Dabney Admires Sweet Perfection

 Yes, Dabney.  Everything is perfect for your lady.   

 It's all just oh so perfect. 

 Besides, we all know it's not the breakfast kippers that will win your lady's heart. 

Now That's a Kiss!

Definitely a man in possession ...

                                 Bob and lucky Irene Purcell

Scene Stealer? Maybe. Funny? Definitely!

(It's National Flag Day!  Don't forget to display yours.) 

How To Keep The Boss Happy ...

Of course we have all seen The Man in Possession (1931) ... right??!  I mean, it is one of Bob's best movies and a classic pre-code comedy.  Raymond (Bob) and Crystal (Irene Purcell) make a delightful couple, knowing right away what they want from each other!  Claude (Reginald Owen) just did not have a chance with Crystal once Raymond arrived on the scene. 

      Bob, Reginald Owen and Irene in The Man in Possession (1931)

Irene Purcell was primarily a stage actress, making only seven feature films in 1931-32.  She was already 35 when Man was made, a credit to her youthful looks and acting ability that she was hired to make any movies at all.  At the time, turning 30 was a death knell for actresses, so entering movies at 35, well, lets hear it for Irene!  She was the oldest of Bob's ladies, born in 1896, eight years his senior.

In 1941, Irene married Herbert F. Johnson, Jr., as in the Johnson Wax Company.  Herbert whisked her away to his 14,000 sq. ft. home in Racine, WI, where they remained married until her death in 1972.  During this time, Johnson Wax would sponsor Robert Montgomery Presents, making Irene the wife of Bob's boss, of sorts.  Which brings us to the photo below.

It is Herbert and Irene on November 8, 1956.  They are at the Bresler Art Gallery in Milwaukee, it is opening night and all 17 of Irene's paintings being shown have been sold to raise money for the Actor's Fund of America.  The painting on the wall behind the couple, titled "Marguerites", was purchased by ... ta-da ... Robert Montgomery! 

Took a while to get there ...

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. 

The Young and Beautiful Bob Montgomery

Snarfed up this photo of a soon to be 27-year-old Bob not long ago.  Mr. Hurrell did himself proud in this photo shoot.  Those eyes ... something else.  The photo was taken for Man in Possession (1931). 

I knew when I purchased it that it was a sister photo to "Bob with Straw Hat."  Bob hasn't moved, just the hat added. 

Then I realized this fan card was from the same shoot.  Almost the same pose, just a tad to one side.  And there's a hint of a smile.  Seems to look younger. 

I kept looking and lastly found this clipping.  Love the smile, from both the mouth and the eyes.  He probably realized the photo shoot was finally over.

And Who Will Crystal Choose ...

Will it be Sir Charles, as portrayed by Alan Mowbray?

Or will it be Raymond, Bob at his best?

                      Irene Purcell in Man in Possession (1931)

 Duh....

Happy Birthday, Charlotte Greenwod (Belated)

I meant to do this entry for Ms. Greenwood on her June 25th birthday.  Apparently, the image of Errol Flynn in a sleeveless t-shirt pushed her out of my thoughts.  My apologies, Charlotte.

Charlotte has always been a favorite character of mine.  Probably first became aware of her as Aunt Eller in Oklahoma (1955), one of her last performances and a darn good one at that.  Always a delight, the tall, double-jointed comedienne stole many a scene in movies such as Man in Possession (1931), in which she played Clara, Crystal Wetherby's (Irene Purcell) wise-cracking maid who is not very pleased with Raymond Dabney (Bob) the 'morning after.'  

Charlotte began her career as a dancer in vaudeville and a successful stage career followed.  This is a portrait of Charlotte taken c. 1920.   Great smile.

You really need to check out this video which shows Charlotte doing a rather amazing dance routine. 

Dabney...What Have You Done Now?!

Man in  Possession (1931) is a fun movie.  The cast is excellent:  Bob, Charlotte Greenwood, Irene Purcell, C. Aubrey Smith, Beryl Mercer, Reginald Owen and Alan Mowbray.  A whole lot of talent and experience on one set.  In the two scenes above, Bob holds his own while having to rely on his facial expression alone.  C. Aubrey and Reggie have fun with being aghast at Bob's goings on.  And in the bottom photo, Beryl and Irene smartly ignore the boys totally. 

A bit of trivia:  C. Aubrey Smith will also play Bob's father in But the Flesh is Weak.  Beryl Mercer appeared in four movies with Bob: Three Live Ghosts, Man in Possession, Lovers Courageous and Night Must Fall.  And Reginald Owen ties Joan Crawford for being in six Bob movies:  Man in Possession, Petticoat Fever, Trouble for Two, Three Loves Has Nancy, Fast and Loose and The Earl of Chicago. 

Bob Learns From His Older Women

Bob's August Birthday Ladies, Nos. 3 and 4.  August 7th is the birth date of both Irene Purcell (1896) and Ann Harding (1902).  Irene is excellent in Man in Possession, a delightful pre-code movie.  The scene with Bob and Charlotte Greenwood mugging it up in the kitchen after Bob and Irene's tryst ... too funny.

                                  Man in Possession (1931)

Ann co-stars with Bob in Biography of a Bachelor Girl, a post-code movie based on a play written in  pre-code days.  Needless to say, the changes necessary to get the project past the censors mucked up the plot line.  It's still okay ... Bob's in it right?!  A character in the movie refers to Kurt (Bob) of "talking like a communist."  At the time, Bob was a New Deal Democrat so it was not particularly funny then.  I'm sure it caused a few giggles when watched in the 1950s, as Bob was by then enconsed in the Eisenhower White House. 

                           Biography of a Bachelor Girl (1935)

So, Happy Birthday, Irene and Ann! 

Robert Montgomery Birthday Week - Stills

Some photos do save a thousand words. 

               Man in Possession (1931) with Charlotte Greenwood

               But the Flesh is Weak (1932) with C. Aubrey Smith
                   (Isn't nude Young Bob just way too precious!)

 

                           Petticoat Fever (1936) with Myrna Loy

                 Unfinished Business (1941) with Eugene Pallette

                    Once More, My Darling (1949) with Jane Cowl