1937, still pursuing his passion.  His saying he was going out for a ride had a slightly different meaning than if Bob or your weekend polo enthusiast had said it.  

But being a great horseman does not a western star make.  Ray made a few westerns in his later career, but no one seriously considered him as cowboy material, thank goodness.  I mean, he may look comfortable leaning on a horse, but that smooth voice with the slight whisper of a Welsh brogue ... just not an American cowboy.  No way. 

                            Ray Milland in California (1947)

By the way, TCM will be showing Night Must Fall this coming Sunday at 7:45 a.m. PST.  Not exactly a great viewing time, but ... 

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

from Classic Montgomery