Just a Gorgeous Couple ...

 ... think I've said that a few times before.  But it's so true.  The photographer is Russell Ball for MGM.  Excellent photo.  As were all the other photographs he made for Hide-Out.  A perfect combination of subject matter and photographer.  Their photos always make me smile.  

         Robert Montgomery & Maureen O'Sullivan in Hide-Out (1934)

More and More and More Bob Movies

Another great month for Bob's movies on TCM ... there are four streaming presently, with three more to come.  

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941) ends earliest, on January 9th.  

Three Loves Has Nancy (1938) runs until January 31st

Then Blondie of the Follies (1932) and Ever Since Eve (1937) both end on February 2nd.

                    Robert Montgomery in The Big House (1930)

The Big House (1930) begins streaming January 14th.

Hide-Out (1934) was shown in December and begins another probably brief run on January 16th.  (They should just make it a permanent listing!)

And The Earl of Chicago (1940) is the 7th movie showing in January starting January 31st.  

 Young "Kent" anticipating what his life will be like in prison.

90 Years Later and Still Showing at Your Local Theater (TCM ...)

 

An update on the showing dates of Bob movies on TCM this month:  

                  Live, Love, & Learn (1937) until December 19th;

                  Fugitive Lovers (1934) until December 22nd;

                  No More Ladies (1935) until January 1st; and

                  Hide-Out (1934) until January 4th.

                  Private Lives (1931) first shows on December 20th and

                  Lady in the Lake (1946) on December 22nd.  

All good stuff!  Thanks, again, to TCM for sharing Bob with their viewers.  

Lucky Bob, Supported by Beautiful Ladies

 In When Ladies Meet (1933) Alice Brady portrays the friend who owns a beautiful summer "cottage" in New Jersey, large enough for the entire group.  She is 42 years old in this rather nice photograph taken in 1935.   

Maureen O'Sullivan is 21 years old in this gorgeous photo taken by Ted Allan.  She co-starred with Johnny Weissmuller in Tarzan the Ape Man (1932), proving her body was as beautiful as her face.  Maureen teamed with Bob in Hide-Out (1934), my personal choice of Bob's most beautiful leading lady.  Such a great pairing.  There really should have been a Hide-Out, Part 2 made.  

Madge Evans starred with Bob in four movies between 1932 and 1936.  They were a handsome couple who simply jelled on screen.  I particularly enjoyed her performance as the ex-wife in Made on Broadway (1933).  

And Just Who Was the More Beautiful?

"Here they are ... Maureen O'Sullivan advises Robert Montgomery in this scene from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture, "Hide-Out," directed by W.S. Van Dyke."

As we have lamented many times in the past, it's really too bad they didn't pair Bob and Maureen at least one more time to answer the big questions, "Will Lucky return after he has served his prison term?  Will Pauline want him back?"  They were just so cute together.  

And the Cutest Couple Ever Is ...

 Yes, another publicity still of Bob and Maureen O'Sullivan for Hide-Out (1934).  And, yes, they are a remarkably good-looking couple.  But ... there is a shade of difference.  Can you see it?
 

Bob is talking.  He has made Maureen laugh.  Yeah, it can be really tough making a movie. 

Now, That's a Hat!

 How did they attach those hats so they stayed in place?  Anyway, this one plus the dress frills makes for a nifty photo.  And it helps to have Marion Davies model it and Robert Montgomery simply be in the photo.  This print is the 'Art Souvenir' 16"x10" foldout from the February 4, 1933 issue of Picture Show Magazine.  It is in superb shape, except for the fold wear.  After 88 years, I was amazed it was still in the magazine and in one piece.  It deserves to be framed and displayed.  In my next life ...

 Blondie of the Follies (1932) is available for streaming on TCM through April 1st.  Also, The Big House (1930) can be seen through April 3rd and Hide-Out (1934) until April 11th.  That's a nice selection of early Montgomery movies for your viewing pleasure. 

Nice Things (Can) Come in Small Packages

 As I've said a few times before, it is just great fun for me to run across a trade card or postcard with a photo of Bob that costs a small percentage of the 8x10 version, if you can find the larger version at all.  

