From the collection of Robert Allen is this vintage original 8 x 10 in. US single-weight glossy keybook photograph from the 1930's New York-set models and artists-themed drama/romance, THE RECKLESS HOUR, released in 1931 by Warner Bros. and directed by John Francis Dillon. In New York City, a young model is swept off her feet by a debonair, handsome young man. Unfortunately for her, he didn't want to get married but had been stringing her along. When she realizes he doesn't want her, she will not force him, even though she learned she was pregnant. She becomes bitter and angry at all men until she meets a gentle and kind artist who tries to show her that her life can be better than it is. The cast includes Dorothy Mackaill, Conrad Nagel, H.B. Warner, Joan Blondell, Walter Byron, Dorothy Peterson, and Robert Allen.

The image depicts an interior studio publicity shot of newcomer actor Robert Allen, which features beautiful strong side-lighting and creates a striking image. As indicated by a rubber stamp on the bottom of the verso, this photograph was taken by the acclaimed Hollywood photographer, Bert Longworth. Affixed to the top of the verso is the original paper snipe which describes the image ("Robert Allen, young Dartmouth graduate, who won a First National contract will be seen with Dorothy Mackaill in "The Reckless Hour."). It is in fine_ condition with a very light outline at the time from the borders of the paper snipe. There are no pinholes, tears, creases, stains, writing, or other flaws.

Provenance: The Collection of Robert Allen.

Robert "Bob" Allen (born Irvine E. Theodore Baehr, March 28, 1906 – October 9, 1998), was an American actor in both feature films and B-movie westerns between 1935 and 1944. Allen was born in Mount Vernon, New York and graduated from the New York Military Academy in 1924, where he rode in the academy cavalry and from Dartmouth College in 1929 with a degree in English. In vacations he had driven a truck as a labourer. He worked for a bank which soon failed in the Great Depression. He flew briefly with the Curtis Flying service as a commercial pilot. He first came to the screen in 1926 before signing a standard acting contract with Paramount Pictures, in 1929. He appeared in the Marx Brothers movie Animal Crackers and several other small parts. Then, he signed with Columbia Pictures in 1935. He also later contracted with 20th Century Fox. 

 

Allen's first notable role was the male lead in Love Me Forever (1935), for which he won a Box Office Award. After the departure of cowboy star Ken Maynard, Allen was plugged into producer Larry Darmour's formulaic Ranger pictures. Along with sidekick Wally Wales (played by Hal Taliaferro), he redefined the role, starring in six films for director Spencer Gordon Bennet in that year alone. The star was billed as Bob Allen. However, the great success of Wild Bill Elliott in Columbia's 1938 serial, The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok, prompted Columbia to drop Bob Allen and replace him with Elliott. Allen continued to work in pictures, as Robert Allen or Robert "Tex" Allen. He had acted on Broadway in the original productions of Show Boat and Kiss Them for Me. In 1956 he appeared in the original production of Auntie Mame, opposite Rosalind Russell, and later Greer Garson. He appeared in other Broadway plays, in touring productions, in soap operas, documentaries and commercials. He became a real estate broker in 1964 but returned to the stage from time to time, including an appearance as J.B. Biggley in the 1972 Equity Library Theatre revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.