Happy 125th Birthday, Mr. Cagney! (7-17-1899)

 Boy, 1899 ... that's a long time ago!  And Cagney is still remembered.  Now that's a successful movie career.  

Of course, Mr. Cagney and Mr. Montgomery were close friends, a friendship lasting for almost 50 years.  The following photos, taken during filming of The Gallant Hours (1960), so beautifully show the sincere feelings they had for each other.  It appears it is Cagney's turn to tell the joke ...

... and Bob's turn to laugh at the punchline.  

Yeah, I know the photos have been used a time or two on the blog.  It's just that I enjoy them so much it's always nice to have an excuse to use them.  

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)

Mr. Cagney & Mr. Montgomery

 They were both born in the state of New York, but were worlds apart.  The young Cagney grew up in the lower east side of Manhattan, Montgomery in an upper middle class home in upstate New York.  Bob attended a private prep school, but left before he could graduate when his father died.  Cagney, somewhat surprisingly, completed high school and attended a semester of college before dropping out when his father died.  Cagney started in show business as a dancer, Bob went straight to acting and began his movie career in 1929, followed the next year by Jimmy.  They were both successful, rising to the top rapidly.  

Anyway, they seemed more different than they actually were.  Both became involved in the Screen Actors Guild when it started.  I've always assumed that's how they met, not really sure.  Bob was very busy at MGM, and the same for Jimmy at Warner Bros.  And they did not hang about in the same social circles, for sure.   

     James Cagney, Chester Morris and Robert Montgomery visit Mary 

            Boland on set to sell tickets to a SAG fund-raising event.

Below, Cagney visits Montgomery on the set of The Night Must Fall in 1937.  Besides just wanting to check in on a friend, it was great PR having a Warner Bros. star visit a friend on an MGM set.  

Bob returns the favor in 1940, visiting Jimmy on the set of City of Conquest.

And Cagney scored a big coup getting Lt. Montgomery to attend the premiere of Yankee Doodle Dandy on May 29, 1942 in New York City.  Politically, Bob was a good friend to have when you were facing trouble due to past leftist activities.  

On September 10, 1956, Cagney appeared in an episode of Robert Montgomery Presents, titled "Soldiers from the War Returning" which was the opening episode of the show's final season.  It was a big favor to Montgomery ratings wise, the movie star Cagney appearing in a very dramatic role on live television.  The newness was a real challenge for Jimmy.  

In 1959 the two finally got a project going that they could do together.  Of course Cagney starred in and Montgomery directed The Gallant Hours, which was released in 1960.  It is a Cagney/Montgomery production, with Bob more involved with the actual production.  It was Bob's idea to make the movie about Admiral Halsey with Cagney ideal in the lead role.  It was a great movie for Bob to wrap up his movie career in.  They obviously enjoyed working together.    

Cagney would make one more movie, One, Two, Three in 1961 before retirement (not counting minor appearances in his later years).  There was talk of doing another project together, but nothing came of it.  Wouldn't it have been great to see them act together.  

Today, September 27th, marks the anniversary of Mr. Montgomery's passing at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, NYC.  He was 77.  Cagney passed in 1986 at the age of 86 on his farm near the village of Stanfordville, NY.  True-blue New Yorkers.  

Two Hoofers and a Deputy

 "'Gunsmoke' was never like this," says Dennis Weaver (left).  Between scenes for The Gallant Hours, Weaver is getting hoofing lessons from an experienced pro, James Cagney.  Cagney, who plays Adm. William F. Halsey in the movie, finds dancing between sequences helps him to relax and unwind.

The act's about to become a trio as Robert Montgomery (left) joins Dennis Weaver and James Cagney (right).  Montgomery, too, has had some dancing experience, so he's able to give out suggestions to help Weaver master a routine.  Montgomery, who is producer and director, and Cagney, who's the star, are making The Gallant Hours for their own production company.  

And a blow-up of Bob's face, big enough so you know who it is!  Bob is showing his gentleman farmer girth above ... and, whereas he's wearing white slacks, his shoes are not white but black!  Eek.  

I Spend Way Too Much Time on my Computer!

I have a rather large file of photos I use as wallpapers, but I often go to a select few over and over again.  Pulled out ten of those for your perusal, in no particular order.  They all look better full screen, of course.  

Bob headed for Panama during his PT stage of his military career.  Bob is second from the left.  I particularly like this photo because this is real Bob, actually doing tour duty, not assigned to LA to make training films.  It was just so admirable of him to give up all the money he was making in 1940-1941 in order to do his civic duty, even though he was past draft age.  My hero.

