Bob's Last Leading Lady Dies

 Condolences to the Blyth family.  Ann was apparently a class act.  

                Ann Blyth, August 16, 1927 to June 24, 2026 (98)

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.  

Happy Birthday, Ann Blyth!

 Glad to see Ms. Blyth is still with us, the last of Bob's leading ladies.  Must be the "Killer Instinct"!!  

                

Bob and Ann Blyth in Once More, My Darling (1949)

B. 8-16-1928 in Mt. Kisco, NY

Now We Know Why Bob Was on the Couch

The Killer (Ann Blyth):  "Please, Collie.  I'm on my hands and knees.  Why won't you come out and play with me?"  

Collie:  "Sometimes a man just has to do what's right and stand above it all."

Killer Rules!

 One of the August Bob Ladies and the one Bob lady overall that has outlasted them all, Ann Blyth is celebrating her 94th birthday today.  Happy Birthday, Killer!  You will always have a special place in the hearts of Robert Montgomery fans.  

                    Ann Blyth in Once More, My Darling (1949)

Happy Birthday, Ann Blyth!!

Dear Ann,  

Having five children must have prepared you well for a long life.  Hope the day is spent  filled with the love of your family.  You may be Ann to your family, but you will also be remembered as "Killer" by the fans of Robert Montgomery and Once More My Darling (1949).  Have a great day!!

 

Happy Birthday, Killer!

Ann Blyth was born August 16, 1928, making her 89 as of tomorrow.  The last of Bob's ladies, I'm sure we all extend our heartfelt appreciation for her delightful performance as "Killer" in Once More, My Darling (1949).  Once Killer set her sights on Collie (Bob), he didn't stand a chance.

               Bob and Ann Blyth in Once More, My Darling (1949)

You should check out this interview of Ann made in 2013.  Wow, should I look so good at 85 (as if I looked that good now...)!  TCM Classic Film Festival: Ann Blyth

Happy Birthday, Ann "Killer" Blyth!

Ann Blyth, aka "Killer", was born on August 16th, 1928 in Mount Kisco, NY.  By the time she was Bob's leading lady in Once More, My Darling (1949), Ann was an accomplished actress.  In 1945 she was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Velda, the spiteful daughter who made her mother's (Joan Crawford) life miserable in Mildred Pierce.  In Once More, "Killer" caused Collie (Bob) a different kind of misery! 

                    Ann Blyth in Once More, My Darling (1949)
  
In 1953 Ann Married Dr. James McNulty, a marriage that lasted until his death in 2007.  They raised five children, so it was fortunate that Dr. McNulty was an obstetrician.  A heartfelt congratulations goes out to Ann on her 88th birthday!  Hope your day is joyous and you are surrounded by your loved ones.

(Do take note that there are only SIX days left to Bob's Day on TMC.)

Robert Taylor and 8 Beautiful Ladies

The result of snuggling couples on a cold December night --- a lot of August birthdays!  John Huston was born on August 5th, as was Robert Taylor. (Two more different people I can hardly imagine!)  Bob is 35 at the time of the photo below.  He has passed from his incredibly beautiful stage to merely extremely handsome. 

                                     Undercurrent (1946)   

And eight of Robert Montgomery's leading ladys were born in August:

                               August 2nd   - Myrna Loy
                               August 4th    - Anita Page
                               August 7th    - Ann Harding
                               August 7th    - Irene Purcell
                               August 9th    - Dorothy Jordan***
                               August 10th  - Norma Shearer
                               August 16th  - Ann Blyth
                               August 29th  - Ingrid Bergman

***Which also happens to be my birthday ... Me and Dorothy ... another argument against astronomy!  She was just so darn cute.

               Bob and Dorothy Jordan in Shipmates (1931)
 

It's Time for Killer!!!

Bob's August Birthday Ladies, No. 7

Ann Blyth was born August 16, 1928 in Cisco, New York.  Her first critical success as an actress was at the age of 17, as the "malicious, spiteful" daughter Veda to Joan Crawford's long-suffering Mildred Pierce in 1945, for which she earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.  Making mostly musicals in the 1950s, she ended her movie career earning critical acclaim in The Helen Morgan Story (1957), in which she played the title role of the liquor-swilling torch singer.  After movies, she devoted her time to the musical stage and her family.  Ann was married to Dr. James McNulty from 1953 until his death in 2007, and somehow managed to give birth to and raise five children during her busy career.  Rather impressive all in all, Ms. Blyth.  Hoping your 86th!! Birthday finds you in good health and surrounded by your family and loved ones.  And thank you for one of my favorite movie roles ... Killer!!

                                Once More, My Darling (1949)

1949, An Uncomfortable Year for "The Boys"

Ray Milland, 44, starred in "It Happens Every Spring" with Jean Peters who was 22, a 22-year difference.  Bob Montgomery was 44 and co-star Ann Blyth was 20 when they filmed  "Once More, My Darling," a 24-year difference.  My vote for the most uncomfortable lead is Robert Taylor, who was 37 when he starred in "Conspirator" with Elizabeth Taylor.  Liz was still 16 when filming began ... ouch!