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Leading Couples
William Powell and Myrna Loy. Bogart and Bacall. Tracy and Hepburn. These on-screen (and sometimes off-screen) couples defined romantic chemistry and the art of falling in love. From Turner Classic Movies, Leading Couples features the most unforgettable screen pairings of the studio era, including actors and actresses with many film courtships and those who made their indelible mark in a single, memorable movie. Engaging and thoroughly researched, each profile includes trivia, behind-the-scenes stories, biographical overviews, and memorable quotes, illustrated by rare stills and poster art.
232 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 16, 2023
This is a delightful book that can be read between more serious tomes and is a joy for those of us that are fans of old films. With an introduction by the sadly missed former host of Turner Classic Movies, Robert Osborne, the reader gets a look at some of the greatest screen teams in movie history
The entries are somewhat in chronological order although they overlap since some of the actors mentioned starred together in several films over the years. Each chapter begins with an overview of the actors' professional lives, some of which are extremely interesting. It is then followed with "behind the scenes" which adds bits of information on how and why the actors were matched and what other people had to say about them. Next is "off screen relationship" (romantic? friends? disliked? neutral?). This section puts paid to some of the rumors that always circulate when actors are madly in love on-screen, but also touches on those that were correct. Each chapter ends with quotes from their films that are usually remembered, the films in which they appeared together, and their personal information (date and place of birth, date and cause of death, height, marriages, divorces, and children)
The book is full of fantastic photographs both from a film or candid shots, many of which I had never seen before. I could go on forever about each team but needless to say, if you are a film buff you already know most of the ones that are included......but the last one in the book will take you by surprise and make you chuckle. I highly recommend this book to all film lovers.
The entries are somewhat in chronological order although they overlap since some of the actors mentioned starred together in several films over the years. Each chapter begins with an overview of the actors' professional lives, some of which are extremely interesting. It is then followed with "behind the scenes" which adds bits of information on how and why the actors were matched and what other people had to say about them. Next is "off screen relationship" (romantic? friends? disliked? neutral?). This section puts paid to some of the rumors that always circulate when actors are madly in love on-screen, but also touches on those that were correct. Each chapter ends with quotes from their films that are usually remembered, the films in which they appeared together, and their personal information (date and place of birth, date and cause of death, height, marriages, divorces, and children)
The book is full of fantastic photographs both from a film or candid shots, many of which I had never seen before. I could go on forever about each team but needless to say, if you are a film buff you already know most of the ones that are included......but the last one in the book will take you by surprise and make you chuckle. I highly recommend this book to all film lovers.
September 26, 2017
The leading couples of the golden era
This is definitely a collector’s book, compiled by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) that brings into life some of the most unforgettable couples during studio era. They thrilled audiences and the studios capitalized on a simple theme to attract viewers and create movie fan base. This simple marketing strategy worked and the fans got to see their favorite couples again and again in many films, and perhaps relate their own lives to the stories of the movies. These movie sweethearts teased, flirted, fought, loved, suffered, laughed, sang and danced in several movies. The work of each team is unique. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell made 12 films together at Fox Studios, 1927 to 1934 which were sweet, noble and unsophisticated. Greta Garbo and John Gilbert were teamed four time by MGM Studios and the relationships onscreen were supposed to be stormy, sensual, complex and often doomed. Doris Day and Rock Hudson were playful and fun-loving couple. Myrna Loy and William Powell did 14 films together and gave fans plenty of joy in playfulness and working together as a team. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire; and Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy thrilled audience with their magical performances.
A brief summary of the book is as follows; the work of each couple in this book is narrated with a brief introduction to the movies they did together, a brief history of their onscreen relationship, behind the scenes stories, off-screen relationships, key quotes and a very short bio of each of about 40 couples. Some of they are fascinating stories. For example, in the movie “Casablanca”, lack of proper script delayed production and the actors could barely remember the dialogue, since it was received only few hours prior to shooting. And in the iconic parting scene of the movie, director Michael Curtiz insisted that Rick (Bogart) must kiss Ilsa (Bergman) before sending her off on a plane. Humphrey Bogart refused saying that it is out of character of Rick. Producer Hal Wallis had to step in to settle the matter and he sided with Bogart. When the allied forces landed in Casablanca during the filming, the sales and marketing department of Warner Brothers Studio wanted to include this fact in the movie, but David O. Selznick and Studio Head Jack Warner decided that changing the ending would be a mistake.
