He Is Only 26, After All. He Gets Better!

So, just why is Babs (June Walker) trying to fend off the advances of Wally (Robert Montgomery)?  Well, perhaps he could work on his approach to the ladies, but, hey, it is WWI, and the young pilot could very well be heading off on his last flight.  Is that still a "NO", Babs?  Sorry, Wally.  I tried.  

   June Walker and Robert Montgomery in War Nurse (1930)

Wish the lobby card was in better shape, but ... this one I could afford.  Posters/lobby cards from Bob's early movies are for the most part way out of my league pricewise.  At least Bob is in good shape.  

War Nurse is available to stream on TCM until June 26th.  And They Were Expendable (1945) until June 24th.  

Picking Up Parental Skills Over the Years

 Bob looks a tad awkward holding a baby in this scene from War Nurse with co-star June Walker.  Of course, Betty was just pregnant with their first child during the filming, so Bob would be rather unexperienced dealing with babies.  The baby looks so large compared to the very diminutive Ms. Walker.  

                       Bob and  June Walker in War Nurse (1930)

Three decades later Bob looks and is an old hand at being around babies.  Here he is holding the real Robert Montgomery III, who is helping his grandfather celebrate his 55th birthday on the set of The Gallant Hours along with cast members Dennis Weaver and Mr. James Cagney.  One can only imagine the pieces of studio cake Bob and Jim had at on-the-set parties over the years.  

         Bob III, Bob, Dennis Weaver & James Cagney on the set of                                     The Gallant Hours (1960)

Beautiful, Blue-Eyed and Tanned Bob

Before the prevalence of air-conditioning, filming at the studios came essentially to a halt in August.  That gave the actors, particularly the young and much overworked Mr. Montgomery, a much needed break and chance to pursue preferred summer activities.  Bob was rather a competitive zealot in a number of sports (polo, tennis, golf, boating) which meant spending many hours outdoors.

War Nurse (1930) was the first film made after his summer break in 1930.  This publicity shot, with June Walker, must have been the very first activity on the production schedule.  Just check out that gorgeous tan, the way it sets off his blue eyes.  Unfortunately, it fades away quickly once he returns to his usual long days shut up on indoor stages.

And not one color photo of of the young man ... 'tis a shame.

                      Bob and June Walker in War Nurse (1930)

Back in Bob's Very, Very Slender Days

June Walker, whose birthday is Wednesday, June 14th, originated the character of Lorelei Lee in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes on Broadway.  You know, the Marilyn Monroe role.  Hmmm ... I never quite saw that.

                      Bob and June Walker in War Nurse (1930)

Anyway, in the midst of doing a little surfing on the net, I ran across this photo of June.  Okay, the blonde hair, different hairstyle and makeup, a few years younger ... okay, I can see it. 

How Could Any Woman Possibly Say No

                      Bob and June Walker in War Nurse (1930)

Romeo Bob, Cause of Acute Fan Heart Trouble

                                       War Nurse (1930)

 Oh, be still my heart!!

Practice Makes Perfect

In 1930, Bob's awkward approach to love making is not appreciated at all by June Walker. 

                                        War Nurse (1930)
 
By 1936, Bob had mastered his moves after extensive research and practice.  He knows how to get Myrna into his arms without a moment's protest.  Lucky, lucky lady ...

                                   Petticoat Fever (1936)

From War Nurse to South Pacific

June Walker, Bob's co-star in War Nurse, was primarily a stage actress in the 1920s and 1930s.  Glad she made her one movie of the 1930s with Bob, they made a cute couple.

                                       War Nurse (1930)

June's son was John Kerr who played Lt. Cable in South Pacific.  He was a handsome young man ...  obviously good genes.  John died this February 2nd, a day before the anniversay of his Mom's death. 

                                  South Pacific (1958)

Ah, the magic of movies.  They may have passed and left this mortal coil, but on film and in our memories young Mr. Kerr will always be romancing France Nuyen, and June will always be looking up into Bob's smiling face.