In the 1930s, I would've bought every fanzine on the rack!

 The popularity of fan magazines in the 1930s, kept the public relations departments of the studios quite busy.  Most all of the magazines used a one-page format of a single photograph of the star with a brief biography and/or mention of their current film.  The magazines, the p.r. departments and the fans all loved the format.  

"Young America's new "boy friend" gets less and less American with each succeeding film.  See him as a quarrelsome English husband in "Private Lives," playing the part acted on the stage by the author, Noel Coward."

"After a decided personal triumph in "Petticoat Fever," in which he co-starred with Myrna Loy, Robert Montgomery will seek new laurels in a follow-up picture teamed again with the lovely Loy.  The title of this one is "Love on the Run," and it has to do with an American news reporter in London and a duchess who is running away from an unwelcome marriage.  You can expect plenty of laughs, with Montgomery at his best as the reporter."

Of course, Bob did not appear in "Love on the Run."  The studio put Gable and Crawford in it to take advantage of the press coverage of their current affair.  And Bob did not want to make another film about buses, "Fugitive Lovers" was enough.  Bob came out ahead on this career move, "Love on the Run" not being much of a success.  

"Filmgoers have missed the smiling face of Robert Montgomery from the screen lately.  Illness caused his removal from the cast of "Mutiny on the Bounty," and other troubles kept him out of later films that had been arranged for him.  But he'll be around again soon, in a comedy interestingly entitled "Petticoat Fever," with no less a person than Myrna Loy as his starring partner.  He gives you a cheery smile, above, to show you that he's quite well again, thank you."  

Of course Bob was not sick for a year, preventing him from making "Mutiny on the Bounty." or any other movie in 1935.  Mayer kicked Bob off the movie, I've always assumed it was because of Bob's involvement with the SAG movement.  Anyway, Bob took off for New York for his 3-month vacation and refused to accept the poor projects MGM sent to him until he finally had to accept "Petticoat Fever" or void his contract.  Certainly glad he made the film!

Pre-Code Bob Times 8 ...Just Great!

 Ah, gee, aren't they cute.  Dorothy Jordan was such a petite lady.  Check out her right hand resting on top of Bob's rather large hand.  Almost doesn't look real.  

               Bob and Dorothy Jordan in Love in the Rough (1930)

Hope you got a chance to watch some of Bob's movies from Monday's mini marathon.  So far, four of them will be available to stream on TCM until mid-August:  Love in the Rough, Strangers May Kiss (1931), Untamed (1929), and Lovers Courageous (1932).  The Divorcee (1930) is available only to July 21st.  For some reason, Another Language (1933) and Private Lives (1931) are shown as available to be streamed, but the ending dates are not included in the write-up.  And When Ladies Meet (1934) is not listed at all.  Not that I'm complaining.  Overall, this summer is proving to be just great for Bob movies.  Thanks again to the programmer at TCM!  

Thanks to TCM for a Very Pleasant Surprise!

Ta- Da!!  Coming this Monday, July 14th on TCM:  Daytime Theme - Robert Montgomery Pre-Codes!  Eight, yes EIGHT!! Bob films.  From Untamed (1929) to When Ladies Meet (1934), watch a young and eager youth develop into an excellent actor and handsome leading man.  

                Bob and Myrna Loy in When Ladies Meet (1934)

Now, I probably won't make it up for Lovers Courageous (1932) which begins the celebration at 6:45 a.m. PDT ... but the second half looks doable.  Hopefully the streaming schedule is good for all eight movies.  The movies in order shown, all times PDT.  

         6:45 a.m.     Lovers Courageous (1932)

         8:15 a.m.     Private Lives (1931)

         9:45 a.m.     Untamed (1929)

        11:15 a.m.    Love in the Rough (1930)

        12:45 p.m.   The Divorcee (1930)

         2:15 p.m.    When Ladies Meet (1934)

         4:00 p.m.     Another Language (1933)

         5:30 p.m.     Strangers May Kiss (1931)

Hope everyone has the chance to see a favorite once more or discover a new one. 

What's Better than Bob? Six Bobs ....

Good month for Bob on TCM.  There are six movies coming and going, all of them in the better Robert Montgomery films group.  

