Bob Montgomery, Radio News Commentator!

In September, 1949, while in England finishing up Eye Witness, Bob signed on with ABC radio for a weekly news commentary show.  Broadcasting from England until the movie wrapped, Bob returned to the States that winter and signed on with NBC TV as an executive producer, premiering his Robert Montgomery Presents show in January, 1950.  Even with the big NBC contract, Bob renewed his radio show in August, 1950.   I guess the $5,000 per broadcast was pretty good pocket change for Mr. Montgomery!   The article below appeared in the June, 1950 issue of Radio and Television Best. 

A Little This 'N That

Derby Day at the races brought out the film colony en masse.  Bob Montgomery and Jimmie Stewart exchanged tips at the Turf Club; Jimmie Picked two winners.  (What makes me think they were talking movie projects instead.) 

That Smile Won Over a Few Ladies, I'm Sure

The lucky lady in the center of the photo is Broadway actress Grace George who has come to Hollywood to appear in Cagney's production, Johnny Come Lately (1943).  Meanwhile, Lt. Commander Henry Montgomery, Jr., home on sick leave, has come to the movie set to visit with old friend Jim and reintroduce himself to Ms. George.  Bob was in several of Ms. Grace's Broadway productions in the 1920s, before he went to Hollywood.  She looks bemused, perhaps having a difficult time accepting that the hyper young man she knew could have developed into such an elegantly charming Naval officer, and a real one at that.  

    James Cagney, Grace George & Lt. Cmdr. Montgomery, April, 1943

A Day with Bob and a few of his Friends

The Gallant Hours (1960) "world" premiere was tied in with the U.S. Navy's celebration of National Armed Forces Week, a gala event held in Washington, D.C., May, 1960.  It's always nice to have friends in high places, right Capt. Montgomery?!

This brochure covers the event.  It was sent to film distributors and local theaters, trying to sell them on pushing the movie with a naval theme, letting them know local navy personnel would be available to assist them.  It is a four-page, approx. 9"x12" pamphlet.  Haven't really seen anything else like it but, then, my knowledge of movies pretty much comes to a screaming halt about 1950 ...

Since they were in town anyway, Jim Cagney and Bob drop by The White House for a 'meet-and-greet' with Vice President Nixon.  Officially, Halsey's son has presented Nixon with an Admiral's hat. Yeah, once again, it's always nice to know people in high places, right Presidential Aide Mr. Montgomery?!

In the photo below, note Bob is wearing his Captain's dress uniform, with a nice row of ribboned medals.  It appears Admiral Halsey earned a few more.  I am 95% sure that is Dave Garroway on the far right.  He was at the gala, but it is not the clearest image.  Unfortunately, the same goes for Bob. 

Above, note the activities lined up for Bob and Jim to promote the movie.  You know, as a youth I just loved Jack Paar.  Interesting guy.  But Bob and Paar on the same set ... hmmm.  Different souls.

And one of the great posters for The Gallant Hours.  Mr. Cagney was very believable as Halsey.  Looked great in the uniform! 

The Man Dressed Just So Nicely

Is that a scowl on Bob's face?  His hands are clenched ... in anger?  Drats.  I don't remember the scene with Helen Hayes in Another Language.  Now I will have to check out the movie for it.   Such a penance ... having to watch a Bob movie. 

                Bob and Helen Hayes in Another Language (1933)

You've Got to be Kidding Me ...

Sorry, I just do not see Walter Pidgeon as Austrian officer (and baritone) Franz von Remner in a 1930 Oscar Hammerstein musical titled Viennese Nights.  I know he was a singer before the movies, but ...

                       Walter Pidgeon in Viennese Nights (1930)

Dick Powell is a gentleman I first knew as a successful TV/movie producer, but he was extremely likeable as the young singer in 1930s Warner Bros. musicals.  And he had a delightful tenor voice!  It's knowing of his struggle to advance his career from juveniles to dramatic leads, that makes this photo seem uncomfortable for Mr. Powell.  For me, it's the leaves on the helmet that takes it over the top.  (Olivia is still with us, a young 103!  Strong women rule!)

    Dick & Olivia de Havilland in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935)

Charles Boyer, the ultimate French lover of the 1930s, is cast as a conniving Japanese diplomat in Hara Kiri.  What more needs to be said ...

                  Listed as Thunder in the East (1935) on IMDB.

Just too Nice for Words

            Bob and Joan in Letty Lynton (1932), photo by Hurrell.

One Handsome Lord of the Manor

25 Cents for an 8x10...Ah, those were the Days

So, Miss Foy of Fargo ND writes a letter to Rosalind Russell and asks for a photograph of her favorite star.  MGM sends her a postcard advising she needs to send money for a photo.  On the other side of the card is a photo of Roz and Bob in Night Must Fall.  So, Miss Foy got a photo of Roz for free!  Good move, Miss Foy.