Robert Mitchum wasn’t just a hellraiser in his movies; offscreen he was a total thug: bar brawls, pot smoking, womanizing, you name it, ol’ Bobbie was there, loud and ugly.
The only time he wasn’t like that was when he was acting with Deborah Kerr, whose quiet British reserve kept him in his place, and not unwillingly so. He is said to have stated once, “The hell with all these other broads; if I could just act opposite Deborah for the rest of my life, I’d die a happy man.” They remained lifelong friends, but not lovers (as far as anyone knew).
But of course, the old B&W pics don’t do her credit because tadaaaaa!
And at age 48, she did her first (and only) nude scene.
In the same year, she was also the oldest Bond Girl (until Monica Bellucci appeared).
Gorgeous, classy, sexy… the complete package.
From Here To Eternity
==================
Meanwhile Sergeant Warden starts seeing the captain’s wife (Kerr), who has a history of seeking external relief from a troubled marriage.
Kim, GM .. your timing is impeccable. Had a discussion yesterday which included, wait for it, “The King and I”
“…quiet British reserve…” myass. The Kerrs were a fierce Scots clan, border reivers, and Deborah was a ginger as well – THAT’S what kept Mitchum in line.
The left-handed Kerrs, no less. If I recall, they’re mentioned in George MacDonald Fraser’s “The Steel Bonnets.”
Too bad her “Bond Girl” status comes from the execrable first Casino Royale. Poor Mr Niven