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Leading Men: The 50 Most Unforgettable Actors of the Studio Era
Tough, sophisticated, witty, and handsome: from Rudolph Valentino to Buster Keaton, Cary Grant to Jimmy Stewart, Humphrey Bogart to Steve McQueen, each of the actors featured in this book brought a magnetic presence to the screen and made a powerful and enduring mark on film history. Produced by Turner Classic Movies, this stylish and definitive guide as the inside scoop and off-the-record reveals of fifty unforgettable actors and is also the focus of an on-air film festival on the channel. The lives and accomplishments of each actor are celebrated in an insightful career overview, accompanied by an annotated list of essential films, filmographies, behind the scenes facts, Academy Award wins and nominations. Full of surprising trivia, film stills, posters, and stunning photos, Leading Men pays tribute to the most charismatic, enduring, and elegant actors of the silver screen: an essential resource for movie buffs and pop-culture enthusiasts alike.
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2006
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September 26, 2017
The matinee idols of Hollywood
This is definitely a collector’s book, compiled by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) that brings into life some of the most unforgettable leading men during studio era. They thrilled audiences, and the studios capitalized on their looks, and appeal during the golden age of Hollywood. The movie-fans got to see their favorite lead actors and relate personally with them. These men flirted, fought, loved, suffered, sang and danced in movies, and the viewers found joy and forgot their own insecurities in life.
Each of these men were unique in style; John Gilbert, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart, and Frank Sinatra. All of them wanted to perform well and please the audience. But there were glitches in the early careers of some stars. Some studios had second thoughts about them. A Hollywood executive lamented about employing Fred Astaire: “Can’t act, slightly bald, also dances.” At Warner Brothers Studios, Darryl Zanuck complained about Clark Gable as “his ears are too big, and he looks like an ape.” Now this is all in history, and Hollywood made the best of these men and they became very productive for the film industry.
A brief summary of the book is as follows; the work of each actor in this book is narrated with a brief introduction to their movies, behind the scenes stories and a very short bio of about 50 leading men. Some of they are fascinating to read. New demystifying biographies say how strenuously icons like Cary Grant worked to fashion his glistening image as vigilant as any glamour girl. Few stars blazed as brightly or fell as precipitously as John Barrymore. He with his brother Lionel, and his sister Ethel Barrymore constituted “The Royal Family of Broadway” with John clearly the King. He commanded the box office. His role in the movie “Dinner at Eight” was clean reflection of his personal life. Humphrey Bogart was successful before he broke into movies and later became the leader of the Rat Pack, a group of drinking buddies who got together at Mike Romanoff’s Restaurant in Hollywood. Frank Sinatra was just a member and became its leader when Bogie passed away. Charlie Chaplin was well known for his political controversy. He often criticized the government, law-enforcement, and big business. He was disliked during WWII by largely conservative groups. After he returned from England in 1952, he was denied re-entry to the United States, and he retired in Switzerland. Even in 1972, a decision by the Academy to honor him was considered controversial.
Jane Fonda recalled later in her life that her father fell in love with actress Lucille Ball when they did the movie “Yours, Mine, and Ours” and would have liked to marry her in real life. Clark Gable, three years after the death of his wife Carole Lombard, and over studios objection joined the U. S. Army Air Corps distinguishing himself with wartime service. Lombard was largely responsible since she encouraged him to join the armed forces when she was alive. He returned to Hollywood and made big hits like “Mogambo” with Grace Kelly, and “Misfits” with Marilyn Monroe. Jimmy Stewart also distinguished himself serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps and he retired from U.S. Air Force as Brigadier General. This is highest rank by any Hollywood actor. He had a clause inserted in his movie contracts prohibiting from production companies mentioning his military service. Robert Taylor was once a successful actor and also husband of Barbara Stanwyck. He later became a friendly witness against his fellow men in Hollywood at the hearing House Committee on Un-American Activities to root out leftist and liberals from Hollywood. MGM later honored him by naming the writer’s building as Robert Taylor’s Building. In 1989, a group of writers successfully protested to have that name removed. John Wayne was another actor who wanted to serve in the military but an injury to his ear during the filming of “The Wild Wind’ in 1942 made him unfit to enroll in the armed forces. The Republican Party asked him to run for the presidency in 1968 but he refused saying that the public wouldn’t take him seriously.
There are numerous pictures in this book, but all are in black and white. My favorite pictures are; a rare picture of Barrymore brothers with sister Ethel Barrymore; a 1920s picture of Douglas Fairbanks with his son; a 1957 picture of Henry Fonda with daughter Jane and Peter; a 1959 picture of Doris Day and Rock Hudson; a 1920s picture of Rudolph Valentino and a memorable 1926 picture from the film “Son of Sheik.” This is certainly an interesting book to read, and recommended to readers interested in Hollywood history and classic films.
