Four ill-at-ease gents looking forward to the departure of the photographer..... Doubt they had much to say to each other, particularly not for publication. Bob has spent the prior four years in the service, and for most of 1939 through 1941 was in England or making films at other studios. Yeah, it had to feel strange to him.
I just love photos like this, full of interesting people. And why are they gathered for this photo? Seemingly to honor the seated elderly gent, a Mr. Daniel Frohman. It appears Frohman was one of the theatrical Frohman brothers who were immensely powerful in the theater world in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Charles, who was the brother in charge, died in 1915 in the sinking of the Lusitania and his syndicate was broken by the Shubert brothers within a year. Brother Daniel was not left destitute. The Frohmans had set up a new company in 1912, along with Adolph Zukor, they named Famous Players Co., which would later become Paramount. Daniel became managing director and Mary Pickford starred in their first production. Twenty-four years later, Pickford invites a few of her closer friends over to Pickfair to honor her former boss. And they're all so happy to be there...
I do not think the people responsible for this The Earl of Chicago (1940) herald were given much information about the film. Shapely female legs are always a good pitch point, but ...
It would be difficult to describe the movie in such a limited venue. But, hey, the centerfold is quite colorful. Wish the movie had been as well.
And then there's the usual hyperbole, just great.
I dare say, morning suits and tuxedos are wonderful articles of apparel for men to wear. They do wonders for most men. Our Mr. Montgomery in a tux ... to die for. Even a fully attired Walter Huston makes for a dashing gent. I have always been a tad envious, not having a similar item in my wardrobe.
Just as Mr. Huston's portrait illustrates the character he is playing, this portrait of Glenn Strange (yes, of Gunsmoke fame) quite simply states who he is in the movie ... the bad guy!
It took me some time to be able to visualize Reginald Owen outside of one of his many character roles. The man played such a wide range of roles, from Bob's brother to Ebenezer Scrooge. Below he is Mr. Foley, "the kindly neighborhood grocer" in The Miniver Story (1950).
Bob quenches his thirst on an outdoor set for Night Must Fall (1937). I like the water dispenser, but maybe they could have put it on a higher shelf, for the ladies at least. Perhaps a glass of water would have been delivered to them. To think that a modern day star would have to stoop to such a menial task!
Ah, the things actors do for publicity... I'm guessing Bob wanted bragging rights amongst his drinking buddies. It's not that often one gets to spar with the World Heavyweight Champion. The rather large gent is Primero Carnera, who had just won the championship in June. The photo was taken July 19, 1933 in NYC. Bob was in town for the release of Another Language (1933) on July 28th. Starting August 4th, Bob did the opening stage act for the movie along with Irene Purcell. They performed a scene from Private Lives (1931). That had to be fun for them, definitely fun to watch.
Nifty front cover of the Sept. 16, 1933 issue of Film Pictorial. And check out the article that is mentioned: "Why Women Love Herbert Marshall." I need to read that, because I never saw Marshall as a babe magnet. A nice guy, fine actor, but ...
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