The real photo trade cards can be stunning, such clarity in a small photo.  Maureen O'Sullivan and Bob in a still from Hide-Out (1934) make for a handsome couple, from Maureen's smile to the piece of hay in Bob's mouth.  (Well, you may have to concentrate to see that one!) 

 Two-color trade cards are fairly common.  Some work out better than others.  I would place this photo of Bob in the "slightly-over-the-top" category.  Love the purple match flame.

 There are a number of trading cards with sailor Bob from Shipmates (1931).  This one is a little out of the ordinary.  Of course, the Shipmates publicity shots were all taken by Hurrell.  I have seen the original Hurrell.  Quite nice.  But, until I win the Powerball ...

 

Time to Prepare for the Celebration!

Okay, everyone, mark this on your calendar!!  Bob's birthday is next Thursday, the 21st, and TCM will be showing eight (yes, 8!) of his movies!!  Unfortunately (for me, anyway), it is a daytime marathon, so get those DVR's ready.  The movies are as follows (ET):

                     6:30 a.m.  Yellow Jack (1938)
                     8:00 a.m.  Fugitive Lovers (1934)
                     9:30 a.m.  Hide-Out (1934)
                   11:00 a.m.  Piccadilly Jim (1936)
                   12:45 p.m.  Ever Since Eve (1937)
                     2:15 p.m.  Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941)
                     4:00 p.m.  Night Must Fall (1937)
                     6:00 p.m.  Lady in the Lake (1946)

It has been some time since I saw Yellow Jack and Fugitive Lovers, so they will be my 'must sees' this year.  Bob is ever so handsome in Fugitive Lovers.  Rrrff!

                  Bob and Madge Evans in Fugitive Lovers (1934)

Lucky and Pauline

The photo is showing wear, but the content is just perfection.  The young couple, newly in love, gazing at each other to discover every small thing about each other.  Pauline touching Lucky's jacket ...  just too good. 

                  Bob and Maureen O'Sullivan in Hide-Out (1934)

A Second Piece of Pie, Anyone?

Rather enjoy candids taken on the set in the 1930s, when they shared the "magic" of movie making with the fans.  This photo taken on the set of Hide-Out (1934) is interesting in that there is not a soul in the group with a smile on their face.  Well, young Mickey Rooney is smiling, too young to know better?  Anyway, these people were putting in very long hours to keep up with demanding schedules set by the studio.  Not much to smile about, if it wasn't in the script!

 

The cast listed clockwise:  Edward Arnold, Bob and Maureen O'Sullivan (whose faces are almost whited out by the set lighting), Elizabeth Patterson, Edward Brophy and the Mick.  The director W.S. Van Dyke is the dapper gent wearing a straw hat.  Wonder what that pie was like after sitting under the set lights for a few hours.

Reminder:  Hide-Out is being shown on TCM tomorrow at 6:45 a.m. EST.  Lady in the lake (1947) can be seen on demand until the 21st. 

"I want you to stop meddling with my fiancee!"

... exclaims Sir James Felton (Reginald Owen) to Dascom Dinsmore (Bob) as Irene (Myrna Loy) watches in surprise in Petticoat Fever (1936).  A fun movie.  I bet it was a roaring success at the "Tavern Casino" on Friday! 

TCM will be showing Petticoat this Wednesday at 5:00 a.m. EST.  I don't know that I'd be able to make that show time, so I am hoping they show it on demand later.  You can see Night Flight (1933) on demand today, and Rage in Heaven (1941) through Friday.  And three move Bob movies will be shown this Month:  Lady in the Lake (1947) on the 14th; Hide-out (1934) on the 17th; and Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941) on the 18th.  That's a lot of Montgomery all in one month!  And so many are my favorites, and I would imagine yours as well.

None of Bob's movies are scheduled on TCM for his birthday on the 21st.  That's kind of a let down after showing nine movies last year.  Six of his better movies in the weeks before will just have to do.

One of the few people who could wear an Ascot

A portrait of Bob taken during the making of Hide-Out in June/July of 1934.  Which means he has just turned 30 years old.  I like the overall sense of smugness, yet with humor sparkling in his eyes.    Such a handsome critter. 

