Abbott's Sister Lived to be 102 ... Great Genes

 A couple of excellent portraits that aren't of Robert Montgomery!! ... or Ray Milland, or William Powell.  But interesting faces, hair (or lack thereof) and even an autograph.  

George Abbott was born June 25, 1887, and died January 31, 1995, at the age of 107!  He was a theater producer, director, playwright, screenwriter, and film director and producer, a career spanning eight decades.  The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and many, many more shows.  Do check out his Wiki biography, his personal life was interesting as well.  

Nelson Eddy only lived to be 65.  And he did only one thing well, singing.  And he had a great head of hair, along with an impressive profile.  Nifty portrait.  

And just what did Betty do while Bob was out with the boys?

 Apologize for the small photo.  It is from a newspaper and not all that clear so blowing up portions of it doesn't help any.  Anyway, one can still tell that it's our Bob and friends at a polo game.  Bob is all decked out in his polo attire, including white helmet and long camel coat.  Guinn "Big Boy" Williams is the other polo player.  He was quite the enthusiast owning as many as 125 polo ponies. (Bob had five ... and I thought that was a lot!)  

The lady is Constance Bennett.  The newspaper is dated March 9, 1932, so Bob and she knew each other from filming The Easiest Way (1931).  Bennett enjoyed sports betting, she's probably trying to get tips from Guinn and Bob to help with her bet on the game.  The gent next to Bob is Connie's current (her third) husband, Henri de la Falaise, Marquis de la Coudraye.  Connie had the wealth, and "Hank" was a French WWI hero, and would be one again in WWII.  We all bring our best attributes to a marriage.  

(Late with the blog post once again!  My apologies.)

Oh, Heck ... They're All Great

 I used this photograph of Bob and Madge Evans on the blog some time back.  It is just one of numerous gorgeous photos taken of the two by Clarence S. Bull for the movie Lovers Courageous (1932).  Now this is a scan of the photograph I purchased, but there is a slight problem with it that I overlooked.  I certainly did not intend to misrepresent the photo.  Have you figured out what is "wrong" with it?

Yup, it is a flipped image.  I have run across flipped photos in magazines, newspapers, and what have you ... but few actual photos have that problem.  Or at least that I've run across.  Hmm...maybe I should thumb through my photo files.  

It's the pocket on Bob's jacket being on his right side that was the tell sign.  Whatever, they are both great photos!  You hold onto him, Madge!  He's a great catch.  

Loew's Was Part of Bob's World, Definitely Not Lowe's!

Interesting photo, one of many portraits taken between 1929 and 1930, each of whom captured a different Robert Montgomery.  It references The Man in Possession (1931), but I'm guessing it was taken no later than 1930.  My best guess, anyway!  That full bottom lip really stands out.  Rrff.

'Bout Time to Release Letty Lynton!

 One handsome, sexy couple.  

          Robert Montgomery & Tallulah Bankhead in Faithless (1932)

In case you hadn't heard already --- I'm usually the last to find out --- Warner Archive is releasing Faithless on Blu-ray on January 30th.  Faithless is already available on DVD, part of the Robert Montgomery Collection.  But...if you prefer Blu-ray, the going pre-order price is $25.  Ouch.

Bob on a Horse, that would catch your Eye

 "...TYPICAL OUTDOOR GENTLEMAN...Is Robert Montgomery, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star, who, besides owning a farm in New York state, also has a stable of excellent riding horses at his Southern California estate.  Montgomery spends three months of each year on his New York farm and even while working in pictures finds ample time for outdoor activities."

Bob looks really good in his riding outfit, doesn't he.  He dressed well.  Good looking horse, too!

I've never been able to visualize where the stables were on the estate.  Perhaps below the pool near the road to the left of the entrance?  Anybody know?  And where would they have taken rides in Beverly Hills?  So many questions ...

Wonder Who Cleared the Chips off the Table

 "Fan Tan....Helen Hayes and Robert Montgomery indulge in a game of cards on the set at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios. Miss Hayes and Robert Montgomery were co-starred in Another Language (1933)."

I had to look up Fan Tan, had not heard of it before.  Basically, the goal of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards.  It is also known as Parliament, Sevens, Card Dominoes, and Stops.  Haven't heard of those names either!  Anyway, card playing was a great time-killer on the set.  

      Helen Hayes, Bob and John Beal on the set of Another Language

Just look at Helen's and Bob's faces ... people who want to WIN!

   

Brie from Trader Joe's, Cracker Collection from Aldis, Prepared Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Meals from Albertsons, Baklava and Davids Butter Pecan Meltaways from Costco, etc.

 I'd say Ray is doing a very good impersonation of me.  Champagne and Jack Daniels eggnog are both delicious drinks, but they do take their toll.  Ah, well, the extended weekend was quite good otherwise.  

                         Ray Milland in The Lost Weekend (1945)

Ray was born January 3, 1907, in Wales, with the name Alfred Reginald Jones.  Sure glad he changed his name ... Alfie Jones ... just doesn't work for an incredibly handsome movie star.  

                                       Ray in 1938, age 31

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!