What's Better than a Photo of Bob? Three Bobs!

 Bob was certainly right about choosing tough guy roles when he returned from the war.  He's only 43 when he makes Ride the Pink Horse (1947), but he has left his youthful personna far behind.  Four years in the military during war time can have that effect.  

Actually, I rather like middle-aged Bob.  More real.  Sexier.  

Three almost identical pictures ... same pose, the cigarette the only difference.  To me it looks like Bob is searching for his inner Lucky Gagin, and finds him in the last photo.  It's the eyes.  

         

Uh, Mr. Montgomery, er, Would You Please?

A different autograph from Mr. Montgomery, one referencing his movie.  Of course, being your basic Type A personality (perfectionist, competitive, highly organized, ambitious, somewhat neurotic), he is all wrapped up in his current project.  On June 6, 1947, Bob is in the midst of directing and starring in Ride the Pink Horse.  Surprised he had the time to stop and sign a fan's autograph book. 

Howdy!

Nifty photo.  One photo shoot Bob had to have enjoyed. 

                                Ride the Pink Horse (1947)

I Would Like To Have Seen Him On A Pink Horse

There are a number of excellent publicity stills taken of Bob for Ride the Pink Horse (1947).  He is in character, helping to establish former playboy Bob Montgomery as tough guy Lucky Gagin.  Four years of military service has toughened Mr. Montgomery, he looks comfortable with the gun.  Time has also hardened that formerly beautiful face.  He's a handsome dude, but one that has been knocked around a bit, more real.

                  Bob Montgomery in Ride the Pink Horse (1947)

Bob's signature has changed as well, no longer the beautifully drawn one of the 1930s.  It is hurried, matching the man who has less time for personal vanity.  I wonder who "T______y" was. 

The Same Photo? Almost.

Two photos of Bob as Lucky Gagin in Ride the Pink Horse (1947).  At first I thought I had two copies of the same photo.  It was not until I had them lined up next to each other that I realized they were different.  I favor the second one, it is simply more Bob-like.  

Perhaps the Last Photo of the Day?

After a lengthy photo shoot for Ride the Pink Horse, our tired director/star Mr. Montgomery stays still for one more photo.  Almost.  Is that a Montgomery smile breaking loose on tough guy Lucky Gagin's face?  Would Gagin really twirl his gun that way?  Yeah, Bob, you're breaking character .... time to go home for the day.

Ride the Pink Horse Is a Hit - 68 Years Later!

Ride the Pink Horse (1947) has finally been released!!!  Seemed like forever since Criterion made the announcement they were coming out with a Blu Ray copy of our favorite underrated noir film.  Ran across a dozen reviews on the web, all of them in agreement that it's an excellent film, well worth the effort to have it remastered and shown to a new audience of prospective Montgomery fans!

The print is just gorgeous, definitely adds to the movie with all its noir lighting and camera work.  And the commentary track is worth a second viewing of the movie.  Both reviewers know their film noir and share their expertise without being condescending to the audience.  Refreshing.  I do have a question re one of their comments:  Why would one consider Once More, My Darling to be Bob's "noir parody?"  They really lost me there. 

Anyway, if you haven't already a copy... BUY ONE!! 

Above, Bob uses a hands-on approach to directing his young leading lady, Wanda Hendrix.  Also pictured are John Sherwood, Asst. Director, and Margarita Savilla, Wanda's speech coach.

Below, Bob listens to long-time character actor Thomas Gomez in preparation for a scene.  No hand holding needed to direct Mr. Gomez, who was nominated for an Oscar for his performance. 

       

Bob in Blu-Ray Even!!

The Criterion Collection (criterion.com) has announced (via Carrie) that Ride the Pink Horse is one of their April releases!!  You can pre-order it now, to be delivered by March 17th.  A digitally restored Bob ... can't wait. 

And would someone please, please dig Letty Lynton out of its legal morass and provide a digitally restored, beautiful young Bob!!!

Have I Made Myself Perfectly Clear?

                                Ride the Pink Horse (1947)

You can tell Bob is really into the role ... his tie is askew.

And You Think YOU'RE Having a Bad Day

                               Rude the Pink Horse (1947)

Fred Clark is being arrested, Bob has been shot and, saddest of all, one really bad hair day for Wanda Hendrix.

Dear Warner Archive...

We all think it would be a hoot if you would put Ride the Pink Horse on DVD. But if you're working on Letty Lynton, we can wait.

 

Bob & Wanda Hendrix

Lucky Gagin

And why again is Ride the Pink Horse not on DVD?

Ride The Pink Horse

French Movie Poster

A LIFE of Photos

Happiness is rarely seen photos: A good chuck of LIFE magazine's photo archive is now accessible via Google. As the site notes:

Search millions of photographs from the LIFE photo archive, stretching from the 1750s to today. Most were never published and are now available for the first time through the joint work of LIFE and Google.

Search for your favorites, and yes, Robert Montgomery is well represented. The bulk of the Bob photos are from his Eisenhower days, but you'll also spot Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Ride the Pink Horse, and candids.

h/t: Alternative Film Guide

Sightings

Some recent bits from around the Internet:

Free Movies on DVD is now offering Haunted Honeymoon and Ride the Pink Horse for sale. For those of you I baited with the 10 minute YouTube clip on HH, here's your chance to catch up!

Cinema Styles has dug up a fun photo I hadn't seen before from Blondie of the Follies.

And a tip from Laura's Miscellaneous Musings, an interview with Audrey Totter, including some interesting bits on how she was selected to star in Lady in the Lake.

Ride The Pink Horse - Radio Style

Hop aboard the rickety merry go round with this Lux Radio Theater presentation of Ride The Pink Horse from Dec. 8, 1947. The film is one of my favorites and this radio version is just as good. Carrying over from the film version is Robert Montgomery as Lucky Gagin, Wanda Hendrix as Pila, and Thomas Gomez as Pancho.

27 MB MP3 - 1 hour

And if you think you hear a touch of Fred Flintstone in Frank Hugo's voice, you're not far off. Hugo is played by Alan Reed, voice of the lovable Fred.

Ride the Pink Scooter

Bob Montgomery & Wanda Hendrix, getting around behind the scenes on Ride the Pink Horse.

Hold the Phone!

Robert Montgomery & Andrea King from a scene in Ride The Pink Horse.

Larger photo here.

Lucky, Pila & Pancho

Yeah, you'd probably look like Hell too if you were chased and stabbed in the back. The photo itself looks like it's been there. From Ride the Pink Horse.


Larger photo for your viewing pleasure here.

Ride the Pink Horse - Trailer

From Google video...what an odd setup they have for posting. Anyhow, Found the trailer & lots of other goodies over on Noir of the Week. Go check it out!