A Star Meets Other Stars:

"  Anna Magnani, right, famed Italian actress, chats with Robert Montgomery, screen, radio and television actor-producer, and actress Margaret Hayes at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City April 19 (1951).  They were present at the gala preview of Miss Magnani's latest film "Bellissima," which was run as a benefit for the Museum's Program Fund."  

Soon to be 47-year-old Mr. Montgomery looking good and happy with an elegant lady at his side.  And who is this actress named Margaret Hayes?  Turns out she was a member of the Robert Montgomery Presents summer stock during the 1952 and 1953 seasons.  What the relationship was in 1951, well who knows.  By the way, the guy in the photo with his back turned to the camera, you can just see his facial profile.  Think 1950s/1960s TV.  Is that Henry Morgan?  A very funny man, if so.  

Rrrfff!!

 I was flipping through a stack of photographs purchased in bulk when two stuck out:  both were of Gary Cooper and the prints were made from original negatives.  Luscious photos of such a handsome gentleman indeed.  

Note how Cooper makes the chair look like a child's.  Oh, yes, he was at least 6'3".  

While It's Still June ...

 A true rarity ... the full credited cast for June Bride (1948).  Back in the day they would include the entire company in the shot, but that soon became rather difficult as the crews grew significantly.  I have seen a photo on the set of Forsaking All Others (1934).  The photographer had climbed up onto the studio stage rafters for the shot.  Quite interesting, but few people are identifiable (Bob, of course).  

Anyway, I thought I would identify the very small people in the June Bride cast who all deserve a little extra attention for their excellent performances.  

From the far left, we start with George O'Hanlon as the photographer.  George has a significant claim to eternal fame as he becomes the voice of George Jetson (The Jetsons).  Fay Bainter played Paula Winthrop, sent by the magazine to make over the Brinkers' quaint abode into a house fashionable enough to use in their June Bride issue.  Ms. Bainter had a very long and successful career, first in theater and then followed by the movies.  

Playing the thankless role of the groom, Bud Mitchell, was Raymond Roe, a former child star in the theater who tried but was unsuccessful in developing his career as a mature actor.  Next to him is Mary Wickes who portrays Rosemary McNally, an editor for the magazine.  Ms. Wickes was in the business for over 60 years, from the "grand old school of wisecracking."  Just a great performer.  

I'm skipping Bob and Bette; this article is already taking me a rather long time.  The gray-haired gent behind Bob is Tom Tully, who plays Mr. Brinker, the poor put upon father of the Bride-to-Be.  A great character actor, who is the more sober half of the best drunken duo ever.  He and Bob do a great scene together, Bob ending up doing a face down fall into the snow.  I'm laughing just remembering it now.  James Burke is the gent behind Bette.  He played as many cops as did Tully.  

Love the standees.  

Marjorie Bennett plays Mrs. Brinker, the prideful homeowner who is simply overwhelmed by the chaos in the household in the days before the wedding.  Next to her is Jerome Cowan, everybody's boss back at the magazine in New York City.  Cowan was a fine character actor.  He also said unkind words re our Bob in later interviews, so I don't have anything more to say about him.  

Ah, the pretty Brinker girls.  Barbara Bates plays the older daughter who is the Bride-to-Be initially, and Betty Lynn plays "Boo" Brinker, who manages to win over the groom.  The young man who wins over the older sister is played by Ray Montgomery (no relation).  He does have a credited role but didn't make it to the crew photo session.  He was probably already starting his successful real estate career.  

Whew, that was exhausting.  And sorry I missed Tuesday's post.  A week of distractions.  I know how Mrs. Brinker felt.  

All Those Great Bob Photos Hidden in Pro-Folio Albums ... Such is.

Just love this photo.  It is much better than the movie from which it came ... When the Daltons Rode (1940).  It belongs on the wall of an art gallery, not in a photo binder titled "Non-Bobs."  Such is.

An Excellent Article, Interesting Read

 From the August 31st, 1931, issue of Modern Screen Magazine.  

And Where Was Lt. Cmdr. Henry Montgomery, Jr. on D-Day, June, 1944?

Our Bob was on the U.S.S. Barton, D-722 in the waters of the English Channel through the June 25th bombardment of the port of Cherbourg, France.   

Thank you for your service, Mr. Montgomery.

Three Classy Takes of Ms. Russell

Today, June 4th, is Rosalind Russell's birthday.  A big Happy Birthday wish to one classy lady!

                                   Rosalind Russell, mid-1930s

                Ronald Colman and Roz in Under Two Flags (1936)

                           Roz in Take a Letter Darling (1942)