Bob Kortman

I was born in 1943, and my Saturday theater days occurred during the fade of the B western and serial. On the big screen, I saw Monograms with Jimmy Wakely and Whip Wiison, some Rocky Lanes, Autry's series for Columbia Pictures, and later cliffhangers from Republic and Columbia. Never saw any of the Mascot chapterplays until they were shown on early TV. When THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (Mascot, 1932) played on that newfangled television, I was impressed with the guy portraying "Magua", war chief of the Hurons. There was his scowl ... and growl ... all enhanced by a rough, well-lined face and shaved head. A memorable bit of screen villainy and a fond memory from my youth.

Above - Bob Kortman as "Magua" in THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (Mascot, 1932). He was about 45 years old when he did this cliffhanger.

Many years later, I discovered "Magua" was Bob Kortman, who was in his mid forties when MOHICANS was filmed.

Trade biographies have him born in Philadelphia and serving six years or so in the Cavalry. Not so on Philadelphia. He was born December 24, 1887 in New York, possibly New York City. He passed away March 13, 1967 from lung cancer at a Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach, California. And that confirms his status as a veteran.

Kortman's movie work began around 1914 and early films included nearly a dozen westerns starring William S. Hart. However, it was in talkies that he found his niche as a baddie, often portraying Indians, Mexicans and other nationalities. In non-westerns, Kortman played convicts, crooks, etc.

The 1930s were his best years. Frequently employed by Mascot Pictures owner/producer Nat Levine, Kortman did ten cliffhangers at Mascot's serial factory. He was among Levine's "stable of dependables" which included Yakima Canutt, Frankie Darro, Al Bridge, Jack Rockwell, 'Slim' Whitaker, Edmund Cobb, a few others.

In westerns, he was most often a henchman/gang member, and occasionally the second-in-command or helper to the chief baddie/brains heavy. In the 1930s - early 1940s, he can be spotted in westerns and some serials with Johnny Mack Brown, Buck Jones, Ken Maynard, William Boyd, Tom Mix, Hoot Gibson, Rex Bell, Dick Foran, others.

At Republic Pictures, he did a few with John Wayne, the Three Mesquiteers, Bob Livingston's solo oater series, many with Don Barry, one with Roy Rogers ... and none with Gene Autry.

In the mid 1940s, Kortman was about sixty years old and had lost much of his menace due to advancing age. During that later period, he shows up in Tim Holt's RKO series; at Columbia Pictures in a couple of Russell Hayden's adventures and about a half dozen Charles Starretts; he even got a few paydays from Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC) in a Buster Crabbe / Billy Carson oater and a quartet of the Texas Rangers trio series.

In addition to MOHICANS, my favorite Kortman roles are:

Kortman (as Cossack "Boris Petroff") and John Merton (in cowboy uniform) are the main henchies working for Fred Kohler in THE VIGILANTES ARE COMING (Republic, 1936; 12 chapters).
he's "Trigger Benton", good guy helper to Johnny Mack Brown, in WILD WEST DAYS (Universal, 1937; 13 chapters).
he's "One-Eye", the gang member with an eye patch working for Noah Beery, Sr. and Harry Worth in THE ADVENTURES OF RED RYDER (Republic, 1940; 12 chapters).

Les Adams has Bob identified in about 185 sound films - of that number, 123 are westerns and 29 are serials. He also did credited and uncredited roles in other film genres for most of the major and minor film companies and production outfits - for example, he was in several 1930s Laurel and Hardy comedies.

His screen career spanned nearly forty years, from about 1914 through the early 1950s.

He married Nellie Mignonette Varain in 1915, but that pairing was short-lived. His second marriage was circa 1924 to Gonda Durand, a onetime member of Mack Sennett's Bathing Beauties. In the 1950s, Bob and Gonda settled down in San Bernardino County, California and they were together through her passing in 1960. Family trees on ancestry.com and newspaper reports indicate that Gonda's real name was Lillian Geraldine Fulton (1896 - 1960). There were no children from either marriage.

Suffering from lung cancer, Bob Kortman died on March 13, 1967 at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Long Beach, California.

Trade biographies note that Kortman spent six years in the Cavalry prior to his Hollywood days. That appears to be incorrect - when he registered for the World War I draft in 1917, he reported his prior military experience as "None".

