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!