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!