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.

And Herbert was 14 years older ...

 Herbert Marshall was born May 23, 1890, in London, England.  After early training as an accountant, Mr. Marshall chose to become an actor, gaining 20 years of experience on the stage before making his first movie.  He was a very private and reserved gentleman, traits carried over into his acting style.  The five-time married actor was the father of two girls.

Herbert has the almost unique distinction as having been in a movie with both Robert (Riptide, 1934) and Robert Jr. (College Confidential, 1960).  He shares that distinction with Jayne Meadows who was in The Lady in the Lake (1946) with Robert and in College Confidential with Skip.  

Happy 121st Birthday Mr. Montgomery!!

 121 years ago ... my.  

Thought I'd share a pair of photographs taken in the early 1950s of Bob and Buffy vacationing in Zermatt, Switzerland, the small town at the base of the Matterhorn.  Great photos, great subjects and a wonderful setting.  Both Bob and Buffy look to be happy, Buffy with her big smile and Bob with a slight grin and eyes almost closed because he has placed his sunglasses on top of his head for the photograph.  One can imagine the glare from the sun in that snowy landscape.  

Bob was an avid and excellent skier, taking two-weeks' vacation most every February throughout the 1950s for sure.  Do take note of the near absence of people in this fantastic location.  There are 2 adults and a child behind the pair, you can partially see them behind Bob's right arm.  And that's it.  (Oh, yes, there is a photographer.)  Just amazing.  

Just a lovely couple.

And one handsome dude.  Those baby blues needed sunglasses in the bright sunlight.  And he is perfectly attired for the sport, as always.  

This second photograph was taken at the same spot, only the subjects have been distracted and are now looking away from the camera.  They have also created a space between them.  In the first photo their bodies are actually touching!  Egads.  

Bob plays King of the Hill!  

Buffy, always the pleasant-looking lady with a great smile.  

Dug up this photograph of Bob taken January 17, 1938 in Sun Valley.  Note the sunglasses propped on his forehead.  

A quick reminder of the seven-movie marathon showing on TCM today. The May 15th post lists the movies being shown.  Well, Happy Birthday, Robert.  Now, to decide which movies to watch, always a difficult task.  

A Man and his Horse

 EXCLUSIVE, STARS AND THEIR HOBBIES  -  Robert Montgomery, popular Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star, has a stable of excellent riding horses at his Southern California estate and finds ample time while working in pictures for outdoor activities.  Montgomery is currently appearing in M-G-M's "Fast and Loose," co-starring with Rosalind Russell.

TYPICAL OUTDOOR GENTLEMAN ... Is Robert Montgomery, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star, who, besides owning a farm in New York state, also has a stable of excellent riding horses at his Southern California estate Montgomery spends three months of each year on his New York farm and even while working in pictures finds ample time for outdoor activities.

Don't forget Wednesday is Bob's birthday.  TCM is showing seven of his movies (rah! rah! TCM!). 

So Clear Your Busy Schedules on May 21 and Watch Some Bob!

 Gorgeous photo.  As is the subject!  

                      By Hurrell for Blondie of the Follies (1932)

TCM has come through with a seven-movie Montgomery marathon for his birthday!  Mr. Montgomery would have appreciated that.   

 The list of movies with show times in PDT:

                 6:00 a.m. Piccadilly Jim (1936)

                 8:00 a.m. The Last of Mrs. Cheney (1937)

                10:00 a.m. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941)

                12:00 p.m. They Were Expendable (1945)

                2:30 p.m. Night Must Fall (1937)***

                4:30 p.m. When Ladies Meet (1933)

                6:00 p.m. The Lady in the Lake (1946)

*** The TCM schedule lists the 1964 version of Night Must Fall.  I do hope someone catches that error!  

When Ladies Meet is the only pre-code movie.  This is a collection of Bob movies wherein he has developed into an excellent actor.  From a dramatic thriller (Night Must Fall), to a screwball comedy (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), to a dramatic war movie (They Were Expendable), Mr. Montgomery simply excelled.

And, yes, the photograph does not match up with the rest of the post. But ain't it sweet!

