Clippings from the Vault ...

 Were Bob and Betty ever that young?

Sorry, Loretta, but it was simply Maureen's role.  

"Robert Montgomery couldn't find words with which to thank Bette Davis for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Red Cross, but his expression was enough."

Oh, sure, that's exactly what the two are talking about ... 

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). 

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.    

While It's Still June ...

 A true rarity ... the full credited cast for June Bride (1948).  Back in the day they would include the entire company in the shot, but that soon became rather difficult as the crews grew significantly.  I have seen a photo on the set of Forsaking All Others (1934).  The photographer had climbed up onto the studio stage rafters for the shot.  Quite interesting, but few people are identifiable (Bob, of course).  

Anyway, I thought I would identify the very small people in the June Bride cast who all deserve a little extra attention for their excellent performances.  

From the far left, we start with George O'Hanlon as the photographer.  George has a significant claim to eternal fame as he becomes the voice of George Jetson (The Jetsons).  Fay Bainter played Paula Winthrop, sent by the magazine to make over the Brinkers' quaint abode into a house fashionable enough to use in their June Bride issue.  Ms. Bainter had a very long and successful career, first in theater and then followed by the movies.  

Playing the thankless role of the groom, Bud Mitchell, was Raymond Roe, a former child star in the theater who tried but was unsuccessful in developing his career as a mature actor.  Next to him is Mary Wickes who portrays Rosemary McNally, an editor for the magazine.  Ms. Wickes was in the business for over 60 years, from the "grand old school of wisecracking."  Just a great performer.  

I'm skipping Bob and Bette; this article is already taking me a rather long time.  The gray-haired gent behind Bob is Tom Tully, who plays Mr. Brinker, the poor put upon father of the Bride-to-Be.  A great character actor, who is the more sober half of the best drunken duo ever.  He and Bob do a great scene together, Bob ending up doing a face down fall into the snow.  I'm laughing just remembering it now.  James Burke is the gent behind Bette.  He played as many cops as did Tully.  

Love the standees.  

Marjorie Bennett plays Mrs. Brinker, the prideful homeowner who is simply overwhelmed by the chaos in the household in the days before the wedding.  Next to her is Jerome Cowan, everybody's boss back at the magazine in New York City.  Cowan was a fine character actor.  He also said unkind words re our Bob in later interviews, so I don't have anything more to say about him.  

Ah, the pretty Brinker girls.  Barbara Bates plays the older daughter who is the Bride-to-Be initially, and Betty Lynn plays "Boo" Brinker, who manages to win over the groom.  The young man who wins over the older sister is played by Ray Montgomery (no relation).  He does have a credited role but didn't make it to the crew photo session.  He was probably already starting his successful real estate career.  

Whew, that was exhausting.  And sorry I missed Tuesday's post.  A week of distractions.  I know how Mrs. Brinker felt.  

Happy Birthday to One Nifty Gent

William Brian de lacy Aherne was born on May 2, 1902, in King's Norton Worcestershire, England, UK.  Such a nifty name, and birthplace.  Mr. Aherne appears to have been a nifty gentleman, as well.  May I share what I think is a rather nifty quote of Mr. Aherne's.

"Brilliant actress though she is, surely nobody but a mother could have loved Bette Davis at the height of her career.  Evidently I failed to make my admiration of her clear, however, because in her lively and self-revealing book, "The Lonely Life," she says I looked at her with loathing."  

He didn't look all that bad either.  

                   

I'll Guess Bette Takes a Swing at Bob ...

 Going from a posting on how nice the photos could be on small trade/cigarette cards, to photos clipped from newspapers/magazines that one can hardly make out.  For example, in the clipping below, the heading mentions Liz Harkness.  But I have to disagree ... it just isn't Buffy.  I've decided the info is associated with another photo on the page, that the lady is really Joan Harrison, Bob's producer for Ride the Pink Horse (1947) and Once More, My Darling (1949).  Bob liked Joan, so you can't go by the way he's looking at her, smile and all.  What d'ya think?  

And this is a scene from the May 9, 1955 production of "The Great Gatsby" on Robert Montgomery Presents.  I'm assuming that's our Bob portraying Gatsby on the far right.  That is Phyllis Kirk playing Daisy.  And one of the other gents is Lee Bowman, probably sitting next to Phyllis.  

And there is no questioning who the three people are below:  Bob (with a smirk), George Murphy (the cause of the smirk), and Bette Davis who is trying to decide which guy she'll slap.  What a trio.

