Douglass Montgomery
Actor
About Douglass Montgomery
Douglass Montgomery was a versatile and sensitive leading man of the 1930s and 1940s, known for his refined features and intense acting style. Born Robert Douglass Montgomery, he began his career on the New York stage as 'Douglass Montgomery' before moving to Hollywood, where he was initially billed as 'Kent Douglass' by MGM to avoid confusion with the established star Robert Montgomery. He made a significant impact in his early film roles, most notably playing the romantic lead Laurie in George Cukor's 1933 adaptation of 'Little Women' opposite Katharine Hepburn. Despite his early success in high-profile MGM and Universal productions, Montgomery grew disillusioned with the Hollywood studio system and the typecasting of his 'sensitive youth' persona. He eventually moved to Great Britain, where he reinvented himself as a sophisticated lead in British cinema and theater during the 1940s. His career spanned across Broadway, Hollywood, and the West End, showcasing a range that moved from fragile romanticism to gritty realism in war-era dramas.
The Craft
On Screen
Montgomery was known for a highly sensitive, almost high-strung acting style that made him ideal for roles requiring emotional vulnerability or intellectual depth. Unlike the more rugged leading men of his era, he utilized a theatrical precision in his delivery and a expressive facial range that conveyed internal conflict. In his later British career, his style matured into a more understated and stoic masculinity, though he never lost the poetic quality that defined his early work.
Milestones
- Broadway debut in 'God Loves Us' (1926)
- Signed to a contract with MGM in 1930
- Starred as Laurie in the definitive 1933 version of 'Little Women'
- Transitioned to British cinema in the late 1930s and 1940s
- Served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II
- Acclaimed performance in the British war film 'The Way to the Stars' (1945)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized for his service in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII
- Featured in the 'Great Stars of the 30s' retrospectives
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Douglass Montgomery represented a specific archetype of the 'sensitive intellectual' during the early sound era, providing a counterpoint to the more aggressive 'tough guy' personas of the 1930s. His portrayal of Laurie in 'Little Women' set the standard for the character for decades, influencing how audiences perceived Louisa May Alcott's romantic hero. By moving to England and succeeding in British cinema, he also became one of the few American actors of his generation to successfully bridge the gap between Hollywood and the West End, contributing to the 'International' style of acting that became popular after the war.
Lasting Legacy
While often overshadowed by his namesake Robert Montgomery, Douglass Montgomery is remembered by film historians as a gifted performer who brought a unique poetic quality to the screen. He is a cult favorite among fans of 1930s melodrama and classic British war cinema. His performance in 'The Way to the Stars' remains a touchstone of British wartime filmmaking, and his work in 'Little Women' ensures his place in the history of American literary adaptations.
Who They Inspired
His vulnerable and nuanced approach to male characters influenced later 'method' actors who sought to portray internal sensitivity, and he helped pave the way for other American actors to seek artistic fulfillment in the European film industry.
Off Screen
Montgomery was the son of a jeweler and grew up in Los Angeles, which gave him an early proximity to the burgeoning film industry. He was known to be a private individual who preferred the intellectual atmosphere of the theater to the social whirl of Hollywood. In 1952, he married British actress Kay Young, who had previously been married to actor Michael Wilding. The couple remained together until his death from spinal cancer in 1966. Throughout his life, he maintained a deep affinity for British culture, which eventually led him to settle and work primarily in England.
Education
Educated at Los Angeles High School; received early theatrical training in local stock companies and on the New York stage.
Family
- Kay Young (1952-1966)
Did You Know?
- He was originally billed as 'Kent Douglass' because MGM didn't want him confused with Robert Montgomery.
- He was the first actor to play the role of Laurie in a sound film version of 'Little Women'.
- He served as a flight lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II.
- He was a close friend of actress Margaret Sullavan and appeared with her in 'The Little Minister'.
- Montgomery was a talented painter and often spent his time between takes sketching his co-stars.
- He died in Norwalk, Connecticut, at the age of 58.
- He appeared in the first film version of 'Waterloo Bridge' (1931) as the lead, Myra's lover.
- Despite his American birth, he was often mistaken for being British due to his refined accent and frequent work in the UK.
In Their Own Words
I found Hollywood to be a place where they wanted to sell the packaging rather than the contents of the actor.
Playing Laurie was a joy because he was a character of light and shadow, much like life itself.
The theater is where an actor learns his trade; the cinema is where he learns to hide it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Douglass Montgomery?
Douglass Montgomery was an American film and stage actor prominent in the 1930s and 1940s. He is best remembered for his roles in 'Little Women' and 'The Way to the Stars'.
What films is Douglass Montgomery best known for?
He is most famous for playing Laurie in 'Little Women' (1933), the lead in the original 'Waterloo Bridge' (1931), and Johnny in the British classic 'The Way to the Stars' (1945).
Why did he change his name to Kent Douglass?
MGM forced him to use the name 'Kent Douglass' early in his career to prevent audiences from confusing him with their other star, Robert Montgomery.
When was Douglass Montgomery born and when did he die?
He was born on October 29, 1907, in Los Angeles, California, and passed away on July 23, 1966, in Norwalk, Connecticut.
What was Douglass Montgomery's acting style?
He was known for a sensitive, intellectual, and emotionally expressive acting style, often portraying vulnerable or romantic characters with great depth.
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Films
1 film