Bob Montgomery at Labor Hearing on 11-22-1937

"Robert Montgomery, President of the Screen Actors Guild, testified before the California Assembly Interim Committee at Los Angeles of labor conditions in the movie industry.  Montgomery said the International Alliance of Theatrical and State Employees was attempting to obtain jurisdiction over actors, writers, and directors as well as other film Workers."

I am fairly certain that Bob is just a little peeved.  He is both enunciating his words clearly and wanting to grab or choke something or someone.  Perhaps it is the politician on the podium, who is assuming a rather odd look at Bob.  Go for it, Mr. Montgomery!

Handsome gent, isn't he. 

 

Happy Victory in Europe Day!

 The Brits know how to celebrate.  Having the Royals to head the celebrations is a plus.  And VE Day is good cause to throw a party.  WWII was hellish for so many millions of people.  If you survived it in Europe, you were one lucky soul.  

I'm sure my Dad participated in a party or two, or more likely a continuous party from the time of the announcement of Germany's surrendering to the last bottle of spirits.  He was in Europe at the time, still recovering from being wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.  VE Day meant a lot to the over 2,000,000 U.S. troops who were in Europe during the war.  At least having one part of the war end was a cause of happiness.  Facing the possibility of fighting in the Pacific front was something to worry about a later day.    

Yes, I totally forgot my Tuesday post and was too lazy to play catch-up.  Sigh, the joys of old age ...

H.B. to 6' 3-1/2" Hunk Brian Aherne!

Brian Aherne was born May 2, 1902, in Worcestershire, England.  His first marriage (1939-1945) was to Joan Fontaine born October 22, 1917 in Tokyo, Japan.  It is kind of amazing that the two even met each other, much less got married, with a 15-year age gap and all.  Yet they appeared to be one suave/smooth/urbane/sophisticated/debonair couple!  And totally handsome.  

Can You Find the Two (Significant) Mistakes?

 Each of the written sections in this article from 1938 has an error regarding our Mr. Montgomery.  Can you find them?  I've added a comment to the post with the answers.  

  

And Bob Came as Himself? Let's See...A Tux and a Smile...Why, it's Robert Montgomery!

 "One of the most colorful Hollywood parties was given recently by Donald Ogden Stewart, M.G.M. writer, and Mrs. Stewart.  Here is shown Robert Montgomery as himself; Mrs. Montgomery as Joan Crawford; Director Elliot Nugent as Tom Mix; and Mrs. Nugent as Lilyan Tashman."  

Review: "He gives a swell performance." Not exactly Pauline Kael...

 A look at the October, 1936 issue of Movie Mirror ... Let's see, a one-page feature on Piccadilly Jim (1935) and a friendly review.  Nice photo of Bette Davis on the cover.  

The print on the article is much too small to read, so:  "Robert Montgomery and Madge Evans are so happy to be together again in "Piccadilly Jim."  It's a real mutual admiration society, for Bob is Madge's leading man and Madge is Bob's choice among leading ladies.  Right now, Bob's all excited about his big chance in his next picture, "Night Must Fall," which will be entirely different from anything he's done before---and, if it can be arranged, Madge will be in that film with him, too.!"

Actually, Bob's next movie will be The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937) and, no, Madge would not have worked out in Roz Russell's role as Olivia in Night Must Fall.  The casting is perfect as is.  

As for non-Bob coverage in the magazine, I rather like this photo of Joan Blondell and Dick Powell.  A cute couple.  

And the back cover ... Cigarette companies certainly advertised a lot in the 1930s.  This is a good example of their expertise at selling products.    

Happy Easter!

 Find the bunny ...

Non-Bob Eye Candy

 A few photos that have caught my eye, and I have enjoyed.  None to do anything with Mr. Montgomery, but still interesting.  

Pleasant-looking Ms. Chadwick in a park-like setting with a wistful look, perhaps because she is all decked out for a ride and has no horse.  

                  Helene Chadwick in From the Gound Up (1921)

Times do change.  It's not really the beach apparel alone, but the position of the bodies, a T-intersection rather than parallel lines.  

        Claudette Colbert & John Payne in Remember the Day (1941)

This last photograph is quite stunning in a larger scale, all the black surrounds with the white piano.  Still nifty, all the same.  

