The Ruth Harriet Louise Collection

This has the potential of being really slick once fully up & running - A web site and blog dedicated to photographer Ruth Harriet Louise. It was just launched January 17 by her family.

The Gallant Hours (1960)

I'm always leery about discussing films based on actual history. Hollywood has a tendency to rewrite history and I don't want to be the sucker. I'm going to throw that idea out the window for this post & put some trust into The Gallant Hours. This 1960 film starring James Cagney as Fleet Admiral William F. "Bull" Halsey grabbed my attention for its 115 minutes, which is rare these days. If you have no interest in a lot of dialogue or military history, the film probably isn't for you.

The story revolves around Admiral Halsey's leadership in the Guadalcanal campaign in WWII. Not having much background on the Admiral, it's hard to do a comparison between his personality and Cagney's portrayal of him. Nonetheless, Cagney is able to create a solid character who doesn't pound his fist but instead connects with his men.

The film is full of familiar faces, many of them young. One of my favorite characters is the Admiral's aide, Lt. Cdr. Andy Lowe, played by Dennis Weaver. You'll also spot Richard Jaeckel and William Schallert.

Some additional observations on the film: the Japanese actors actually speak the language and we're shown subtitles, you see no battles or explosions, the choir soundtrack is a bit creepy - but effective.

I would be remiss in my duty if I didn't mention that the film was directed by Robert Montgomery and produced by Cagney-Montgomery Productions, their only film partnership. You'll also hear Bob's voice as narrator for background relating to the Admiral. It would be his last film direction.

HOLLYWOOD, May 20 -- HALSEY MEETS HIS MOVIE COUNTERPART -- Admiral William F. Halsey, Jr., whose experiences during the Battle of Guadalcanal are being made into a movie, talks over the script today with producer-director Robert Montgomery and actor James Cagney, who'll portray the doughty World War II admiral on the screen. It was the first time Halsey had seen Cagney in his makeup for the role in the picture, "The Gallant Hours."

TCM Bob Schedule for February

Sigh . . . January is pretty much over and the stash of recorded James Cagney films will dwindle in the upcoming days. I don't know about you guys, but I got spoiled this month by always having a Cagney at the ready. Back to the topic at hand, I had my fingers crossed hoping for a Bob film festival on my birthday (TCM, please take note for 2009). No such luck, but 3 quality films nonetheless. When Ladies Meet is recommended - Bob & Myrna Loy together are always a (rare) pleasure to watch. Earlier this month, TCM played the Robert Taylor/Joan Crawford remake of the story, which is still in my "to watch" queue.

As always, check your local listing for exact start time.

February 6
10:15 a.m.
When Ladies Meet (1933)
A female novelist doesn't realize her new friend is the wife whose husband she's trying to steal. Cast: Ann Harding, Robert Montgomery, Myrna Loy. Dir: Harry Beaumont

February 17
5:30 p.m.
They Were Expendable (1945)
A Navy commander fights to prove the battle-worthiness of the PT boat at the start of World War II. Cast: Robert Montgomery, John Wayne, Donna Reed. Dir: John Ford

25 Monday
7 a.m.
Hide-Out (1934)
Farmers take in an injured racketeer and try to reform him. Cast: Robert Montgomery, Maureen O'Sullivan, Mickey Rooney. Dir: W.S. Van Dyke II

Photo Friday: Three Comrades

Three Comrades and a lady, Margaret Sullavan. Interesting photo - looks like the photographer was focusing on Robert Taylor, everyone else has a bit of a blur on them (in addition to being moving). The shadows against the wall are a subtle touch to the storyline.

Larger photo

The Big House (1930)