Bob Looking Dapper in the Rare Black Suit

Bette Davis will appear with Robert Montgomery and Basil Rathbone in the first all-dramatic program of the ''Screen Guild Show'' series on Sunday, January 22 (1939).  Their play is a dramatic original entitled ''Can We Forget" by Mary McCall one of Hollywood's leading scenarists.  George Murphy will be master of ceremonies and Oscar Bradley music director of the broadcast over WABC-Columbia network at 7:30 p.m., EST.  

 

Highly unfavorable hair style Ms. Davis is wearing.  The dress is on the dowdy side as well ... but the mink coat is always a plus.  You'll note there are no smiles in the first photo, but big smiles in the second.  Like maybe they finally saw the cameraman?  

Cold Weather Tips from Bob & Co.

 Oh, you poor souls in the Plains and Midwest!  Sub-freezing daytime temperatures, blowing snow, icy roads ... Aarrgh!   Perhaps Bob and Myrna and Madge and Bette can provide some tips to help you survive your cruel weather. 

 Bob takes time out from filming Petticoat Fever (1936) to model appropriate cold weather clothing.  Never leave home without a good pair of mukluks!

Myrna Loy joins Bob to model heavy fur coats with matching hoods.  Don't they look all warm and cozy...

If you have to drive somewhere in this frigid weather, please stay attentive.  Be sure and dress warmly should something happen, like driving your bus into a fierce snowstorm. 

                  Bob with Madge Evans in Fugitive Lovers (1934)

Of course, a friendly cuddle might be enough to keep you warm.

                    Bob with Bette Davis in June Bride (1948)

And the more the merrier!

Example of Great Acting!

Bob and Bette Davis were cool work associates, as in they went cold in each other's presence.  But they still managed to make a fun movie together, even survived a love scene.  Looks convincing to me!

                     Bob and Bette Davis in June Bride (1948) 

TCM is showing June Bride tomorrow, Friday, at 4:30 ET p.m.

(Sorry the post is late ... 3-day weekends just mess me up!)

Two Smokers and No Ashtray ... Hmmm.

One of my favorite Bob movies is being shown 'On Demand' on TCM through December 19th.  It is the war classic June Bride (1948), a bickering war between international correspondent Carey Jackson (Bob) and his new boss and ex-lover Linda Gilman (Bette Davis).  There is also the off-camera war between the two stars --- Bette very grudgingly agreed to working with Bob --- which seems to aid their performances. 

                       Bette Davis and Bob in June Bride (1948)

Of course I'm partial to the "man's best friend is the apple" scene with Carey and Mr. Brinker (Tom Tully).  And Bob's pratfall that ends the scene earns a 10, a perfect stunt.  Do take time out of your busy season for an enjoyable movie, and a chance to see two pros do their thing. 

Now, How Shall I Steal the Scene from Bette ...

June Bride (1948) will be shown on TCM (where else) this Wednesday at 10 p.m. EST/7 p.m. PST.  Hey, a decent show time for a change!  Great.  No reason not to watch it, just set the evening aside for a delightful movie.  And, yes, Bob steals a scene or two.  So, Bette, you're making a movie with Montgomery and you did not know this would happen?      

And the Best Straight Man Award goes to Tom Tully for the "Man's best friend is the apple" scene ...                         

No, Bette Did Not Put a Curse on Joan**

The opening scene of Riptide (1934), wherein Herbert Marshall appears in a rather amazing "bug" costume, is, well, on the bizarre side.  But it is funny. 

The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937), has its own bizarre sequence.  Everyone is at a charity auction and a fierce bidding takes place for a doll with an almost spooky likeness of Mrs. Cheyney, Ms. Crawford, of course.  Now, I am not sure what adults do with lifelike dolls, for the most part, but Lord Dilling (Dill/Bob) is the winner, as seen here observing his new treasure.  Makes me shudder a bit.

       Bob and Joan Crawford, sort of, in The Last of Mrs. Cheyney

There was also a doll in the likeness of Dill/Bob.  Wonder what happened to it after the movie?   I don't have a doll collection, but ...

**Maybe not from trying.  Actually, in 1937 it would more likely have been Norma Shearer!

Best Birthday Wishes for Ms Davis

Tomorrow, April 5th, is the birthday of Bette Davis, former co-star and sparring partner of Mr. Montgomery.  The photo below is one great example of professionalism offered by two actors who just did not get along.  Bob and Bette looking longingly into each others eyes?  Now that's acting! 

                       Bob and Bette Davis in June Bride (1948)

Now this is more like it.  The photo caption states they were not really arguing, just going over their roles for the movie ... right. 

Whatever, I am glad they overcame their differences enough to make the surprisingly enjoyable movie.  Bob's drinking scene with Tom Tully is simply priceless. 

