“Cameo Kirby” (Fox, 1923)
Turner Classic Movies is featuring John Gilbert’s films today in honor of his birthday. He made about 100 films, and some of the best withstood the sands of time.
Below are some of my favorite photos of my favorite star.
This photo of John Gilbert was taken by MGM photographer Ruth Harriet Louise.
“The Merry Widow” book cover from the MGM 1925 film
“La Boheme” (MGM, 1927)
THE BIG PARADE (MGM, 1925) John Gilbert‘s best-known film, is a realistic portrayal of WWI. It was the biggest box office hit ever until GONE WITH THE WIND. Renee Adoree was John Gilbert’s co-star. She starred with him in more films than any of his leading ladies. The photo above depicts the famous chewing gum scene that Gilbert and Adoree ad-libbed. The scene inspired the Blatz company to use it to advertise their chewing gum.
JOHN GILBERT, ST. ELMO, & ME 