Jean Harlow and Clark Gable did five movies together and their last movie was “Saratoga.” When Gable heard that Harlow passed away while he was on the set, he was tremendously sad and overcame with emotion and raced to the hospital. He was one of the pallbearer and an usher at her funeral. Greta Garbo and John Gilbert were fascinating couples and he was the only man in her life who convinced the reclusive Swede to meet him at the altar. He was also the only man who also persuaded her to attend a premiere of a film and smile for a photograph. Their real life romance was doomed, since it started, because of Garbo’s fierce desire to be independent collided with Gilbert’s passion. His love for Garbo also was his downfall from his successful acting career and died shortly after that at the age of 39. Janet Gaynor on her relationship with Charles Farrell said they cared for each other intensely, but “it wasn’t marrying kind of love. No one understands anyway. Actors are terribly attractive but not to commit your life to.” Farrell married actress Virginia Valli and Gaynor married her publicist Lydell Peck. The news hit the press and it hurt at the box office; her fans were baffled. Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland’ team work was a match made in heaven. They were great friends. Rooney was brought in to prop up her popularity and appeal with movie goers and it worked, and in fact she became more popular than him. MGM Studios used the pair for their 1939 movie, “Babes in Arms” and it was the most profitable film for the studio and studio head Louis B. Mayer was so happy that he teamed them up in three more musicals produced by Arthur Freed. Busby Berkeley directed her musicals. His wild temperament and long working hours fueled her insecurities and she hit the alcohol and prescription drugs.
There are numerous pictures in this book, but all are in black and white. But one drawback of this book is TCM while playing politically correct, held out some facts. These couple-team had problems in their personal and professional relationship. There are numerous books that discusses this. Problems related to working together on the set and sexual affairs were common among some of the star-couples. TCM attempts to provide a “happy” picture.
This is definitely a collector’s book, compiled by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) that brings into life some of the most unforgettable couples during studio era. They thrilled audiences and the studios capitalized on a simple theme to attract viewers and create movie fan base. This simple marketing strategy worked and the fans got to see their favorite couples again and again in many films, and perhaps relate their own lives to the stories of the movies. These movie sweethearts teased, flirted, fought, loved, suffered, laughed, sang and danced in several movies. The work of each team is unique. Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell made 12 films together at Fox Studios, 1927 to 1934 which were sweet, noble and unsophisticated. Greta Garbo and John Gilbert were teamed four time by MGM Studios and the relationships onscreen were supposed to be stormy, sensual, complex and often doomed. Doris Day and Rock Hudson were playful and fun-loving couple. Myrna Loy and William Powell did 14 films together and gave fans plenty of joy in playfulness and working together as a team. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire; and Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy thrilled audience with their magical performances.
A brief summary of the book is as follows; the work of each couple in this book is narrated with a brief introduction to the movies they did together, a brief history of their onscreen relationship, behind the scenes stories, off-screen relationships, key quotes and a very short bio of each of about 40 couples. Some of they are fascinating stories. For example, in the movie “Casablanca”, lack of proper script delayed production and the actors could barely remember the dialogue, since it was received only few hours prior to shooting. And in the iconic parting scene of the movie, director Michael Curtiz insisted that Rick (Bogart) must kiss Ilsa (Bergman) before sending her off on a plane. Humphrey Bogart refused saying that it is out of character of Rick. Producer Hal Wallis had to step in to settle the matter and he sided with Bogart. When the allied forces landed in Casablanca during the filming, the sales and marketing department of Warner Brothers Studio wanted to include this fact in the movie, but David O. Selznick and Studio Head Jack Warner decided that changing the ending would be a mistake.
