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.    

Hot Screen Lovers, 1932 Version

How not to disagree.  British magazine "Picturegoer" published a supplemental with full page photos of 1932's noted screen lovers, and placed a photo of Bob and Joan Crawford from Letty Lynton on its cover.  Yes, yes.  Bob and Joan were the hot couple for the year. 

James Cagney and Joan Blondell are featured.  I love both, but I view them as a "good friends" couple, as they were off screen as well.

I don't feel any heat coming off this couple, either.   Understandable, since Norma Shearer has the hots for Fredric March in the movie Smilin' Through, not Leslie Howard.   Need to check out that movie again.

Lucky Kay Francis ... jewels AND Bill Powell.  For myself, jewels would not be necessary.

Now this is hot. Sizzling.  Joel McCrea and Fay Wray in The Most Dangerous Game.  Get this couple a bucket of ice water!

Jack Oakie was an excellent comedic actor, master of the "triple take".  Before his weight gain, he had serious roles as well.  Bit of a handsome dude at this stage.  But, all the same, it is difficult to see him and Miriam Hopkins as hot lovers. 

1932.  Handsome men and sexy ladies.  And it was all pre-code.  Hot. 

Sincerely, Your Favorite Star

I just love fan cards.  I can only imagine the thrill it was for a young fan in the 1920s - 1940s to finally receive that photo for which they had been waiting forever!  They were all so nicely done, definitely worth the wait.  And even "signed" by the star!  Wow. 

Hopalong Cassidy was a favorite of mine, always seemed like such a nice man.  Growing up and discovering William Boyd, I was not disappointed, having read only good things about the gentleman.  A handsome gent he was.  Love the hat!

Joan Blondell was always a favorite.  The ultimate wisecracking blonde who quite often did not get the handsome lead, but one always wondered why.  Loved her in Desk Set (1957), it's great to watch an old pro strut her stuff.  And she continued to do it for two more decades! 

Have not always been a big Lew Ayres fan, but he was such a gorgeous young man.  I like the oh-so-very serious look he has assumed in this photo, an unusual 8"x10" fan card, as gorgeous as its subject!  One very lucky fan.