A publicity photo taken for Three Live Ghosts (1929), his first movie, of course.  I have a photo of Bob's house in the early 1930s with this photograph displayed on a wall.  

Cagney and Bob on the set of The Gallant Hours (1960).  Great photo of two old friends finally getting the chance to work together.  Bob actually laughing, a full face smile.  Love it.

Bob directing on the set of The Gallant Hours.  Love the bullhorn.  He's having fun.

It's 1943, Bob has returned from his Pacific tour of duty and they have him doing some PR work.  Here we find him in Chicago being a master of ceremonies for some naval program.  A few fans have cornered him for autographs.  

Blondie of the follies (1932) with Marion Davies.  Great set, needs to be seen on a full screen.  The best hat ever!

The Shipmates (1931) publicity shots are all great.  It didn't hurt to have two good-looking stars as subjects.  

One of my newer wallpapers and currently my favorite.  Such a gorgeous young mam.  Rrfff.

Mr. Cagney Politely Listens to his Director, Mr. Montgomery

 "Robert Montgomery (right) does his first acting in 11 years, a bit in The Gallant Hours, Admiral Halsey's story, which he is producing and directing.  Here, it's direction that demands his time, setting up a scene with James Cagney, as Halsey, and Dennis Weaver (center)."

Gee, but I wish Bob had done 'a bit' in The Gallant Hours (1960).  He was in the line of ship officers shaking hands with the retiring Halsey (Cagney) as he exits the ship.  They even cut that out, can only see him from behind briefly as Cagney shakes his hand.  (See the May 20, 2014 post for shot of Bob/Cagney.)

I like how the photo captures Bob using his hands to help with his direction.  I am glad they finally got the chance to make a movie together.   

I don't know, but is that the Montgomery smirk?

Mr. Cagney & Mr. Montgomery on the Set

 Another photo of 'the boys' on the set of The Gallant Hours (1960) that I recently managed to add to my collection.  Besides being a fan of both, I simply admire their long friendship.  Fifty years.  Impressive for movie folks.  I guess the key was simply not talking 'shop' and having other interests in common, like poetry and duck hunting.  A rather unusual combination come to think of it.  Of course, one would say that Cagney and Montgomery were not average men.  For sure. 

 

A Day with Bob and a few of his Friends

The Gallant Hours (1960) "world" premiere was tied in with the U.S. Navy's celebration of National Armed Forces Week, a gala event held in Washington, D.C., May, 1960.  It's always nice to have friends in high places, right Capt. Montgomery?!

This brochure covers the event.  It was sent to film distributors and local theaters, trying to sell them on pushing the movie with a naval theme, letting them know local navy personnel would be available to assist them.  It is a four-page, approx. 9"x12" pamphlet.  Haven't really seen anything else like it but, then, my knowledge of movies pretty much comes to a screaming halt about 1950 ...

Since they were in town anyway, Jim Cagney and Bob drop by The White House for a 'meet-and-greet' with Vice President Nixon.  Officially, Halsey's son has presented Nixon with an Admiral's hat. Yeah, once again, it's always nice to know people in high places, right Presidential Aide Mr. Montgomery?!

In the photo below, note Bob is wearing his Captain's dress uniform, with a nice row of ribboned medals.  It appears Admiral Halsey earned a few more.  I am 95% sure that is Dave Garroway on the far right.  He was at the gala, but it is not the clearest image.  Unfortunately, the same goes for Bob. 

Above, note the activities lined up for Bob and Jim to promote the movie.  You know, as a youth I just loved Jack Paar.  Interesting guy.  But Bob and Paar on the same set ... hmmm.  Different souls.

And one of the great posters for The Gallant Hours.  Mr. Cagney was very believable as Halsey.  Looked great in the uniform! 

Take My Wife ... Please!

My absolutely favorite pair of photos, featuring two old friends on the set of The Gallant Hours (1960).  James Cagney is telling the joke this time, and it's Bob's turn to break up on hearing it.  Great smile, Mr. Montgomery.

 TCM is showing The Gallant Hours this coming Thursday at 5:00 p.m. EST. 

Hey, Jim ... Let's Make a Movie Together!

Bob at his happiest, directing/producing a movie.  This time it is The Gallant Hours (1960), an opportunity to work with pal Jimmy Cagney.  That was one large project for Bob to take on, first coming up with the idea in the fall of 1957, filming done in 1959 and then finally released in 1960.   

