Leslie Lets Us In His Lair

Leslie Howard; 1941

Leslie Howard lived in Dorking, Surrey in a 16th Century Farm House named Stowe Maries.  He thought he had bought a "white elephant", but it seems like an amazing home to me.  He and his wife Ruth would entertain many celebrities there including Bette Davis and Ingrid Bergman.  According to a fascinating story on the UK Telegraph, his wife Ruth even novel way of keeping him away from his glamorous female guests.

Leslie Howard; 1941

If this isn't the way I expect an Englishman to look, I don't know what is!

Jimmy and Ingrid are Tempted

Director Leo McCarey

Leo McCarey

Has never given up the idea of doing the story of Adam and Eve for the screen.  At first he wanted Jimmy Stewart and Ingrid Bergman for the leads.  Now he’d settle for John Wayne and Audrey Hepburn.  How’s that for casting the Biblical version of the original man and woman.

[Source: Movieland; February 1955]

Unfortunately McCarey never was able to make his film because of the necessary nudity.  Those in charge of the production code would not approve the script, let alone the filming.

Theatrical Thursday: Male Leads - Charles Boyer

Charles Boyer and wife Pat Patterson

My favorite Charles Boyer film is Gaslight with Ingrid Bergman. He was completely devious!