Jean Harlow and Clark Gable did five movies together and their last movie was “Saratoga.” When Gable heard that Harlow passed away while he was on the set, he was tremendously sad and overcame with emotion and raced to the hospital. He was one of the pallbearer and an usher at her funeral. Greta Garbo and John Gilbert were fascinating couples and he was the only man in her life who convinced the reclusive Swede to meet him at the altar. He was also the only man who also persuaded her to attend a premiere of a film and smile for a photograph. Their real life romance was doomed, since it started, because of Garbo’s fierce desire to be independent collided with Gilbert’s passion. His love for Garbo also was his downfall from his successful acting career and died shortly after that at the age of 39. Janet Gaynor on her relationship with Charles Farrell said they cared for each other intensely, but “it wasn’t marrying kind of love. No one understands anyway. Actors are terribly attractive but not to commit your life to.” Farrell married actress Virginia Valli and Gaynor married her publicist Lydell Peck. The news hit the press and it hurt at the box office; her fans were baffled. Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland’ team work was a match made in heaven. They were great friends. Rooney was brought in to prop up her popularity and appeal with movie goers and it worked, and in fact she became more popular than him. MGM Studios used the pair for their 1939 movie, “Babes in Arms” and it was the most profitable film for the studio and studio head Louis B. Mayer was so happy that he teamed them up in three more musicals produced by Arthur Freed. Busby Berkeley directed her musicals. His wild temperament and long working hours fueled her insecurities and she hit the alcohol and prescription drugs.
There are numerous pictures in this book, but all are in black and white. But one drawback of this book is TCM while playing politically correct, held out some facts. These couple-team had problems in their personal and professional relationship. There are numerous books that discusses this. Problems related to working together on the set and sexual affairs were common among some of the star-couples. TCM attempts to provide a “happy” picture.
September 30, 2013
- This was a fun and informative book! I adore this era of movies, and I wish classy actors and actresses like these people could still exist.
- I love that Fred and Ginger were the first couple. They are still very iconic!
- This book was bad for me. I want to watch all the movies that were listed now!!
- The intro said that one of the rules for choosing the couples to go in this book was that there couldn't be doubles. One actor couldn't be listed more than once. Well, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, and others were listed twice!!
- I didn't know Bogart was so short! Poor guy had to stand on boxes to be taller than his leading ladies.
- I didn't know Rock Hudson was gay. That is so interesting since he played a player in a few of his films.
- Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn should have married! I really wish they had! They were so perfect for each other!
- I would not have chosen King Kong and his captive as a couple for this book...it was....weird.
- I like how the book listed mini bios on the side for each actor and actress. It was fun to read where they were born, how tall they were, and see how many spouses they had.
- This is definitely a fun read for those of us who loved the golden era!
- I love that Fred and Ginger were the first couple. They are still very iconic!
- This book was bad for me. I want to watch all the movies that were listed now!!
- The intro said that one of the rules for choosing the couples to go in this book was that there couldn't be doubles. One actor couldn't be listed more than once. Well, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, and others were listed twice!!
- I didn't know Bogart was so short! Poor guy had to stand on boxes to be taller than his leading ladies.
- I didn't know Rock Hudson was gay. That is so interesting since he played a player in a few of his films.
- Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn should have married! I really wish they had! They were so perfect for each other!
- I would not have chosen King Kong and his captive as a couple for this book...it was....weird.
- I like how the book listed mini bios on the side for each actor and actress. It was fun to read where they were born, how tall they were, and see how many spouses they had.
- This is definitely a fun read for those of us who loved the golden era!
February 15, 2025
A beautiful book that's perfect fodder for a hopeless romantic like me. Full to bursting with famous big screen pairings (most of whom were not romantically involved in real life, in spite of their obvious chemistry), this book makes me want to veg out in a classic movie fest and revel in the chemistry on display in the still photos provided in this book. There is quite a bit of information about the individuals involved in each team, as well as behind-the-scenes tidbits and the actors' memories of working together. Quite a few of these pairings did become lasting friendships, which is always nice to hear.
There are the beautiful people, of course, but there are a couple of oddball pairings as well, which was nice to see. Plenty of pairings made lots of films together, but also spotlighted are those who hit the jackpot once and, for various reasons, didn't work together again. I enjoyed this a lot, and would read it again just to gaze at the pictures.
There are the beautiful people, of course, but there are a couple of oddball pairings as well, which was nice to see. Plenty of pairings made lots of films together, but also spotlighted are those who hit the jackpot once and, for various reasons, didn't work together again. I enjoyed this a lot, and would read it again just to gaze at the pictures.
January 24, 2021
I think the one time pairings should have been another book. And it could have been longer. But it was a fun read.