Have you been watching Feud on FX?  As with anything to do with Hollywood, there is a lot of blurring of faction and fiction.  As in so what, it's great fun.  Susan Sarandon appears to be channeling Ms. Davis.  Jessica Lange has the more difficult role as Joan Crawford.  It is possible to characterize Joan's appearance, but her personality?  I have a difficult time imagining her as a real person, but mostly see images of characters she played on the screen.  Perhaps that's just me.  Love Kathy Bates' portrayal of Joan Blondell, one classy broad.  And Stanley Tucci is having way too much fun portraying Jack Warner. 

Ah, Brian, What Happened to that Gorgeous Hair?! (Hmm...kinda like Bob's.)

Brian Aherne was handsome, debonair and instantly likeable on the screen.  A successful actor in both movies and the theater, Aherne was a longtime friend of depressive George Sanders (no mean accomplishment) about whom he wrote the excellent biography, "A Dreadful Man: A Personal Intimate Book About George Sanders." 
 

                          What Every Woman Knows (1934)

                      

 Aherne was also a pilot and owned his own plane.  A multi-talented gent was he.  And, following a Bette Davis theme for the week, was quoted as saying, "Surely nobody but a mother could have loved Bette Davis at the height of her career."  

Bob and Bette on the Same Stage ...Amazing!

Bob and Bette Davis were not exactly good friends, but they were both pros ... and would not let anything as minor as a personal animosity get in the way of making a film.  They even shared a few moments of enjoyment on the set of June Bride, or at least that is how it appears with a camera on them.  In the photo below, Bette is smiling at Bob ...

and later she can't keep a straight face over whatever Bob is doing off camera. 

Yeah, definitely pros at their business.  Which leads me to the classic clip of Bob playing a joke on Bette.  You can see it here at 4:17 into the clip.  Now just what could he have done for Bette to react that way.  Ah, the possibilities.  I love Bob's snort at the very end. 

Hot Off the Presses

Surprise me ... another Montgomery movie being released on DVD.  It is a 6/2/2015 release, get your order in at wbshop.com now!  A fun movie, indeed.  Great, now how about Letty Lynton next, WB? 

Bob and Bette, My Favorite Couple

I wish Bob and Bette Davis had made more movies together.  The two on the same set ... one could look forward to the moment Bette just can't take it anymore and goes after Bob with claws and teeth flaying.  It's that tension between them that adds another level of enjoyment watching June Bride.  How about this for a caption for the photo below:  Bette to the director, "If this S.O.B. steals one more scene from me, I'm out of here."  Bob's response, "Who, Me??"

 This photo stands alone, no words are necessary.


In closing, as Bette is quoted as saying about her co-star, Montgomery is "overbearing, pompous and ridiculously right wing."  I haven't run across a quote from Bob on Bette.  One is just left to imagine his thoughts, 'tis more fun that way. 

And Now for Something a Little Different

Out of idle curiosity, I just looked up The Best of Warner Bros.:  100 Film Collection to find out the cost after hearing it plugged on TCM.  Gee, it's a mere $597.98!  (Buy it "cheap" on Amazon for $383.49.)  Actually, if I didn't already have most of the movies and had a few extra hundred dollars to blow, it does provide a large number of good movies, along with a few fillers like The Clash of the Titans.  BUT, what  blows my mind is that a significant number of those movies are actually made by other studios, primarily MGM.  Okay, so Warner Bros. may OWN them now ... Big Deal!

I went through the first 41 movies listed, covering 1927 to 1959.  (My interest in movies fades with every decade after the 1930s!)  Of those 41 movies, I came up with 18 being produced by MGM and four more by other studios.  I'm sure my numbers are correct within a movie or two, just lack the energy to double-check my findings.

Grand Hotel, Mutiny on the Bounty, Night at the Opera, Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Citizen Kane, Mrs. Miniver, Singin' in the Rain, Ben-Hur, etc....these are NOT movies produced by Warner Bros.!  I mean, Louis B. must be turning over in his grave.

Warner Bros. made a lot of good movies overlooked by the collection.  Only one Bette Davis movie made the list, Dark Victory, and the lady made a number of great movies in her time at Warners:  Now Voyager, Watch on the Rhine, Mr. Skeffinton, The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Letter, Jezebel, The Petrified Forest ... all would qualify for a "Best Of" collection.  But, NO, they have to use the best of MGM instead.

I checked out about a dozen reviews of the collection.  Not one mentions the use of movies made by other studios.  Do they not know this?  Do they think having the legal rights to a movie in 2013 makes a movie a Warner Bros. production?  Yeah, I know, does anyone really care.  I just feel insulted on behalf of all those people who worked so hard to make good movies for their studio - for MGM, for Columbia, for RKO, for Universal, for 20th Century - and NOT FOR WARNER BROS.!!

Boby Language 101

Could Bette have backed away from Bob any further without falling off her chair?