Battle of the Reginald's

 Everybody Sing (1938) starred Alan Jones and Judy Garland.  It may not have been a highly rated movie, but it did have some excellent supporting actors to attempt to save it from being too much of a bomb.  Reginald Owen, Reginald Gardiner and Billie Burke, each in their own unique way, were great actors.  Mr. Owen, whose birthday is August 5th, could seemingly play any type of role to perfection.   Mr. Gardiner was really good at playing the "upper-crust English twit."  And Ms. Burke was a master at portraying "Billie Burke", one of a kind for sure.  

Thumbs up to Mr. Gardiner for going face-to-face with Mr. Owen.  I'd say the eyes have it!  (Sorry, I'm working on this much too late in the day.)

A slightly late update of Bob on TCM ... June Bride (1948) is available until August 11th and The Big House (1930) ends a brief run on August 7th.  

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). 

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.  

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!)

Can There Be Too Many Bobs? No Way.

ROBERT MONTGOMERY FINDS A DIRECTOR'S LIFE IS A BUSY ONE ..... After sixteen years as a motion picture actor, Robert Montgomery turns to directing in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's "Lady in the Lake"...... Here we find Montgomery in his new role of movie director.

Montgomery lunches in his portable dressing room on the set while Bob Pierce, electrician provides impromptu luncheon music.  The busy director-actor seldom left the set while the film was in production.  
 

Bob eating lunch with a crew member providing music background on the accordion ... wouldn't today's unions have a complaint about this!  I think it's a good guess that photographer Bob set up the shot.  Do note the mirrors in the photo.  On the left side you see Bob reflected in a full-length mirror.  There's also a shadowy figure in the reflection, maybe the photographer. 

Bob is also seen in the dressing table mirror, along with a gent catching the entertainment. 

Which brings us to the six photos stuck in the frame of the dressing mirror.  These three are clear enough to determine that all are "candids" taken of Bob on the set.  So, 6 small photos of Bob, 2 reflections of Bob, and one original Bob.  Good one, Mr. Montgomery. 

P.S.  June Bride is being shown on demand on TCM until December 19th. 

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 ...                         

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. 

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. 

Middle-Aged Bob Lookin' Darn Good

This is a promotional photo made for June Bride (1948).  I have run across a half-dozen photos from this same sitting, some with the blinds opened or closed and one with just the clouds that can be seen through the blinds.  I fell in love with this one as soon as I saw it for sale on ebay recently, paying a tidy sum to add it to my collection.  I had never seen it before, not even as a photo in a magazine.  It's in good shape for a photo of its age, just the not uncommon small corner bend and scotch tape on the back reinforcing a crease on the outer age of the photo.  It has the photographer's stamp, always of interest to me.  I was very happy with it, eager to share it with everyone via the blog. 

So, why am I talking about my collection and the particulars of the photo?  Let me tell you my sad story.  I purchased the photo on January 20th, received it on the 26th.  Being a Bob fanatic, there's always a bit of a high for me when I obtain a "new" Bob, particularly one as good and as rare as this one.  That's why when a few days ago, I ran across "my" photo being sold on ebay ... REALLY??  Someone makes a copy of "my" photo and immediately turns around and has a cheap copy of it on ebay?  Aarrggghhhh!! 

Yes, I know the photo falls under the public domain, making a copy of the photo off of ebay is not illegal.  And, unfortunately, the vendor from whom I purchased it did not put their stamp on the copy they used on the listing.  So, a clean copy was there for the taking.  BUT........  I wrote a note to the vendor now selling the cheap copies, suggesting they could have at least waited a while to give me time to fully enjoy my new possession.  They defended themselves with the "public doman" bit and said they had had it for sale several times before.  It was even suggested that mine probably wasn't an original either, as in "what's the harm?" 

I have been collecting everything Bob for about six years now.  I have shelves full of photo binders and Itoya art profolios.  99.7% of the items used on the blog are from that collection (I've reused a few of Carrie's photos!)  I troll the internet on a daily basis looking for "new" Bobs.  I have never run across this photo before.  And to infer that I do not know an original from a new, cheapo copy .....  ohhhhh, please!

If you would like a copy of this photo, I would be quite happy to send you a high resolution scan of it so you can download and print it.  Please don't waste your hard-earned money on a cheapo copy offered on ebay. 

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? 

Happy New Year!

Resolution No. 1 for 2015 ... don't repeat how I ended 2014!

                       June Bride (1948) with Bob and Tom Tully

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. 

Happy Birthday (A Day Early), Roz!

                          Roz and Bob in Fast and Loose (1939)

TCM may have overlooked Bob on his birthday, but at least Roz rates a seven-movie marathon on hers.  I'm listing the movies being shown tomorrow (Wednesday, June 4th), in case you don't already have them marked in your copy of NOW PLAYING.  All times listed are PDT.

             6:15 a.m. - They Met in Bombay (1941)

             8:00 a.m. - Fast and Loose (1939) *

             9:30 a.m. - A Majority of One (1961)

             12 noon   - Auntie Mame (1958) **

             2:30 p.m. - The Trouble with Angels (1966)

             4:30 p.m.  - No Time for Comedy (1940)

             6:15 p.m. - The Feminine Touch (1941)

*  TCM is showing two more of Bob's movies on Thursday, June 6th:

             8:30 a.m. - Forsaking All Others (1934), another Roz film!

             4:15 p.m. - June Bride (1948)

** Auntie Mame is one of those movies that when you run across it flipping channels, you end up watching the rest of the movie.  Just a fantastic performance by Roz.   

Preparing for a Cold Night Montgomery Style

or how Bob prepared for a hayride with Bette Davis ...

"I've bitten into many an apple, but that's the first time I had one snap back at me!"

                               June Bride (1948) with Tom Tully

Boby Language 101

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

More June For Your Bride

Cake Boss

Sure, they hated each other's guts, but they still made a hell of a power couple. Love this shot.

Masterpiece Editions

I'f you've bought photos from Jay Parinno before, you've probably seen this. They have another web site called MasterpieceEditions.com. I guess I had ignored the flyer in the past because I checked it out this time and voila, Bob pics. Do a search & you'll find five photos:

• Labeled as They Were Expendable - I'm lost on this one, it's Bob with a kid. She looks familiar...
  
• Two from Vanessa, Her Love Story (ugh)
  
• June Bride
• Lady in the Lake (mirror scene)

Reprints aren't cheap. They range from $20 to $50.