Stars in "The Petrified Forest" on Television

 "Robert Montgomery hitch-hikes his way into trouble as Allan Squier, down-and-out-dreamer in Robert E. Sherwood's powerhouse of drama, "The Petrified Forest," seen on "Robert Montgomery Presents -- Your Lucky Strike Theatre, Monday, October 23 ... "

The NBC news release is dated 10/17/50, six days before the show was aired.  However, according to the Classic TV Archive (CTVA) listing of Anthology Series (which lists all RM Presents shows with casts and crews) Bob is not listed in the cast.  Brian Aherne has filled in for Mr. Montgomery.  I'm assuming Bob was ill.  Three cheers for Aherne being able to fill in on live television with such short notice.  Oh, and IMDB does not list Aherne as being on the show.  Ah, sweet mystery of life ... 

Ahoy, My Handsome Young Man!

 Nice photograph.  Signed by the young man himself.  Lucky Ann!

Just a standard fan card, but still a great photo of young Bob.  I'm sure there were thousands of fans who were quite happy to have it.  Hey, I'm happy to have it now.  

WHEN THE CAMERAS AREN'T GRINDING

 - you'll probably find Warren William sailing or working on his boat, the Pegasus, a 50-foot schooner.  An extended cruise is the favorite between-picture pastime of the popular actor, currently co-featured with Karen Morlen in "Outcast."  (Photo stamped Feb. 24, 1937.)

He looks like he knows what he is doing.

In the 1930s, I would've bought every fanzine on the rack!

 The popularity of fan magazines in the 1930s, kept the public relations departments of the studios quite busy.  Most all of the magazines used a one-page format of a single photograph of the star with a brief biography and/or mention of their current film.  The magazines, the p.r. departments and the fans all loved the format.  

"Young America's new "boy friend" gets less and less American with each succeeding film.  See him as a quarrelsome English husband in "Private Lives," playing the part acted on the stage by the author, Noel Coward."

"After a decided personal triumph in "Petticoat Fever," in which he co-starred with Myrna Loy, Robert Montgomery will seek new laurels in a follow-up picture teamed again with the lovely Loy.  The title of this one is "Love on the Run," and it has to do with an American news reporter in London and a duchess who is running away from an unwelcome marriage.  You can expect plenty of laughs, with Montgomery at his best as the reporter."

Of course, Bob did not appear in "Love on the Run."  The studio put Gable and Crawford in it to take advantage of the press coverage of their current affair.  And Bob did not want to make another film about buses, "Fugitive Lovers" was enough.  Bob came out ahead on this career move, "Love on the Run" not being much of a success.  

"Filmgoers have missed the smiling face of Robert Montgomery from the screen lately.  Illness caused his removal from the cast of "Mutiny on the Bounty," and other troubles kept him out of later films that had been arranged for him.  But he'll be around again soon, in a comedy interestingly entitled "Petticoat Fever," with no less a person than Myrna Loy as his starring partner.  He gives you a cheery smile, above, to show you that he's quite well again, thank you."  

Of course Bob was not sick for a year, preventing him from making "Mutiny on the Bounty." or any other movie in 1935.  Mayer kicked Bob off the movie, I've always assumed it was because of Bob's involvement with the SAG movement.  Anyway, Bob took off for New York for his 3-month vacation and refused to accept the poor projects MGM sent to him until he finally had to accept "Petticoat Fever" or void his contract.  Certainly glad he made the film!

Nifty photo of Mr. Montgomery further down in the article. And he actually mentions his brother! A rarity.

This article is from the December, 1945 issue of "New Movie Magazine."  Not bad, has a few interesting tidbits.  

Ahh ... Springtime in Beverly Hills!

 Looks like Bob is in good form for a steeplechase!  

Full concentration on Bob's part.  Wouldn't want to stumble over the wall in front of a cameraman.  

Check out the small black spot on his shirt.  Yes, it is indeed "RM".  Love it.

