Do I Really Have to Say it

Bob or Herbert Marshall.  Let's see...

         Bob, Norma Shearer, and Herbert Marshall in Riptide (1934)

Watch Norma agonize over that choice this coming Thursday at 9:00 a.m. PST on TCM.  

Definitely Not a Candid (39 and GORGEOUS!)

                            Photo by Manatt for MGM (1943)

It Might Just Be An Actual Candid

Most "candids" of stars taken by the studios were staged more than a still taken on the set.  In the photo below, it appears Bob is standing outside of a studio building, perhaps on a break, reading a script or newspaper or racing sheet.  With the trash can as part of the background and the look on Bob's face, I would guess it is an actual candid.  Unless...perhaps Bob, the avid photographer, has set it up, having someone take the photo for him, wanting to show his work environment behind all the glamour.  It is difficult to distinguish what is reality from the image Hollywood portrayed of itself. 

I am guessing, primarily because of the hat, that Bob is filming Live, Love and Learn (1937).  Yes, a lot of guesswork is involved in trying to identify just what is happening in photos taken 80 years ago. 

Belated Happy Birthday, Marion Davies!

Marion Cecelia Douras was born January 3, 1987, in Brooklyn, NY.  A star in her own right, she is, unfortunately, primarily remembered as the mistress of William Randolph Hearst.  

Bob and Marion's first movie was Blondie of the Follies (1932).  Bob and Marion were, respectively, 28 and 35 at the time.  So, Bob was at his prime, while Marion was already past her peak, way old for female stars of the time.  But, she carries it off in Blondie, while holding her own in gorgeously photographed publicity stills. 

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

Only five years later, Marion and Bob co-star in Ever Since Eve (1937).  It is the last movie for Marion who is now 40 and showing her age.  Bob turned 33 during filming.  He has left his gorgeous stage, adding a few pounds and losing some hair....but, still handsome.

                       Marion and Bob in Ever Since Eve (1937)  

How frustrating it must have been for actors of this period, the skills and knowledge of their trade improving while their appearances declined.  These days, those double chins, age lines and thicker waists are taken care of in the editing room, extending the career of many a middle-aged star.  

Happy Birthday, Mr. Milland!

Ah, you rakishly handsome man ...

                                 Ray Milland, b. January 3, 1905

Ray showing his dark side ...

                   Ray and Raymond Lovell in So Evil My Love (1948)

Ray and his new home, 1940s style.  Interesting lamp ...