July 16, 2014
I love all of the Turner Classic Movies books I've read - I thoroughly enjoy learning all the little facts about each glamorous star's life and about some of the most famous films in Hollywood history, even though I've never seen most of them!
November 5, 2017
As a fan of classic Hollywood movies, I was excited pick up the book and read it after seeing the title. Though the lists are subjective, I found the write up of the leading couples that were chosen to be interesting. I especially liked the background information, and was even surprised to find out that one of the stars listed passed away in my hometown of Burlington, Vermont.
The book listed about 2 dozen couples that made some of the most memorable films in Hollywood history, ranging from the silent movies through the 1960’s. Additionally, there were about 12 more couples listed because their pairing was so powerful in certain movies that they could not be left out. Some of the leading couples listed are:
- Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers: Probably the best dancing team ever to grace the screen.
- Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall: On screen, they projected a rough and tumble attitude and personification to their characters. Off screen, though there was a vast age difference between them, they fell in love and were a couple until Bogart’s death.
- Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh: This was one of the pairings listed simply because their roles in Gone With the Wind are so engrained in the minds audiences, that for this one movie they were a powerful leading couple.
- William Powell and Myrna Loy: They changed the idea of marriage in films, wisecracking their way through solving murder mysteries while sipping their martinis. They were so convincing that when they checked into a hotel, the clerk booked them into one room instead of 2 separate rooms.
- Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland: Bright and fresh-faced, they were an idealized version of youth in the late 30’s and early 40’s. They sang, danced, and acted together and became close friends even after Judy Garland’s star took off.
- Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton: On screen they sizzled and gave off such sexually charged performances in their roles, and it continued off screen through an affair that started within a couple of days after meeting and ended up with the couple being married.
- Fay Wray and King Kong: One of the greatest pairings in movie history, in part because no matter how many remakes that are made of the movie, this original pairing will always be the one people think of when they think of the movie King Kong.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Hollywood’s leading couples from the 1920’s – 1960’s. Though it is certainly not a complete memoir of any of the actors discussed, the book provided some very interesting background information on the men and women of Hollywood. Additionally, a side benefit I found was the quick write-ups of movies I have not had the pleasure to see, but look forward to watching in the future. I would recommend this book to people who like classic movies, who like stories about Hollywood actors and actresses during the early to mid-20th century, and as well as to people who enjoy American history.
The book listed about 2 dozen couples that made some of the most memorable films in Hollywood history, ranging from the silent movies through the 1960’s. Additionally, there were about 12 more couples listed because their pairing was so powerful in certain movies that they could not be left out. Some of the leading couples listed are:
- Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers: Probably the best dancing team ever to grace the screen.
- Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall: On screen, they projected a rough and tumble attitude and personification to their characters. Off screen, though there was a vast age difference between them, they fell in love and were a couple until Bogart’s death.
- Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh: This was one of the pairings listed simply because their roles in Gone With the Wind are so engrained in the minds audiences, that for this one movie they were a powerful leading couple.
- William Powell and Myrna Loy: They changed the idea of marriage in films, wisecracking their way through solving murder mysteries while sipping their martinis. They were so convincing that when they checked into a hotel, the clerk booked them into one room instead of 2 separate rooms.
- Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland: Bright and fresh-faced, they were an idealized version of youth in the late 30’s and early 40’s. They sang, danced, and acted together and became close friends even after Judy Garland’s star took off.
- Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton: On screen they sizzled and gave off such sexually charged performances in their roles, and it continued off screen through an affair that started within a couple of days after meeting and ended up with the couple being married.
- Fay Wray and King Kong: One of the greatest pairings in movie history, in part because no matter how many remakes that are made of the movie, this original pairing will always be the one people think of when they think of the movie King Kong.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Hollywood’s leading couples from the 1920’s – 1960’s. Though it is certainly not a complete memoir of any of the actors discussed, the book provided some very interesting background information on the men and women of Hollywood. Additionally, a side benefit I found was the quick write-ups of movies I have not had the pleasure to see, but look forward to watching in the future. I would recommend this book to people who like classic movies, who like stories about Hollywood actors and actresses during the early to mid-20th century, and as well as to people who enjoy American history.
February 1, 2018
Super cool little book, easy read, quick read. If you love movies and love the couples who made them, pick it up at your local Library. If they don't have it, they will order it for their collection. Enjoy!