                             Well, I know it is Ginger Rogers!

30 years together. They had a good run.

Okay, so I have no information about this photo.  I'll guess Buffy and Bob are in their mid-60's.  Bob is wearing a tux so they're "out-on-the-town," maybe a nice dinner and a Broadway play.  Buffy with a pleasant smile, as always.  Wonder what's caught Bob's attention.  And why the floppy bowtie, Mr. Montgomery?  Really.  Otherwise, a good-looking couple who apparently enjoyed each other's company.  Good for them.  

Why is Reggie on the Couch with Flowers?

 A still from the movie Bachelor Father (1931). Let's see, that's Ralph Forbes on the far left, Marion Davies sharing the center of the photo with C. Aubrey Smith, and the young man sitting on the couch is .....

Egads, it's Ray Milland!

Yes, indeed, a twenty-four-year-old Ray.  I'm not sure why he has a bouquet of daisies.

A Mere 71 Years Ago Today

"April 3, 1954-WASHINGTON DC:  Presidential aid and TV producer Robert Montgomery crowns Frances Mae Fisher Queen of the National Capital's 30th annual Cherry Blossom Festival here today.  Miss Fisher was chosen at the Festival Ball on April 2nd."

 

Handsome Dude, Isn't He!

             MGM photo by Williger for The Earl of Chicago (1940)

Poor Madge, Stuck with the Good Girl Image

Madge Evans ... just couldn't break the good girl casting.   She found playing the nice girl all the time as just too boring.  Finally chucked it all and married a Pulitzer Prize winning and very successful dramatist named Sidney Kingsley (Men in White, Dead End, Detective Story) who took her off to his 18th Century Oakland, New Jersey estate.  

I didn't realize until after purchasing Madge's photo that she had signed it.  You can see "To" just below her right hip and a swirl beginning the M in Madge.  Looking at the photo itself you can just make out scribbling across her dark skirt.  But, hey, it's still an autographed photo, right?!   (Sorta!)  

Man and his Toys

 Just can't remember if I've featured this photograph before or not.  Anyway, 'tis a nifty photo, Bob sitting on the fender of his newly acquired 1935 Bentley Roadster.  The car was made to his specific requirements, and road tested on a racetrack in London.  He then had it shipped to France from where Bob and Betty had a nice driving tour through Europe before returning stateside.  Of course, Bob drove it to the studio right away to show it off to one and all.  I like his reflection in the car doors, and the big smile.

Yes, the Flesh Certainly is Weak, When it comes to Mr. Montgomery ....

 But the Flesh is Weak (1932) has just begun a full run on TCM's streaming service, showing until April 17th.  The movie may not be one of Bob's best, but a fun watch, nevertheless.  I mean, it's not often that you get to see Bob take a bath.  And disrobe from underpants with ties instead of an elasticized waist band!  

               Bob and Nora Gregor in But the Flesh is Weak (1932)

Back Before the Digital World

"Actor-director Robert Montgomery inspects models of the sets to be used in Lady in the Lake with art designer Preston Ames."

I like Bob's using the child's wagon as a place to store his hat.  

Well, Maybe Not as Cool in B&W

 Bob and Carole hamming it up while making Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941).  It's always great fun to watch a couple of pros enjoying themselves.  If we hadn't lost Carole so soon, I can definitely see the two making another movie or two on down the line.  Yes, what a shame.  

              Bob and Carole Lombard in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941)

When I talked about Lady in the Lake (1946) being streamed by TCM earlier this month, I really thought I was correct to believe so.  BUT, unless it streamed for one night only, it just disappeared.  Whatever, Mr. & Mrs. Smith is now listed under Watch Movies but hasn't been updated as yet with showing dates.  Hopefully it won't disappear as well!

Bob in Color!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 One gorgeous color slide of Bob ... great, except for the shadow blocking out his eyes.  Love the yellow tie with the brown suit coat.  Nice smile.  The hat ... yeah, he started to wear it when he got out of the service and was wearing it later during the filming of Lady in the Lake.  I'm guessing nobody felt up to criticizing a four-year veteran about his choice of hatband.  

Yes, bigger is always better!