An Evening With Lucky & Pauline. How Nice!

Real life can be too darn distracting at times...  Meanwhile, Hide-Out (1934) is finally out on DVD!!  Very good.  It was just released Nov. 13th, so I'm not behind too much.  Still a few Bob movies out there to save.  Personally, I'd like to see a decent copy of Unfinished Business (1941).  It was shown at a Gregory LaCava retrospective in Los Angeles a few years back, so it exists!  And when Letty Lynton (1932) is finally dug out of its legal morass, it really needs to be a remastered copy!  After such a long wait, we deserve it!

Marathon Discussion Part 1 (2 Days To Go!)

Nine movies being shown on Bob's birthday ... of course they are not all great movies, but they do have Bob in them.  That's reason enough to watch each at least once, perhaps a second time to follow the plot rather than just appreciating Mr. Montgomery. 

I would place four in the category of "must-see" Bobs, and you probably have seen them all.  Night Must Fall was Bob's favorite movie.  He put a lot of effort in the role and his performance is just wonderful.  The final scenes are just superb.  He deserved the Best Actor nomination ... at least.  

                   Rosalind Russell and Danny in Night Must Fall

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a delight.  Carole Lombard and Bob enjoyed working together and it shows through in their performances. There are a number of classic scenes that do not fail to make you laugh, no matter how many times you have seen them.  The IMDB rating is only 6.5.  I disagree wholeheartedly ... too many Hitchcock fanatics dissing the movie because it is a comedy and not your typical Hitchcock.  That's their loss.

Private Lives was first a play written by Noel Coward, and this is a faithful adaptation.  I'm sure it would have been just fantastic to see Coward and Gertrude Lawrence perform it on the stage, but Bob and Norma Shearer acquit themselves quite well.  An enjoyable movie, the leads ably supported by Una Merkel and Reginald Denny, the discarded spouses.  Did you know Laurence Olivier played Denny's role on the stage?  My fun newly acquired factoid for the day ...

                     Norma Shearer and Elyot in Privates Lives

And Hide-Out is purely a joy to watch.  Such a sweet romantic comedy, with one of the screen's best matches.  Yes, Maureen O'Sullivan was actually as good-looking as Bob.  If they had only made the sequel ...

Let's see, that leaves five movies to discuss.  I watched two of them earlier this evening, which is why I'm approaching my total collapse time already.  And three more to catch up on tomorrow.  Watching five Bob movies ... ah, the hard work I do for the blog!  Until tomorrow ...

The Countdown Begins ... 3 Days To Go!

This coming Monday, May 21st, is Mr. Montgomery's birthday.  I'm glad I'm retired and don't have to worry about using up a vacation day (or more likely, sick day), because TCM will be having a Montgomery marathon ... 9 Bob movies!!  Fantastic.  The only drawback is that it's a day marathon, as in no movies shown in the evening except the 6:00 EST showing of Night Must Fall (1939).  But am I complaining?  No.  I am just thrilled that TCM remembered Mr. Montgomery at all.  My hugs and kisses go out to the beautiful soul in programming who remembers our beautiful man.

So, get those DVRs warmed up and ready to go!  Here's the schedule ... all times are CST (for a change..)

                 5:00 a.m. - Untamed (1929) 
                 6:30 a.m. - Private Lives (1931)
                 8:00 a.m. - But the Flesh is Weak (1932)
                 9:30 a.m. - Made on Broadway (1933)
               10:45 a.m. - When Ladies Meet (1933)
               12:15 p.m. - Hide-Out (1934) 
                 1:45 p.m. - Trouble for Two (1936)
                 3:15 p.m. - Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941)
                 5:00 p.m. - Night Must Fall (1937) 

Overall, a good selection of Bob's movies.  What a way to spend his day!

I am thinking about doing a couple posts this weekend to discuss briefly the pros/cons of the movies being shown.  I generally do not "review" Bob's movies, since I am so completely biased.  But, perhaps I can provide input to help you decide which ones to be sure to catch.  Of course, I'm addressing those of you who have not seen all of Bob's movies.  The old pros out there can just ignore my ramblings, as usual. 