October 16, 2018
Vivien Leigh & Laurence Olivier
Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney
Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton
Myrna Loy & William Powell
Katharine Hepburn & Spencer Tracy
Olivia deHavilland & Errol Flynn
Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck
Fay Wray & King Kong (+1 for being cheeky)
Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney
Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton
Myrna Loy & William Powell
Katharine Hepburn & Spencer Tracy
Olivia deHavilland & Errol Flynn
Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck
Fay Wray & King Kong (+1 for being cheeky)
August 3, 2024
Leading couples: the most unforgettable screen romances of the studio era. Love, whether real or imagined makes life worth living. We can have our own romances or we can watch them on the silver screen and daydream that we are one of those people.
December 28, 2021
Another nice book released by TCM.
September 15, 2014
The book has many of the classic movie couples you'd expect (like Bogart/Bacall and Tracy/Hepburn) as well as some more obscure pairings and one really bizarre one. (Fay Wray and King King? Really?) Two types of couples are featured: those that made several films together and those that made a big impression together just one time on film. While I understand that they were trying to make things fair and not feature one person too many times, the rules of the book do mean that some great pairings (like Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn) are missing.
It's a great book for flipping through and reading a little at a time. I've enjoyed learning some useless but fun trivia, like how during filming on Gone With the Wind, Clark Gable taught Vivian Leigh to play backgammon and she in turn introduced him to battleship. I'm also getting some ideas for more movies to add to my watch list. One thing that does make me a little sad about the book: in the facts about each person, spouses are listed, and so many of these stars had several (often brief) marriages. I just think it's a shame that the people who made up some of the most romantic pairs on screen often had troubles in their personal romantic lives. Although I guess their movie love stories didn't always end happily, either.
It's a great book for flipping through and reading a little at a time. I've enjoyed learning some useless but fun trivia, like how during filming on Gone With the Wind, Clark Gable taught Vivian Leigh to play backgammon and she in turn introduced him to battleship. I'm also getting some ideas for more movies to add to my watch list. One thing that does make me a little sad about the book: in the facts about each person, spouses are listed, and so many of these stars had several (often brief) marriages. I just think it's a shame that the people who made up some of the most romantic pairs on screen often had troubles in their personal romantic lives. Although I guess their movie love stories didn't always end happily, either.
October 1, 2013
Also recommended: Leading Ladies: The 50 Most Unforgettable Actresses of the Studio Era AND Leading Men: The 50 Most Unforgettable Actors of the Studio Era
Excellent coffee table book, but I liked this one the least of TCM's "Leading" series. Some of the information is a repeat of the previous two volumes. Putting them in pairs seems to be an even trickier prospect than narrowing it down to 50. It would probably be impossible to satisfy every classic film aficionado, without it turning in to a massive tome. I scratched my head at a few of the couples (admittedly mostly ones I'm unfamiliar with) and felt other important ones were missing.
Excellent coffee table book, but I liked this one the least of TCM's "Leading" series. Some of the information is a repeat of the previous two volumes. Putting them in pairs seems to be an even trickier prospect than narrowing it down to 50. It would probably be impossible to satisfy every classic film aficionado, without it turning in to a massive tome. I scratched my head at a few of the couples (admittedly mostly ones I'm unfamiliar with) and felt other important ones were missing.
January 19, 2013
Charming book put out by TCM to celebrate onscreen couples of the Golden Age of film. Great photos, and lots of fun choices (the last entry is Fay Wray and King Kong--very cute :)Each couple is highlighted by lots of good basic info on their best films together and and the basics of why they had successful chemistry as well as a little section on their off screen opinions of each other. Great both for beginner film fans and old pros like myself. While familiar with all the couples listed, I learned some fun information from nearly every entry, including how tiny Alan Ladd was, the fact that Fay Wray called King Kong "her little man" and that Jane Russell was the only non family member at the spreading of Robert Mitchum's ashes. Really nice photos and some good color shots of film posters. Typically classy output from Turner Classic Movies.
July 29, 2010
Lots of information about classic Hollywood screen pairings (none later than the 60's) with many pictures and a complete filmography of each performer in the back. Some of the write-ups like the one on John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara are really entertaining. There's also vital stats for each star and in the case of couples with lots of films to choose from (like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers for example), the book suggests recommended viewing.
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