His military service is reflected in the 1930 census with Kortman identifying himself as a World War I veteran. And he passed away in 1967 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Long Beach, California, and that confirms his status as an veteran. Additionally, the Veterans Administration has records for Robert Fred Kortman - he enlisted in the Army on October 16, 1917, was discharged on March 27, 1919, and reached the rank of Sergeant, 5th Prov Co Demob Grp and with 2nd Co, 166 DB.

Links

Although some of the data is incomplete or inaccurate, the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) has information on:
Bob Kortman: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0466773/
Gonda L. Durand (Kortman) (1896 - 1960): https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0243788/

Daniel Neyer's "The Files of Jerry Blake" serial website has more on Kortman doing serials: https://filesofjerryblake.com/serial-henchmen/bob-kortman/

The Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Digital Collections has several photos of Kortman:
Kortman, hero Bob Curwood, and others in THE RANGE WOLF (Universal, 1929): https://digitalcollections.oscars.org/digital/collection/p15759coll17/id/361
Kortman (as a Native American), Gladys McConnell and others in THE DEVIL HORSE (Hal Roach/Pathe, 1926): https://digitalcollections.oscars.org/digital/collection/p15759coll17/id/330

The Harvey County Historical Museum, Newton, Kansas has several photos and arcade cards of Gonda Durand during her time as a Mack Sennett Bathing Beauty: https://hchm.org/tag/gonda-durand/

December 22, 1950 North Hollywood Valley Times newspaper has a great interview of Kortman. He was living in Arrowhead Springs, San Bernardino County, California; he was president of the local co-operative water company; and he's been married to former Mack Sennett bathing beauty Gonda Durand for 25 years.: https://www.newspapers.com/article/valley-times-article-and-interview-of-mo/129635596/

October 31, 1922 Los Angeles Times had a article and photo on the divorce of Lillian Wilson, who was "formerly Gonda Durand, one of Mack Sennett's original bathing girls" : https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-divorce-of-lillian/129759404/

On the trail of Bob Kortman.

The Family Search website (free), Ancestry.com (subscription), California Death Index, Social Security Death Index (SSDI), and the death certificate provide more on Bob Kortman:

