This photo was a great find. It shows John Payne and Connie just arriving in town. Note that Connie is wearing a hat and has a model ship resembling Mr. Pecket’s ship. In the movie, she wears a hat only as John takes her from the wagon into the bus which will take her to their cousin’s home. The significance with this photo is that it is from a deleted scene. In the movie, we never see them arrive in town on the wagon. We only see John Payne escorting Connie to the bus and seating her down. This photo scene was published by the San Francisco Examiner on December 10, 1946, as stamped on the back side. Look at how sad she appears. And, John Payne also looks sadly at her with that “I hate doing this” look. Or, it could be that “This might be the last time I see you” look. I can relate with that feeling because I actually experienced going off to war. You get an inner feeling of desperation for a moment of which you have no control. Wow, what acting! Good job, John and Connie! _______________________________________________________________________
Sunday Dinner for a Soldier, Taking a filming break
Well, is Connie taking a break on the set of Sunday Dinner for a Soldier? Or, is she sitting in a classroom? Do I see comic books on the table? I don’t believe that comic books are part of any school curriculum. So, my best guess is that she’s just taking a breather from constantly running in the movie. That’s right! Did you notice that in nearly every scene she appears in she runs? She never walks anywhere in the movie. Well...maybe just once or twice. A very nice candid shot. _______________________________________________________________________
Sunday Dinner for a Soldier, “Come back. Please come back!”
Everyone recognizes this movie scene as the last group scene in the movie as they are all waving to the Bomber after it dipped its wings. And of course, in the very next scene, Ann Baxter says “Come back, Eric...come home!” Remember that the Hollywood of that era actually supported our military forces and produced numerous movies themed to support the national war effort for victory. Connie played significant roles in two movies a part of that victory effort by Hollywood to win the war. What a moment in the movie. Hollywood just doesn’t make movies like that any more. Thank you Connie! _______________________________________________________________________
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, "Don’t mind me"
This photo was a lucky find. I was looking at a photo titled Cary Grant and Myrna Loy and to my surprise, there she was! Connie is standing between them! This photo doesn’t seem to be part of the movie scene nor lobby card set. I have a movie scene set and this isn’t there. So, once again, a great find. I believe it’s a scene on the day they are moving into their new home. _______________________________________________________________________
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, "Connie Marshall, Sharyn Moffett, Myrna Loy"
Talk about luck! I found this one listed in an ebay “Buy It Now” or “Best Offer” list about 200 items back, fairly hidden away. The seller listed it as “Cary Grant, Melvin Douglas and Myrna Loy”. Well, as it turns out, neither Cary Grant nor Melvin Douglas appear in the photo. Only Myrna Loy, from the title, is in it…and Sharyn Moffett…and Connie!! Connie is wearing a just below the knee pleated skirt and a sweater blouse with sleeves pulled up. Her hair is combed smooth and just touches her shoulders. Connie looks very pretty and smart. The seller was asking for $500, but I talked the seller down, significantly. Although the final price was still pricy, I still feel it is a great addition to my collection. _______________________________________________________________________
Home Sweet Homicide, “Say Cheese!!!”
This is a Wardrobe photo for a certain scene. At least, that is how the caption on the back explains it. Notice how they are both in a modeling pose. It seems that Connie’s pose is just a bit more accurate as it ought to be. Peggy Ann’s feet are not quite there. [Sorry Peggy Ann!] Hey! Connie did have a bit more modeling experience. Right? _______________________________________________________________________
Home Sweet Homicide, “Wires and switches?”
Here, Connie is on the set of Home Sweet Homicide with Peggy Ann Garner and Dean Stockwell. They are getting a free tour of the instruments and gadgetry by the soundman. Yep, just being curious kids! _______________________________________________________________________
Mother Wore Tights, “Missing Mom and Dad before Christmas”
A common mistake I’ve run across with sellers and other collectors is that they often confuse Mona Freeman for Peggy Ann Garner. The seller of this photo titled it as “Peggy Ann Garner and Connie Marshall”. In the description, the seller identified Connie on the floor doing homework and Peggy Ann as sitting in the chair. Whoa!!! Huge mistake! This is from a scene in Mother Wore Tights just before Christmas and the girls are both sad because they miss their parents. Recall, their grandmother then decides to put them on a train and send them to surprise visit their parents for Christmas. Wow! What a moment! _______________________________________________________________________
Mother Wore Tights, Movie Sisters in Candid Shot
Once again, a seller made the error of titling and describing this photo (top photo) as Peggy Ann Garner and Connie Marshall. Clearly it is Mona Freeman, not Peggy Ann Garner. I've also included a photo scene (lower photo) from the movie "Mother Wore Tights", the scene where they are wearing these exact dresses at an impromptu Christmas party live show for them by their parents (movie). So, it seems that the girls had a candid shot before or between takes. Wow! Again, my dedicated searches rewarded me with a very nice find to add to my collection. _______________________________________________________________________
Publicity and Candid Shots? Beautiful and Elegant vs. Young and Pretty
Clearly, the photo on top was a publicity and fan photo. In fact, I have an article (Articles) in which this photo is used by a magazine. In this photo, Connie has blossomed into a beautiful and elegant young lady. The lower photo remains a mystery to me. It is is not from any movie scene that I am aware of. However, it was used for a magazine article which I have. In that article, Connie appears in it with the exact same dress but without the cloth hat. In total humility and simplicity of attire, Connie looks very pretty and truly appears to be looking right at us. A precious moment captured for all time. And, today, all her fans and enthusiasts are still looking back at her and her legacy. _______________________________________________________________________