Two movies are almost through their showing.  Private Lives (1931) ends on the 21st and Piccadilly Jim (1936) the 23rd.  The Divorcee (1930) will be shown until May 1st.  The Man in Possession (1931) is just being shown this morning.  Hope it gets a long run.  Everybody should see the role just made for the young Mr. Montgomery.  He handles it so well.  And an excellent cast simply makes this movie a gem of pre-code Hollywood.  Cheers for Charlotte Greenwood, Irene Purcell, Reginald Owen, C. Aubrey Smith and Beryl Mercer.  

And two more movies will "open" in April:  Lady in the Lake (1946) on the 20th and Night Must Fall (1937) on the 30th.  And everybody should see these two movies ... Mr. Montgomery's passions.  

Some great viewing!  Enjoy.  

Norma, Joan and Madge ... What, No Roz?!

 TCM has three Bob movies available for streaming: 

    Private Lives (1931) through April 21st; 

    The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937) through April 1st; and  

    Piccadilly Jim (1936) through April 23rd. 

Not bad choices, and plenty of time to work them all in before they expire.  I have a special spot for Private Lives, which has several great scenes.  The photograph below shows Amanda and Elyot in a quiet moment before The Great Fight!!  That must have been fun for Norma and Bob, certainly a break from the serious love making they were usually asked to do.

            Norma Shearer and Robert Montgomery in Private Lives

Bingo Ready to Defend Andy from the Darkness

Bob and Joan Crawford in Untamed (1929)

TCM is showing five (!) Bob movies during September.  Well, there are just 4 upcoming, The Big House (1930) has already come and gone.  The remaining 4 have horrid show times (all in early a.m.), but should all stream afterwards.  Hey, better than no showings!

      FREE AND EASY (1930), Sept. 12th at 4:00 a.m. PT

      PRIVATE LIVES (1931), Sept. 19th at 4:15 a.m. PT

     THE LAST OF MRS. CHEYNEY (1937), Sept. 22nd at 6:30 a.m. PT

     UNTAMED (1929), Sept. 27th at 4:30 a.m. PT

Blondie, Don't Fight Him, Grab Him!

 There are FOUR Bob movies available to stream on TCM:  

      Blondie of the Follies (1932), through February 16th;

      Ever Since Eve (1937), through February 23rd;

      Live, Love and Learn (1937), through February 25th; and

      Private Lives (1931) through February 26th.

Not bad!

             Bob and Marion Davies in Blondie of the Follies (1932) 

"...a tip-top entertainment."

 I purchased this magazine for the cover.  Definitely a worthwhile investment for me!  Finding anything about Bob inside is always a welcome treat. 

 Now this feature has a interesting tie-in with Bob.  So, Bob is a "Number 4 person," I'd never have guessed that!!  Anyway, some of the attributes of a 4 person rather fit Mr. Montgomery. 

 

And an ad for a Montgomery picture ... to be expected. 

Why is Bob Smiling?

 Ah, the things actors do for publicity...  I'm guessing Bob wanted bragging rights amongst his drinking buddies.  It's not that often one gets to spar with the World Heavyweight Champion.  The rather large gent is Primero Carnera, who had just won the championship in June.  The photo was taken July 19, 1933 in NYC.  Bob was in town for the release of Another Language (1933) on July 28th.  Starting August 4th, Bob did the opening stage act for the movie along with Irene Purcell.  They performed a scene from Private Lives (1931).  That had to be fun for them, definitely fun to watch.

Still Surviving Your Stay at Home Orders?

Yesterday was not a good day.  Absolutely nothing went right.  For example, we had received a notice from Spectrum that the internet would be down for about 20 mins. sometime between midnight and 6:00 a.m.  Well, it went down at about 7:00 p.m and was still down when I finally gave up and went to bed at 2:00 a.m.  Twas not a good evening.  Frustrating.  And no way of doing my Thursday post in time.  So this is all I could come up with as late as it is.  Sorry.  Next week will be better.

Victor & Amanda & Elyot & Sibyl

Love the heralds produced in Germany after WWII for U.S. films.  They're larger than ours, the scans below are just about actual size, and have more pages.  And the photo montages are quite good.  Good memorabilia, even if your 'Deutsche ist nicht sehr gut.' 

TCM is showing Private Lives (1931) this Thursday at 8:00 p.m. EDT /5:00 p.m. PDT.  Quite the enjoyable movie.  Hope they show it on demand afterwards (as they are The Divorcee (1930) until March 26th). 