The One That Bob Was Not Prettier Than ... ***

Maureen O'Sullivan was born on May 17th, 1911, in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland.  (Another one of those great name/birthplace combinations!)  She, of course, co-starred with Bob in Hide-Out (1934).  They made a great pair, her Pauline to Bob's Lucky.  It is a movie that begged for a sequel, catching up with the two when Lucky gets out of prison.  In our next lives ...

1934 was a great year for Maureen.   She made four movies; Tarzan and His Mate, The Thin Man, Hide-Out and The Barretts of Wimpole Street.  Not bad, young lady.  

 

*** That's open to discussion, of course...

A Really Nice Photo of a Gorgeous Couple

Lucky and Pauline ... such a great match.  The same goes for Bob and Maureen.  It really is too bad they didn't make another film together.  A sequel to Hide-Out (1934) would have been great, but any movie would have been just fine.  Darn it, anyway. 

                 Bob and Maureen O'Sullivan in Hide-Out (1934)

Lot of Good People Born in May

Besides Bob ...
    May 15 - Constance Cummings, Bob's co-star in Haunted
                  Honeymoon (1940)
    May 17 - Maureen O'Sullivan, Bob's co-star in Hide-Out (1934)
 

                        Lucky shows his farming skills to Pauline

   May 20 - Jimmy Stewart, well, just because!
   May 23 - James Gleason, Bob's very able supporting actor
                   in Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)

             Mr. Gleason could steal a scene under any circumstance

Four Days To Go For Bob's Day on TMC

Don't Forget!!  Bob's Day on TMC is this coming Monday, August 22nd.  14 of his movies, just great.  And they have done a very good job in their selections.  I would wish they had included Petticoat Fever (1936), Bob at his prime in a delightful romp with Myrna Loy, and Once More, My Darling (1949), older Bob poking fun at his movie career and reputation as a ladies man on the screen.  But, hey, there are only 24 hours in a day.  Next time, right TMC?!  When you also bring Letty Lynton back to the screen where it belongs!! 

The first seven movies shown are in chronological order, starting with The Divorcee (1929), one of the five movies he made with Norma Shearer that gave him such a boost to his career.  It is certainly understandable why Norma would chose the 25-year-old Bob for a fling, to get back at Chester Morris.  
 

                        The Divorcee (1929) with Norma Shearer

The Man in Possession is just a delightful pre-code romp, straight to the bedroom and torn undergarments.  A definite must see if you haven't already. 

                  The Man in Possession (1931) with Irene Purcell

In a more serious vein, Bob is injured in an auto accident and spends much of his screen time in bed in Faithless.  It is very much Tallulah Bankhead's movie, with Bob looking ever so handsome as her near death husband. 

                       Faithless (1932) with Tallulah Bankhead

When Ladies Meet is an ensemble movie, with Ann Harding and Myrna Loy in the primary roles, given great support by Alice Brady, Frank Morgan and, of course, our Bob.  It is a tad chatty, but quite interesting, especially for the time. 

  When Ladies Meet (1933) with Myrna Loy, Alice Brady, Ann Harding       and Frank Morgan

The Mystery of Mr. X is a refreshing change for Bob.  He portrays a jewel thief who tracks down a mysterious murderer, even disguising himself as a Bobbie while chasing Mr. X in an exchange of gunfire.  The movie is not shown very often, so have your DVR ready. 

                                The Mystery of Mr. X (1934)

One of my all time favorite movies is Hide-Out.  Bob and Maureen make an incredibly cute couple.  Such a delightful movie.  This movie calls out for a sequel.  We need to find out just what happens to Lucky and Pauline!

                       Hide-Out (1934) with Maureen O'Sullivan

Piccadilly Jim is the fifth and last of the movies Bob makes with Madge Evans, a great co-star for Bob.  I have always thought it would be great to see them together in a movie made near the end of Bob's career.  It is difficult for me to imagine older Bob with Norma Shearer or Joan Crawford.  Anyway, any movie with Eric Blore is worth watching. 

                           Piccadilly Jim (1936) with Eric Blore

 I'm running out of gas here ...  hopefully, I'll continue with the remaining seven movies tomorrow.