And a second photo of Bob walking briskly around his pool.  These two and the photos of Bob in/by the pool were used by the personal relations department in a series of articles showing how Bob keeps in shape for his movies.    Bob was big on swimming, but walking and jumping over small walls, maybe not.  

I just learned how to spell "doppelganger"

 August 28 is Charles Boyer's birthday.  He committed suicide two days before his birthday in 1978, two days after his wife died.  He fell in love with his wife Pat Paterson at first sight, their marriage lasted 44 years and Charles was a totally devoted husband - ever so rare in Hollywood, particularly for a native of France!  A sad death or ever so romantic?  Both, I guess.  

                                      Charles Boyer, 1934

Boyer was a unique Hollywood star.  Besides English and French, he could speak German, Italian and Spanish.  (I wonder what his accent sounded like in Italian!)  He earned a degree in Philosophy from the Sorbonne.  Balding significantly since his 20's, he did not wear a toupee except as required in his movies.  Wikipedia has a rather thorough write-up of his career that is definitely worth a read.  A rather interesting gentleman.  

                              Charles Boyer, Gaslight (1944)

And just what is his connection to Bob, you ask?  How about MGM bringing Boyer to the states in 1931 to portray Chester Morris's role in The Big House.  Besides, I just plain like the guy.  No one agrees with me, but I think he looks like Mr. Montgomery.  I just dug up a photo which supports my argument better.  Not exactly a doppelganger, but ...

Smoke Lowered the Temperature from 108 to 102. Traded a Headache for Coughing!

 MGM photographer Hurrell is best known for his studio work, but he did leave the studio occasionally.  In this case he did a two-part shoot with Bob.  The first was Bob with his polo ponies.  It is befitting that he would have an all-white pony to match his all-white sports attire!    A really nice photograph.

The second part was for pictures of the new baby in the household, Martha Bryan, a private request by Bob, according to an article I read about Hurrell.  I remember seeing a photo of the baby displayed on the Montgomery's piano.  I'm assuming the photos were never publicly released.  How sad to lose a 13-month-old child.  

Are we up to a little game? Hey, Bob's in it.

 I absolutely love photos like this, a shot of the cast and crew.  Unfortunately, they don't exactly work on the blog.  On the small side.  Can you tell it was taken on the set of Forsaking All Others (1934)?  Let me enlarge the major cast members. 

Guess who!  In all his splendor ...

And while we're checking out the rest of the cast, can you guess what they have in common in these photos that is different from Mr. Montgomery?  First, we have good friend Roz Russell.  Poor Roz was given a truly ugly dress to wear in the movie.  

Then, there is Billie Burke and Charles Butterworth, two excellent scene stealers.  

And, lastly, there's Mr. Gable with a big smile.  Ms. Crawford is not included in our little game, too interested in being snuggled up close to Mr. Gable.  

So, what do Roz, Billie, Charles and Clark all have in common that Bob doesn't?  They are all looking and listening to the director on their left.  Whereas Mr. Montgomery is looking directly at the camera, always appreciative of what made his success in the movies.  

It's too darn hot. It's too darn hot.

Hot week ahead here in Beautiful Bakersfield, perhaps the last week of 100+ temperatures.  Up to 108,  even.  That's a tad bit on the uncomfortable side.  Bob did not have those kinds of temperatures to concern him in Beverly Hills.  He swam for the exercise anyway.  

Yeah, I know, I've used this photograph before in prior summer posts.  Public semi-nudity just was not Mr. Montgomery's thing! (Drats!)

 

Forsaking All Others (1934) is available to stream on TCM until September 8th.  

And Today's Birthday Boy is .......

 Gene Raymond, born August 13, 1908.  I rather enjoyed his performance as Jeff, best friend and law partner of David (our Bob) in Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941).  Loved the southern accent, befitting his role as the ultimate southern gentleman.  The scene on the Ferris wheel is just great.  And he was one handsome dude, beautiful blond and wavy hair.  He fit the role as Mr. Montgomery's competition for Carole Lombard quite well.    