That Was One Heck of a Fight

One of Bob's "Bests", Private Lives (1931), is being shown on demand on TCM.  The broadcast time for it is 5:00 a.m. CST on the 17th, a tad too early for any movie for me.  The knock-down, drag-out fight between Elyot and Amanda is definitely a classic.  Bob and Norma had great fun practicing it, I'm sure.

                   Bob and Norma Shear in Private Lives (1931)

Bob banged his head preparing for the big fight, and may or may not have been knocked unconscious.  The clipping below reportedly shows the damage to Bob's noble forehead from the fight.  Could be!  

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. 

An "Ah-Ha" Moment!

I was perusing eBay one day and came across this photo.  It was taken on the set of Possessed (1931), starring Joan Crawford and Clark Gable.  Nifty photo with all the lights, puddles of water on the 'street', the cameraman on a crane setting up a shot.  What caught my eye was the gent in the polo outfit with his back to the camera.  It's our Bob! 

And how do I 'know' it's him, you may ask, since the vendor did not have anymore data on the still but the name of the movie. Well .... 1) Possessed began filming Sept. 21st.  Bob has returned to Los Angeles after his summer break, filming of Private Lives would begin soon.  So, Bob is both in town and not busy with filming his own movie.  2) He was quite interested in cameras and all aspects of filming movies, so his observing a scene being setup on an MGM set would not be out of the ordinary.  3) Both Bob and Clark played polo during this period of time.  The two leaving the studio for or returning from a game together would be a possibility.  And 4), that's Bob's polo outfit!  The long camel-haired jacket with the large upturned collar and riding boots was de rigueur for polo enthusiasts, an outfit worn often by Bob ... he looked so darn good in it.  

And what caught my eye initially ... those long skinny legs, narrow shoulders, the hairline and side burn ... quite simply it is Bob!!  At least I'm 98% sure it is!  What do you think?  Anyone know for sure?  Do let us know.  Meanwhile, I'll just enjoy the rather nifty photo. 

Three Days To Go Until Bob's Day on TMC

Once again:  Bob's Day on TMC is this Monday, August 22nd.  They will be showing 14 of Bob's movies, all worth a watch.  Yesterday's post covered the first seven movies being shown, the remaining seven are covered here. 

Marion Davies is Bob's co-star in Ever Since Eve (1937).  This is a movie I need to watch again.  The film's rating on IMDB is an amazing 8.0.  I have always viewed it as one of Bob's weaker vehicles.  Maybe it's the shock of seeing how much the two have aged in the mere five years since co-starring in Blondie of the Follies. 

The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937) is the only movie fellow MGM stars William Powell and Bob made together, so it is definitely worth watching.  It is not one of Bob's better movies, but the cast does what they can with a weak script.  This is the sixth and last movie co-starring Bob and Joan Crawford --- doubt either was too upset by that! 

    Bob and Frank Morgan playing backgammon on the set of Cheyney.

Lady in the Lake (1947) is a must have in any collection of Bob's movies.  After all, he is the star, director and able cinematographer's assistant.  And it's the great assortment of looks Audrey Totter gives the camera, or should I say Bob.  

They Were Expendable (1945) is simply an excellent movie.  It is shown quite often on TMC, understandably so.  John Ford, John Wayne, WWII and Bob in perhaps his best performance ... Bob given the chance at a dramatic role in an A movie with an A director, how wonderful.  To think what kind of career he could have had if provided the same opportunities throughout his career ...

Another Bob classic is Private Lives (1931).  Great script and story line and excellent performances by all, including Norma Shearer, Reginald Denny and Una Merkel.  Poor Una, losing Bob on the first day of their honeymoon.  Now, that is bad luck.

You watch Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941) to see two of the best comedic actors to grace the screen.  Carole Lombard and Bob obviously enjoyed making the movie together, it shows through in their performances.  And, yes, that was one handsome nose!

You might say they saved the best for last, or perhaps it is just fitting that they show Night Must Fall (1937) late at night.  Bob's performance is truly impressive.  The scenes at the end of the movie, just pure perfection.  Ah, Danny boy, you were just so, so good (when given the chance). 

                             And just what is in that hatbox!  

Now, if I could just stay up for 24 hours straight!!

