Actor Robert Montgomery


 A popular actor when WWll broke out in 1939, or 1941 depending on your home country, Robert Montgomery did not wait for his own country to declare war before he joined up. An American he enlisted in London and drove ambulances in France right up till the evacuation at Dunkirk.


When America did enter the war he served in the US Navy and served as a Naval Attache on British destroyers as they hunted U-boats.


He became a PT boat commander and took part in D Day. During 5 years of active duty he was awarded a Bronze Star, the American Defence Service Ribbon, the European Theatre Ribbon with two Battle Stars, one Overseas Service Bar, and promoted to the rank of Lt. Commander.Upon his return to Hollywood he was to make the very fine, They Were Expendable, for John Ford, co-starring John Wayne. It was a war film and was to be his only picture in this genre. It was not an easy return. Before filming could commence Robert had a panic attack, finding it difficult to recommence as an actor after what he had been through. He confided this to Ford who allowed him plenty of time to prepare. He was to say, ‘’He was the best (director) I ever worked with...he was a genius.”


Things were not always plain sailing as Ford famously rode Wayne about his lack of service. Robert was not about to put up with what he considered bullying and told Ford in no uncertain terms to lay off Wayne. Ford was to lay off Wayne for the duration of the picture.


As it turned out the picture was actually finished by Robert. Ford fell, breaking a leg and was admitted to hospital. When Robert and Wayne paid a visit Ford received a call from the studio bosses asking when he would be fit to return. Robert wrote that Ford answered, ‘’I'm not coming back...I'm staying here and getting my leg right. Then I'm going back to the navy. Montgomery'll finish the picture.’’ ‘That was the first I heard of it. It was quite a shock.’ Robert finished the picture and it got very good reviews, but it didn’t do well financially. Unfortunately it came out when the war had ended and people were fed up with war pictures. But like most Ford movies it is excellent and well worth more than one look... Continue reading 

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