November 9, 1915 Venice, Los Angeles County, California marriage license of 27 year old Robert Fred Kortman (born New York; occupation "Actor") to 18 year old Nellie Mignonette Varain (born California). Both lived in Venice, California, and this was the first marriage for both. Kortman's parents were Hary C. or G. Kortman (born Germany) and Lena M. Thiel (born Germany). Nellie's parents were Charles W. Varain and Mary L. Brown: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-22553-17098-57?cc=1804002
World War I draft registration dated June 5, 1917 - 29 year old Robert F. Kortman was born December 24, 1887 in New York City, New York. He and his wife lived at 2112 Berkeley Avenue, Los Angeles; he has no prior military service; and his occupation/employer was "Moving Picture Actor, Keystone Film Co., Los Angeles": https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-26182-5798-71?cc=1968530
1920 census summary and census takers worksheet - did not find a 1920 census for Bob Kortman but there is a record for 21 year old Nellie M. Cortman [sic]. She was living with her re-married mother in an apartment at 12 South Euclid Avenue, Pasadena Township, Los Angeles County. She is a widow (should be divorced); no occupation; and Nellie is listed as the daughter of Mary L. and John R. Lane: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MH78-GFP
Family trees on Ancestry.com indicate that Kortman's second marriage was circa 1924 to Gonda Durand, a onetime member of Mack Sennett's Bathing Beauties. He and Gonda were together through her death in 1960.
1930 census summary and census takers worksheet - 42 year old Robert F. Kortman (born New York) and his 27 year old wife Gonda L. (born Kentucky) are one of many families renting at an apartment building at 1717 North Normandie, Hollywood. His occupation was "Actor - Motion Pictures", and he responded "Yes" and "World War I" to the are you a veteran question; and he lists himself and parents as born in New York. No occupation shown for wife Gonda L.: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XCJ1-ZNR
1940 census summary and census takers worksheet - Family Search has mistakenly listed Kortman living alone at the Paramount Hotel in Los Angeles. However, wife Gonda is on the census takers worksheet: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K9CX-GDT
1940 census takers worksheet - 52 year old Robert Kortman (born New York; occupation "Actor - Motion Pictures"), and in 1939, he worked 2? weeks and earned $2100.00. His wife is listed as Lillian Gonda (born Kentucky; "Actor - Motion Pictures") without the Kortman last name. They were among many lodgers at the Paramount Hotel, 5311 Melrose, Los Angeles: https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-27797-3297-50?cc=2000219
1942 World War II draft registration for Robert Fred Kortman, born December 24, 1887 in New York, New York. He was still living at the Paramount Hotel, 5311 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles; was unemployed; is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 175 pounds. Contact was Glen W. Cavender/Cavander in Los Angeles (not wife Gonda): https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-16414-33071-62?cc=1861144
1950 census summary and census takers worksheet - 63 year old Robert F. Kortman (born New York; occupation "Actor - Motion Pictures") and his 49 year old wife Gonda (no birth info) are roomers and still living at the Paramount Hotel, Los Angeles: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6XGH-47CN
Ancestry.com had many California voter registrations and city directories with Bob (some include wife Gonda):
1916 Venice, Los Angeles County voter registration: Kortman, Robert F, actr, Haley Hotel, 50 Zephyr av
1922 Los Angeles County voter registration has Robert and Gonda at the same address, but not listed as married:
     Kortman, Robert F, actor, 4023 Glassell av
     Durand, Miss Gonda, mn pctrs, 4023 Glassell av
1937 Los Angeles City Directory: Kortman Robt F (Gonda) actor h 1717 N Nmdio (abbreviation for 1717 North Normandie, Hollywood address in the 1930 census)
1948 Los Angeles County voter registration (and living at the Paramount Hotel - see 1940 and 1950 census):
     Kortman, Mrs. Gonda, 5311 Melrose Av
     Kortman, Robert F, 5311 Melrose Av
1952 San Bernardino County voter registration:
     Kortman, Mrs. Gonda L, Blue Jay Canyon rd, Box 296, Blue Jay
     Kortman, Robert F, Blue Jay Canyon rd, Box 296, Blue Jay
1956 San Bernardino County voter registration:
     Kortman, Mrs. Gonda L, Box 296, Blue Jay
     Kortman, Robert F, Box 296, Blue Jay
California Death Index for his wife, Gonda L. Kortman - she was born July 29, 1900, unknown birth location, and she passed away August 16, 1960 in the San Bernardino, California area: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VPWR-R6P
Death certificate: 79 year old Robert F. Kortman was born December 24, 1887 in New York; parents were Henry Kortman and Lina Thiel (unknown birthplace for both). He was widowed; a World War I veteran; occupation was "Actor - Paramount Studios - Moving Pictures"; and his home was on Lear Road, 29 Palms, San Bernardino County, California. Hospitalized for about 2 1/2 months at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Long Beach, California, Kortman passed away on March 13, 1967 and cause of death was bronchogenic carcinoma (lung cancer). Death certificate informant was the VA Hospital. Weifels and Sons Mortuary was the funeral director and cremation at Montecito Memorial Park.
California Death Index and Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Robert F. Kortman - he was born 12/24/1887 in New York; mother's maiden name of Thiel; and passed away on 3/13/1967:
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V9TG-2WY
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VGRP-1LX
Veterans Administration Master Index record for Robert Fred Kortman, born December 24, 1887 and passed on March 13, 1967. He enlisted October 16, 1917 and was discharged on March 27, 1919. Record has him as a Sergeant, 5th Prov Co Demob Grp and with 2nd Co, 166 DB: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QP17-1Y1L
Find A Grave has no info on Kortman's cremains: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/229263122/bob-kortman

Kortman's wife, Lillian Geraldine Fulton (1896 - 1960). During her brief 1920s acting career, she used the screen name of "Gonda Durand":

Death certificate: 60 year old Gonda L. Kortman passed away on August 16, 1960 at her home and cause of death was adema of the brain, acute alcoholism, and cirrhosis of liver. Home address was Lot #112, Blue Jay Canyon, Blue Jay, San Bernardino County, California. Her birth location and parents were unknown. Burial at San Bernardino County Cemetery, and death certificate informant was husband Robert Kortman.
Find A Grave has Gonda Durand Kortman interred at Samaritan Cemetery, San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, California: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94445327/gonda-kortman

Bob Kortman's early years remain a mystery.

