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.    

The Title Change Was a Good Idea

 "HEAVEN COULDN'T WAIT ... for Robert Montgomery and Benny Rubin, who returns to the screen in Columbia's highly heralded new comedy "Mr. Jordan Comes to Town," which stars Montgomery with Rita Johnson Evelyn Keyes, Claude Rains, James Gleason and Edward Everett Horton."

A rather interesting view of heaven.  And the look on Bob's face ... reminding himself that the movie meant a lot towards supporting his family while he was in the service.  Hang in there, Mr. Montgomery.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Cagney

 James Francis Cagney was born this day in 1899 ... Now that's a long time ago.  19th century.  Anyway, this photo was used by NBC in advertising the Robert Montgomery Presents episode of September 10, 1956, titled "Soldier from the Wars Returning".  This was Cagney's first and last live television show, it had to be scary for a life-long movie star to deal with live television.    It was a big favor for old friend Bob, the show led off what was to be the last season of RMP.  A good show/performance, but not good enough to save the series.  

                             James Cagney, b. July 17, 1899

Pre-Code Bob Times 8 ...Just Great!

 Ah, gee, aren't they cute.  Dorothy Jordan was such a petite lady.  Check out her right hand resting on top of Bob's rather large hand.  Almost doesn't look real.  

               Bob and Dorothy Jordan in Love in the Rough (1930)

Hope you got a chance to watch some of Bob's movies from Monday's mini marathon.  So far, four of them will be available to stream on TCM until mid-August:  Love in the Rough, Strangers May Kiss (1931), Untamed (1929), and Lovers Courageous (1932).  The Divorcee (1930) is available only to July 21st.  For some reason, Another Language (1933) and Private Lives (1931) are shown as available to be streamed, but the ending dates are not included in the write-up.  And When Ladies Meet (1934) is not listed at all.  Not that I'm complaining.  Overall, this summer is proving to be just great for Bob movies.  Thanks again to the programmer at TCM!  

Thanks to TCM for a Very Pleasant Surprise!

Ta- Da!!  Coming this Monday, July 14th on TCM:  Daytime Theme - Robert Montgomery Pre-Codes!  Eight, yes EIGHT!! Bob films.  From Untamed (1929) to When Ladies Meet (1934), watch a young and eager youth develop into an excellent actor and handsome leading man.  

                Bob and Myrna Loy in When Ladies Meet (1934)

Now, I probably won't make it up for Lovers Courageous (1932) which begins the celebration at 6:45 a.m. PDT ... but the second half looks doable.  Hopefully the streaming schedule is good for all eight movies.  The movies in order shown, all times PDT.  

         6:45 a.m.     Lovers Courageous (1932)

         8:15 a.m.     Private Lives (1931)

         9:45 a.m.     Untamed (1929)

        11:15 a.m.    Love in the Rough (1930)

        12:45 p.m.   The Divorcee (1930)

         2:15 p.m.    When Ladies Meet (1934)

         4:00 p.m.     Another Language (1933)

         5:30 p.m.     Strangers May Kiss (1931)

Hope everyone has the chance to see a favorite once more or discover a new one. 

Such a Handsome Young Man

"Kindly Credit Photo by Clarence Sinclair Bull, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer."  Definitely.  Nice photo, Mr. Bull.  Someone's reference department date stamp shows it was received August 14, 1930.   26 and just downright gorgeous.  

Do Enjoy the Holiday!

 

From Polo to Politics to Playing the Ponies

 

                                 Modern Screen, Sept. 1934

                                 Boston Herald, Oct. 24, 1940

                                             Dec. 18, 1979

One of the Best Ever Posters*****

 Just love this poster.  A really fun movie as well.  The girls dancing on the wings of the plane on the way to Rio is just too good.  

Fighting a bit of stomach flu.  The poster made me smile at least.  

*********Lordy, Lordy.  Struggled to get something together for the blog and then forgot to hit the Publish button!!!  It's the heat.............

Gosh. Without the Mustache He'd be Perfect.

 Now that's a handsome couple.  Gorgeous costumes.  Like the cut of Bob's outfit.  Looks great on him.  Roz isn't looking all that shabby either.  

                Bob and Rosalind Russell in Trouble for Two (1936)

Bob In Both a Bathrobe and a Tux ... Rrrf!

 A rather interesting review of Riptide (1934) from the April 28, 1934, issue of "Picturegoer" Magazine.  A fun read.  And they liked Bob!  

Just a Gorgeous Couple ...

 ... think I've said that a few times before.  But it's so true.  The photographer is Russell Ball for MGM.  Excellent photo.  As were all the other photographs he made for Hide-Out.  A perfect combination of subject matter and photographer.  Their photos always make me smile.  

         Robert Montgomery & Maureen O'Sullivan in Hide-Out (1934)

I'm sure Bill was relieved there was no swordplay in the movie with Basil Rathbone!

 I came across this photo in a listing that did not have the photo identified correctly.  They did not know William Powell!!  Egads.  The kiddies these days.  Not knowing Basil Rathbone, I can sorta understand.  Sorta.  Anyway, this photo from Crossroads (1942) is a great example of height awareness among male stars back in the day.  The lead male just could not be much shorter than the other major performers.  Bill is the main actor in the film so Basil has to scrunch down in this scene with Bill, while Bill is standing as upright as he can.  There is about a three-inch difference between the two, but the pose has them at half that.  Nifty.

               William Powell & Basil Rathbone in Crossroads (1942)

If you are interested in such minutia, the best source for star heights is "Celebrity Heights".  They don't always take into account the age of the performer when deciding height.  These two gents are both 50 in 1942 and have most likely begun the path to "little old men".  For the record the list has Bill at 5' 10-1/2" and Basil at 6' 1-1/4 inches.  And Mr. Montgomery is listed as 6' 1/2".  Bob always claimed to be 6' 1".  I'm sure that was quite right when he was a young man.  

D-Day, June 6, 1944

 And our Bob took part in it.  In February of 1944, Lt. Commander Henry Montgomery joined the staff of Commander Destroyer Squadron 60 and served on the USS Barton.  The squadron was part of the naval force assigned to Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion and would later play a critical role in the Battle of Cherbourg (June 19 to June 30).  And we thank you for your service, Mr. Montgomery.

              Lt. Commander Henry Montgomery, c. January, 1944

Bob aged a bit in 16 years (Haven't we all!)

 Faithless (1932) co-starring Bob and Tallulah Bankhead will be shown on TCM beginning June 23rd.  It's a decent enough movie, far better than the reaction it got when first released.  There is one jarring element (for me, anyway): Hugh Herbert is playing a bad guy!

            Bob, Tallulah Bankhead and Hugh Herbert in Faithless

Also showing this month is June Bride (1948).  TCM's monthly listing shows two start dates, June 16 and June 28.  I'm guessing the streaming will begin on the 28th.  Anyway, it's always a fun movie to watch.  Let's hear it for Bob and Bette for being professionals and not clawing up each other's faces.  (Meow...)  

                   Bob and Bette Davis in June Bride (1948)

Meanwhile, there are also four movies carried over from May still able to stream:  Piccadilly Jim (1936) until the 19th; Lady in the Lake (1946) the 20th; as well as They Were Expendable (1945) and When Ladies Meet (1933). 

Bob and Joan in Letty Lynton

 Beautiful couple, but there's just something not quite perfect.          

Well, yes, a great pairing, but ...

Ah, Bob alone.  Yes, that's it.  Perfection.