Elyot and Amanda Duel Once More

Another showing of Private Lives (1931), 11:00 p.m. PST (Wednesday)/ 2 a.m. EST (Thursday), on TCM.  I would hope everyone has seen this movie several times, it really is a great Bob movie.  If not, get those DVRs set now.

Private Lives was a very successful play written by Noel Coward who starred in the London production along with Gertrude Lawrence.  It's always nice to be able to write a role for yourself.  It also makes it very difficult for another person who attempts that same role.  Bob took a lot of flack from critics for daring to do the Noel Coward role.  I am sure Mr. Coward was superb in his role on the stage.  I personally think Bob was superb in his role on the screen.

Elyot (Bob) and Amanda (Norma Shearer) are exes who have remarried and find they have adjoining suites at their honeymoon hotel.  It does not take long for them to discover their attraction to each other did not end with their divorce.  They desert their new spouses and head off for a romantic stay in an Alpine chalet.   (Not exactly the nicest couple on the screen!)

It does not take long for the two to return to the combative relationship that caused the marriage to break up in the first place.  The photo below shows Amanda and Elyot on the verge of one of the best screen fights between a couple ever filmed. 

Things get off to a good start ... Elyot is on the floor flabbergasted that Amanda has gone physical during their fight.  Oh, oh, Amanda ... watch out!

I like this clipping from a 1931 magazine discussing the fight.  Bob with a cut forehead ... a PR department's dream come true.

It is said that head of production Irving Thalberg, Norma's husband, actually had a film made of the stage production so that Norma and Bob could study their stage counterparts' performances.  Wonder what happened to the film ... Noel and Gertrude captured on film ... what a find that would be. 

Setting the Mood **

Have you ever noticed that some movie sets stick in your mind and add to why you love a certain film?  I have always loved films that have a small apartment setting.  There is something so cozy about scenes that take place in a character's little apartment.  Some of my favorites include:

Ingrid Bergman's apartment in 1958's "Indiscreet"

Or Katherine Hepburn's in 1957's "Desk Set"

How about Gene Tierney's apartment in 1944's "Laura"

And then of course there is Jack Lemmon's apartment in 1960's "Apartment"

Or Lauren Bacall's apartment in 1947's "Dark Passage"

One of my favorites isn't an apartment at all but a chalet.  Who can forget Norma Shearer's chalet from 1931's "Private Lives"

Or for that matter how she and Bob destroyed it!

** A mood so excellently presented by guest blogger Debbie

An Evening With Amanda and Elyot

It's Norma Shearer month on TCM ... all five of Bob and Norma's movies are being shown!  Yes! They're not all great, but they all have young, beautiful Bob to make them all a worthwhile watch.  My favorite is Private Lives (1931).  This is the fourth movie of the pairing, and their comfort level with each other is reflected in their performances.  And, of course, it is an excellent Noel Coward play, so the script is excellent.  I understand Irving Thalberg actually filmed the stage version for the cast to study, a first, I believe.  Additional time was given for studying the script and rehearsals, to assist Norma in developing her role.  A Noel Coward play was not Norma's cup of tea, but she apparently put a lot of effort into it, didn't exactly embarrass herself.  Bob, meanwhile, handled his role superbly.  If only he had gotten more good movies in which to show his stuff.

               Private Lives (1931) with Bob and Norma Shearer

  The movies will be shown on two nights and all times are EST.

          November 10th  -  Private Lives 8:00 p.m.
                                        Divorcee (1930) at 12:45 a.m.
                                        Their Own Desire (1929) at 2:15 am.

          November 17th  -  Strangers May Kiss (1931) at 8:00 p.m.
                                        Riptide (1934) at 3:15 a.m.

And a special bonus, Lady in the Lake (1947) will be shown on the 22nd at 8:00 a.m.  November is a good movie for Montgomery viewing.  More, more, more ...

Poor Una, the Worst Honeymoon Ever

Lets see, you actually marry your handsome Prince Charming, head off for a honeymoon in France,  and drats if Prince Charming (now Rat fink) doesn't run off with his ex-wife to Switzerland.  On YOUR honeymoon!  Poor Una. 

                      Private Lives (1931) Bob & Una Merkel

At least you have your wedding picture taken by George Hurrell wearing an absolutely scrumptious wedding gown.  (It's a 10x13 photo slightly trimmed because of my scanner.  Sorry, George!)