Bob is wearing his directing outfit:  sport jacket, no tie and white slacks.  He wears the same outfit for Lady in the Lake and Ride the Pink Horse photo days.  Did you catch the scuff mark on the lower left pant leg?  He must not have noticed it, I'm sure he had a backup pair. 

Bob's Final Scene ...on the Cutting Room Floor!

Just love heralds, the nice four-page ones.  Mini-pictorials of the movies, they made great souvenirs for the movie fan.  I have not run across a U.S. version of the herald for The Gallant Hours (1960), but the German one is nifty.  Der Admiral ... certainly fits the cover photo of Cagney as Admiral Halsey in his uniform with all the stripes and ribbons. 

On the back page, you will probably recognize the scene at top wherein the Juniors Cagney and Montgomery were cast as young marines who have a chat with Halsey.  And, frustratingly so, the lower left shot is not in the final cut.**  Our man Bob, appearing in his real uniform as a Captain in the USNR, is shown shaking hands with Halsey/Cagney.  What a great scene to have closed out his movie career!

**The movie uses a shot made from behind Bob so you just see the outline of his head and shoulder.  I'm guessing Mr. Montgomery decided it might have had a jarring effect on the rather dramatic scene.

Quick, Which Navy Bob Is For Real?

                  Hint:  Captain Henry Montgomery, Jr, U.S.N.R.

Do hope you all have wonderful plans for the holiday weekend, and that they all come true.  A great time to hug a veteran and say thanks for their service.  

Happy Birthday, Mr. Montgomery!!

Captain Henry (Bob) Montgomery, Jr., U.S.N.R., and good friend Jimmy Cagney on the set of The Gallant Hours in May, 1959.  Bob is just turning 55.  The photo below is a blow up of Bob from the photo.  The baby face is gone, the sideburns are gray and the crow's feet are more pronounced, but, hey, he is still one handsome dude.   

Flashing forward to early 1968, we find an almost 64-year-old Bob aging gracefully, still dressing elegantly and, as always, eyeglasses in hand while being photographed.  Notice the colonnade on the left side of the photo....your simple Manhattan apartment! 

And now for a step backward in time to find Bob, 28, on the set of Hell Below in late 1932, with Walter Huston in the background.  Woof, one good-looking man.  

And speaking of looking good in a uniform ... two photos that have been used on the blog before, that, to me, represent Bob at his prime in both his private and professional lives.  When someone asks me who Robert Montgomery was, this is what I try to convey to them.  First, we have real Bob, or more correctly Henry, on board a ship at the beginning of his overseas duty in September, 1942.  What else could a 39-year-old Montgomery do to defend his country!  
 

And, professionally, it's Bob clad in his Hollywood uniform for Petticoat Fever (1936).  The old pro at 32 yrs of age, at the top of his game ... rrfff.

Thanks for being you, Robert.  Enjoy your day.

How to Avoid Southern California Traffic

The Gallant Hours was filmed April - June, 1959, in Los Angeles and San Diego, CA.  The above photo was taken May 10, 1959.  I am totally unacquainted with naval terms, not sure if this is simply a boat, a yacht or what have you.  But, it's a 70-footer and it belonged to James Cagney.  The ship is in harbor at Newport Harbor (Yacht Club) in Newport Beach, CA, located south of LA.  As in a very beautiful and extremely costly piece of real estate.  What d'ya think, the Boys (Bob and Jim) on a weekend getaway from the trials of filming?  I always like these subtle reminders that the rich live a different life from ours.  My experience of this part of the state is being stuck in the usual traffic jam on the 405.  Oh, hey ... in my next life. 

Yes, Those Eyes Were Blue!

 Bob and Dennis Weaver join Cagney in his dressing room for this publicity shot for The Gallant Hours.  Gray jacket, white slacks, maroon handkerchief and no tie ... Mr. Montgomery's version of going casual.  Can you imagine the look on Bob's face if someone suggested his wearing only a t-shirt and sweat pants in public, or in private, even?

I'm glad Bob decided to be an extra in his last movie.  Captain Montgomery shaking hands with Cagney in his last big screen appearance, in a film he has directed and produced ... yeah, a nifty way to wrap up his career in the movies.  Actually, this view of Bob was cut from the movie.  In the movie the camera is behind Bob, you only see the back of his head and shoulders.  But you do see the big smile on Cagney's face when they shake hands.  I guess Director Bob won out over Actor Bob.