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To celebrate Robert Taylor's 105th birthday, which happens to be today, this week on «Film Friday» I bring you the film that made him an international superstar. Directed by John M. Stahl, Magnificent Obsession (1935) tells the story of Helen Hudson (Irene Dunne), the widow of a distinguished doctor and philanthropist who died because the hospital's only pulmotor was being used to revive Robert «Bobby» Merrick (Robert Taylor), a spoiled millionaire playboy who was drunk at the time he nearly drowned. Bobby, a medical student, falls in love with Helen at first sight, but she angrily rejects his romantic advances, as she holds him responsible for her husband's death. One night, Bobby gets drunk again and is given refuge by a sculptor named Randolph (Ralph Morgan), one of the many beneficiaries of Dr. Hudson's money. Randolph reveals to Bobby that the late doctor had an inspiring philosophy: to help people in utter secrecy and never take anything from them in return.   LE...

To celebrate Henry Fonda and Margaret Sullavan's birthday, which is tomorrow, this week on «Film Frida» I want to tell you a little bit about the only film they ever did together. Directed by William A. Seiter, The Moon's Our Home (1936) begins when a nutty Hollywood star named Cherry Chester (Margaret Sullavan) is called home to New York by her stern grandmother, Lucy Van Steedan (Henrietta Crosman), who wants her to marry her dull cousin, Horace (Charles Butterworth), despite her protests. Taking the same train is Anthony Amberton (Henry Fonda), a famous adventure novelist who is traveling to New York for a signing of his new book. Although they have never met, Cherry and Anthony are scornful of each other. When he hears that Cherry Chester is on the train, he wonders aloud whether a «Cherry Chester» is a new kind of soft drink. She, on her part, is reading his latest travel guide: «Mr. Amberton and his camel,» she reads. «Oh, I see. He's the one with the hat on.» Durin...