To celebrate National Classic Movie Day, I’m joining Rick’s Five Stars blogathon by sharing some of my favorite classic movie stars. And though I can’t quite say they’re my favorites ALL of the time (of course, that shifts), they are always on my list. Since my favorite character actors deserve their own post, I’m focusing on those who frequently star in their vehicles. Here we go. In no particular order:
1: Barbara Stanwyck
Because her acting was superlative and ageless. Because she got her scenes in one take, her emotions so visceral you always feel immersed in her characters’ lives. Because her crews loved her. Because she could be funny, dramatic, or both at once. She was marvelous.
2: Van Heflin
Because his acting was so natural. Because he didn’t demand attention or the starring role, but the authenticity of his acting and his easy confidence made him riveting anyway. Because he singlehandedly changed my mind about westerns with his understated performance in 3:10 to Yuma. Because he never got the credit he deserved, which somehow makes me love him more.
3: Cary Grant
Because he had the all-time best smirk. Because he could be sexy or goofy, usually both at once. Because his acrobatics were truly impressive. Because in spite of his unfailing glamour, his characters were always real. Because he knew how to share the screen with a canine. Because he was adept at self-creation. Because he gave me a name for my blog.
4: William Powell
Because I wouldn’t typically consider his looks attractive, but his personality onscreen was so assured and wonderful and silly that I find him sexy just the same. Because I want to befriend most of his characters, and am sad I can’t. Because I could listen to that voice all day. Because I’ll watch anything he’s in, just to fall for him again.
5: Mae West
Because she wrote her own lines and dictated her own role–onscreen and off. Because those lines were so well written that people know them almost 100 years later, without knowing where they’re from or who she was. Because she was combustible onscreen, and always hilarious. Because she was a feminist, whether she admitted it or not. Because she had impeccable timing. Because of that walk. Because her movies are utter joy. Because there will never be another like her.
Check out other bloggers’ favorites at Five Stars blogathon!
i unequivocally love your five selections and your reasoning. Wouldn’t it be grand to have this group over for dinner and a movie?
Happy National Classic Movie Day!
Thank you! And I love that you picked Laurel and Hardy! Excellent choice. That dinner would be fabulous:)
What a fabulous dinner that would be! I loved your choices too, especially Laurel and Hardy, an inspired one:)
Fantastic!
Thank you!
Great choices! I invite you to add your post to this week’s The Classic Movie Marathon Link Party http://classicmovietreasures.com/classic-movie-marathon-link-party-8/
Thanks, Elaine!
Cary Grant and William Powell made my list too. They are incomparable. Barbara Stanwyck is a favorite as well, There’s just something special about her. She makes me wish she was my best friend.
That’s so true! She feels so real and genuine, and will just tell you like it is:)
Heflin. Nice! He was outstanding (as was everyone else) in “Patterns” and despicable in “The Prowler.” All good choices.
Thanks! Still haven’t seen The Prowler but it’s on my list. I don’t understand why he isn’t appreciated more….
Love your choices! Cary and Mr Powell- SWOON!!
EXACTLY!
Wonderful list! Glad to see you picked Van Heflin. I always know I can count on him — actually, all of your choices are reliably great performers! I’m kinda mad at myself for not instantly thinking of Bill Powell, but I suppose that’s the way it crumbles, cookie-wise.
I loved reading your comments behind each selection! I’m seeing Barbara Stanwyck on a lot of people’s lists and it is no wonder, she was a talent! And Cary Grant…”Because he gave me a name for my blog”…is great reasoning. 😉
Thank you! It’s as rational a reason as many of my others for loving a star:)
Stanwyck and Grant made me list too! How could I have forgotten Mae West! Great list – love that you included Van Heflin (absolutely love him in “East Side, West Side” )
Oh, he’s wonderful in that. In everything. I know. Every list I read I think, “Why didn’t I…?”:)
Love, Love, Love your choices. I’m totally on the Van Heflin bandwagon. He was very underrated but always gave a believable performance. You will love “The Prowler” He was fab.
Thank you! I can’t wait to see that. I always love when there are some works by my favorites I haven’t seen. It’s like unopened gifts:)
I love your choices – especially the additions of Mae and Van. Only a true classic film buff would include them!
Thank you! Mae was a must, and I’ve been a fan of Van Heflin’s since The Strange Love of Martha Ivers.
Ah, I’m glad you chose Van Heflin. He’s one of my faves for all the reasons you mentioned, especially that terrific performance in 3:10 to Yuma.
It’s easier to pay attention to Ford’s performance, but Heflin’s is a tougher role. Their chemistry is fantastic.
Great choices! Van Heflin surprised me in this list, as he does in his movies! I’m glad to see Mae West and William Powell receiving love – lots of love!
Kisses!
Le
True. He’s always surprising in the best ways. Mae had to be there:)