Two Old Friends Chatting About....?? We Can Only Wonder.

Official caption on the photo:  "SPENCER TRACY AND ROBERT MONTGOMERY ARE JUST A COUPLE OF OLD FRIENDS ... talking over autos and horses on the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lot."  Who knows, maybe they are.  It's the mischievous smiles they are both displaying that makes one think it's an entirely different conversation.  

Bob's Bentley was shipped to the U.S. in September, 1935.  Guessing he drove directly to the studio to show it off.  Bob, having a complete wardrobe for all sports in which he had an interest, is beautifully attired in tie, sport coat and driving gloves, of course.  

Join Bob, Gertrude & Noel at the Party!

 It is June 24th, 1935 in London.  The gang has gotten together to help set up for the Theatrical Garden Party in Queen Mary's Garden, Regent's Park, London.  Mr. Montgomery is to be a Special Guest during the afternoon festivities.  

Bob is enjoying his role as bass drum player.

That's Gertrude Lawrence, star of both the London and New York stages, holding onto Bob's drum.  

And the Big Man himself, Mr. Noel Coward directing the gang.  He started (1920) and shepherded the Theatrical Garden Party through the years to raise money for the Actors' Orphanage.  

And fun was had by all ...

Hugs go out to the Birthday Boy!

Ahh...one look and you just have to love Van Johnson.  The nice, friendly-looking kind of guy you always dreamed about meeting on a blind date.  Quite the smile.  Just want to hug him.  

                Van Johnson, b. August 25th, 1916 in Newport, RI

His Face is his Fortune --- and his Misfortune

 This article is from the July 29, 1939 issue of "Film Weekly", a mere month from the start of WWII in Europe.  Bob and Betty were able to get the kids on a ship that landed in New York on Sept. 13th, and they followed on Sept. 18th.  From life at a luxurious hotel to madly arranging passage home to escape WWII ... when life became quite serious.  

Yes, the article is a tad long, but worth the read.  Bob's recollection of his life as a teen is somewhat different, another version!  

Tallulah has a Bad Day

                       Tallulah Bankhead in The Cheat (1931)