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Robert MontgomeryAmerican film and television actor, film director and producer.
Date of Birth: 21.05.1904
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Robert Montgomery: A Hollywood Icon and Statesman
- MGM Stardom (1929-1941)
- Collaboration with Leading Ladies (1930-1934)
- Transition to Thrillers and Crime Dramas (1934-1941)
- World War II and Directing Career (1941-1950)
- Television, Politics, and Advocacy (1948-1968)
- Philanthropy and Criticism (1955-1981)
- Personal Life and Legacy
Robert Montgomery: A Hollywood Icon and Statesman
Early Life and Broadway Career (1904-1928)Born Henry Montgomery Jr. on May 21, 1904, in Beacon, New York, Robert Montgomery was the son of a wealthy businessman. Despite a privileged upbringing, he was forced to work after his father's suicide in 1922. He moved to New York to become a writer and, on the advice of a friend, tried acting in the theater. From 1924 to 1928, Montgomery appeared in seven Broadway productions.
MGM Stardom (1929-1941)
In 1929, Montgomery signed a contract with MGM and became known for playing "debonair and gentlemanly heroes." Over a decade, he starred in more than 50 films, primarily comedies and romantic melodramas.
Montgomery's breakthrough came in 1930 with his portrayal of a treacherous inmate in "The Big House," earning him an Oscar nomination and solidifying his status as a versatile actor. His rise to stardom accelerated with his performance as Greta Garbo's lover in "Inspiration" (1931).
Collaboration with Leading Ladies (1930-1934)
MGM's glamorous star Norma Shearer chose Montgomery as her leading man in several melodramas, such as "Divorce" (1930), "Strangers May Kiss" (1931), and "Private Lives" (1931), elevating his own star status. He also formed a notable partnership with Joan Crawford in films like "The Bride of the Regiment" (1930), "Letty Lynton" (1932), and "Forsaking All Others" (1934).
Transition to Thrillers and Crime Dramas (1934-1941)
Midway through the 1930s, Montgomery sought to break free from his playboy typecast and embraced a wider range of roles. He starred in crime thrillers such as "The Fugitive Lovers" (1934), "Mystery of Mr. X" (1934), and "When Night Falls" (1937).
Montgomery delivered a critically acclaimed performance as a charming serial killer in "Night Must Fall" (1937), earning him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He returned to light comedy before embarking on his final film before the war, Alfred Hitchcock's "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (1941).
World War II and Directing Career (1941-1950)
During World War II, Montgomery enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in combat operations in Europe, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He returned to MGM in 1945, co-starring with John Wayne in John Ford's war drama "They Were Expendable" (1945).
Montgomery left MGM and became an independent director, preferring to work behind the camera. He drew attention with his directorial debut, "The Lady in the Lake" (1946), a film noir shot entirely from the subjective perspective of the protagonist. Montgomery continued to direct noteworthy films, including "Ride the Pink Horse" (1947) and "June Bride" (1948).
Television, Politics, and Advocacy (1948-1968)
Montgomery transitioned to television in the late 1940s, hosting and producing the successful anthology series "Robert Montgomery Presents" (1950-1957). He also produced the mystery television series "The Witness" (1953) and was a political advisor to President Dwight Eisenhower in 1954.
Philanthropy and Criticism (1955-1981)
Montgomery served as President of the Screen Actors Guild twice and was a controversial figure during the McCarthy era. He was involved in public relations, including writing a 1968 book criticizing the television industry.
Personal Life and Legacy
Montgomery was married twice, first to Elizabeth Daniels Allan and then to Elizabeth Grant Harkness. His daughter, Elizabeth Montgomery, became a renowned television actress, most famous for her role as Samantha Stephens in "Bewitched" (1964-1972).
Robert Montgomery died of cancer on September 27, 1981, in New York City. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor, director, and influential figure in Hollywood and public life.