The first trace of Bob Kortman is his 1915 marriage license to Nellie Mignonette Varain, and his parents were Hary C. or G. Kortman (born Germany) and Lena M. Thiel (born Germany). However, in the 1930 census, he lists himself and parents as born in New York. On the death certificate, parents were Henry Kortman and Lina Thiel with an unknown birthplace for both.

I haven't found Bob or his parents in the 1900, 1910 or 1920 census or other records (under name variations including Kortman, Kortmann, Kordman, Kourtman, Cortman, Thiel, Theil, Lena, Lina, etc.).

I did check military records on the Fold3 website ... and nothing found on Bob Kortman (other than his World War I draft registration).

There are several Family Trees on Ancestry.com. But none have early details on Bob or his parents.

Why the difficulty in finding Kortman records prior to 1915? Methinks that the Kortman name is an "Americanized" version of a German surname that is yet to be discovered.

(From Old Corral collection)

Above - Bob Kortman in Indian guise and carrying a tomahawk in the role of 'Magua', the scowling, vicious war chief in the cliffhanger THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (Mascot, 1932). Kortman was in his mid-forties when he did this early sound serial. Star Harry Carey is wearing the coonskin cap and buckskins. On the far left with the 'X straps' is Hobart Bosworth (as The Sagamore / Chingachgook), and on the far right is Walter McGrail (as 'Dulac'). Other players are unidentified.

(Courtesy of Les Adams)

Above from left to right on horseback are Artie Ortego, unidentified player, Bob Kortman and Nick Thompson. Tom Mix and leading lady/heroine Joan Gale are standing. Kortman has the role of 'Longboat'. Lobby card from the serial THE MIRACLE RIDER (Mascot, 1935), Tom Mix's screen hurrah.

(From Old Corral collection)

Above - Buck Jones sneaking up on, from L-to-R, Ward Bond and Bob Kortman in a lobby card from THE CRIMSON TRAIL (Universal, 1935).

(Courtesy of Les Adams)

Above from left to right are Dick Botiller's back and hat, unidentified player, Harry Carey, Francis/Frank Walker, Chuck Morrison and Bob Kortman in Carey's WILD MUSTANG (Ajax, 1935).

(Courtesy of Ed Phillips)

Above from L-to-R are William Gould, Wally Wales/Hal Taliaferro (back to camera), Bob Kortman (on horse), Hoot Gibson (on Jack Perrin's white horse "Starlight"), George Hayes, and Lafe McKee in a still from Hoot's SWIFTY (Diversion, 1935).

(From Old Corral collection)

Above - Bob Kortman on the stage wheel converses with Douglas Cosgrove, and a young John Wayne has the drop on both in WINDS OF THE WASTELAND (Republic, 1936).

(Courtesy of Randy Laing)

Above - Johnny Mack Brown and Kortman are hanging by their fingernails in this scene from the 13 chapter cliffhanger, WILD WEST DAYS (Universal, 1937). In this serial, Kortman was on the right side of the law, portraying 'Trigger' Benton, one of Johnny Mack Brown's helpers.

(From Old Corral collection)

The above lobby card is from the 1959 re-release of the chapterplay, ZORRO RIDES AGAIN (Republic, 1937). Star John Carroll is on the far left in his Zorro outfit. That's Bob Kortman (green shirt) and Jack Ingram (red shirt), both of whom are gang members employed by Dick Alexander and Noah Beery Sr.

(Courtesy of Minard Coons)

Above - Hopalong Cassidy has the drop on three nasties. From left to right are John Merton, Roy Barcroft, Bob Kortman and William Boyd in a still from RENEGADE TRAIL (Harry Sherman Prod/Paramount, 1939).

(Courtesy of Les Adams)

Kortman played "One-Eye", the gang member with an eye patch working for Noah Beery, Sr. and Harry Worth in THE ADVENTURES OF RED RYDER (Republic, 1940; 12 chapters).

(Courtesy of Pat LaRosa)

Above from left to right are George Chesebro, Chick Hannan/Hannon, Charles Starrett and a very old looking Bob Kortman in a lobby card from GUNNING FOR VENGEANCE (Columbia, 1946), one of the Starrett/Durango Kid series. Kortman had an uncredited role as henchman "Curly".