 Gene Raymond, photo by Clarence S. Bull

Three other Birthday Boy and Girls from this week that need to be mentioned:  Norma Shearer was born August 10, 1902 and Lloyd Nolan (the copper in The Lady in the Lake) was born on August 11th, 1902.  Only one day separating the two.  And Ann Blyth is still among us, born August 16, 1927, making Ann 98 years of age!  Way to go, young lady.  You'll always be "The Killer" to me.  

So Many Birthdays ....

Yes, so many ... decided to combine a few Bob co-stars, six from this week alone.  So, Happy Birthday to ...

Anita Page, Aug. 4th, co-starred with Bob in Free and Easy (1930)

Reginald Owen, Aug. 5th, co-starred with Bob in several movies, decided to use this photo of Mr. Owen in Sherlock Holmes (1932).  He is Dr. Watson to Clive Brook's Sherlock.  Love the bowtie.  

Irene Purcell, Aug. 7th, appeared with Bob in Man in Possession (1931).  She and Bob worked so well together, wish they had done more.

Ann Harding, Aug. 7th, shown here with Bob in Biography of a Bachelor Girl (1935). 

Nat Pendleton, Aug. 9th, was a very busy supporting actor in the 1930s and 1940s.  He did a great job with the role of Madge Evans' unwanted suitor in Fugitive Lovers (1934)

and, finally, Dorothy Jordan, Aug. 9th, portrayed a rather demure young lady when co-starring with Bob in Love in the Rough (1930) and Shipmates (1931).  I like this sexy version of Dorothy.  

Another Happy (Belated) Birthday!

One gorgeous trading card of the birthday (belated, again) girl Myrna Loy.  Her birthday is actually August 2nd, and she was born 120 years ago, one year later than Mr. Montgomery.  The card's style is fitting for Ms. Loy, as she began her career playing vamps and mysterious ladies from the East.  It is also beautiful, as was she.  Happy Birthday, Myrna!

Belated Birthday Greetings, Mr. Powell

 It's not that I forgot Mr. Powell's birthday was on July 31st.  No, I thought today (Thursday) was the 29th.  Yes, totally confused.  Getting old(er) is just, well, not fun.  However, Bill apparently handled it with ease.  Or should I say elegantly.  

I chose three favorite photos for this post and all three are of Mr. Powell in his 50s to 60s.  The first photograph was taken August 19, 1949, when he made an appearance on "Screen Directors Playhouse", an NBC radio show.  He is 57 years young and dressed ever so snazzy.  

A slightly younger Bill being just right on with his wardrobe choices.  

And a somewhat older Mr. Powell being ever so handsome.  

Sorry about being late, Mr. Powell.  I try.

Joan Firmly Holds on to the Boys

Nifty photo.  It is the first (and last) time Bob, Joan and Clark are in a film together.  Of course, Joan and Clark are lovers at this time.  Bob had to feel like the odd man out.   

And a good close-up of Bob's long lean hands.  Compare them to Joan's and Clark's.  Yes, he should've been a concert pianist.  

I wonder if Bob even realized he had a cigarette in hand.  As a former heavy smoker, they do become a part of you.

Do You Know the Photographer?

A rather nice portrait of "pre-war" Robert Montgomery.   One of many of his portraits that come with no description, i.e. year taken, photographer, the movie for which it was made.  If I am able to identify it even halfway, it is a fun challenge for me.  If I draw a complete blank, it is ever so frustrating.  

I'm 99% sure this photo was taken in England in 1940 for Haunted Honeymoon (1940).  And what brings me to this conclusion?  Well ... first of all, the photo is an 8" x 6" print, a size common in England but not the U.S.  Bob made the movie in England where he spent much of his time from 1939 and on through 1940.  The photo no. in the lower corner confirms it is an MGM photo taken in England, not just a photo taken for a magazine or other publication.  Unfortunately, I don't know who the photographer is ... drats.