This is definitely a collector’s book, compiled by Turner Classic Movies (TCM) that brings into life some of the most unforgettable leading men during studio era. They thrilled audiences, and the studios capitalized on their looks, and appeal during the golden age of Hollywood. The movie-fans got to see their favorite lead actors and relate personally with them. These men flirted, fought, loved, suffered, sang and danced in movies, and the viewers found joy and forgot their own insecurities in life.
Each of these men were unique in style; John Gilbert, Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Jimmy Stewart, and Frank Sinatra. All of them wanted to perform well and please the audience. But there were glitches in the early careers of some stars. Some studios had second thoughts about them. A Hollywood executive lamented about employing Fred Astaire: “Can’t act, slightly bald, also dances.” At Warner Brothers Studios, Darryl Zanuck complained about Clark Gable as “his ears are too big, and he looks like an ape.” Now this is all in history, and Hollywood made the best of these men and they became very productive for the film industry.
A brief summary of the book is as follows; the work of each actor in this book is narrated with a brief introduction to their movies, behind the scenes stories and a very short bio of about 50 leading men. Some of they are fascinating to read. New demystifying biographies say how strenuously icons like Cary Grant worked to fashion his glistening image as vigilant as any glamour girl. Few stars blazed as brightly or fell as precipitously as John Barrymore. He with his brother Lionel, and his sister Ethel Barrymore constituted “The Royal Family of Broadway” with John clearly the King. He commanded the box office. His role in the movie “Dinner at Eight” was clean reflection of his personal life. Humphrey Bogart was successful before he broke into movies and later became the leader of the Rat Pack, a group of drinking buddies who got together at Mike Romanoff’s Restaurant in Hollywood. Frank Sinatra was just a member and became its leader when Bogie passed away. Charlie Chaplin was well known for his political controversy. He often criticized the government, law-enforcement, and big business. He was disliked during WWII by largely conservative groups. After he returned from England in 1952, he was denied re-entry to the United States, and he retired in Switzerland. Even in 1972, a decision by the Academy to honor him was considered controversial.
Jane Fonda recalled later in her life that her father fell in love with actress Lucille Ball when they did the movie “Yours, Mine, and Ours” and would have liked to marry her in real life. Clark Gable, three years after the death of his wife Carole Lombard, and over studios objection joined the U. S. Army Air Corps distinguishing himself with wartime service. Lombard was largely responsible since she encouraged him to join the armed forces when she was alive. He returned to Hollywood and made big hits like “Mogambo” with Grace Kelly, and “Misfits” with Marilyn Monroe. Jimmy Stewart also distinguished himself serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps and he retired from U.S. Air Force as Brigadier General. This is highest rank by any Hollywood actor. He had a clause inserted in his movie contracts prohibiting from production companies mentioning his military service. Robert Taylor was once a successful actor and also husband of Barbara Stanwyck. He later became a friendly witness against his fellow men in Hollywood at the hearing House Committee on Un-American Activities to root out leftist and liberals from Hollywood. MGM later honored him by naming the writer’s building as Robert Taylor’s Building. In 1989, a group of writers successfully protested to have that name removed. John Wayne was another actor who wanted to serve in the military but an injury to his ear during the filming of “The Wild Wind’ in 1942 made him unfit to enroll in the armed forces. The Republican Party asked him to run for the presidency in 1968 but he refused saying that the public wouldn’t take him seriously.
There are numerous pictures in this book, but all are in black and white. My favorite pictures are; a rare picture of Barrymore brothers with sister Ethel Barrymore; a 1920s picture of Douglas Fairbanks with his son; a 1957 picture of Henry Fonda with daughter Jane and Peter; a 1959 picture of Doris Day and Rock Hudson; a 1920s picture of Rudolph Valentino and a memorable 1926 picture from the film “Son of Sheik.” This is certainly an interesting book to read, and recommended to readers interested in Hollywood history and classic films.
October 10, 2020
The movie stars of the Studio Era, encompassing the Silents through the late 1950s, were called "stars" because their glamour and remoteness put them closer to the celestial heavens than to the average Joe on earth. Cinema palaces were beautiful works of art inviting dispirited Depression-era and stressed WWII-era moviegoers to view a world of wonder. Movie stars WERE movie stars, not overexposed celebrities with Twitter accounts.
TCM has put together this rather gorgeous collection of production stills and candids of the greatest male film stars of the Golden Years. Each actor gets a full page photo, bio, essential films, and some juicy behind-the-scenes information. It's a nice gift for film buffs who want to know more about their favourite golden oldies (Robert Osborne provides the foreword).
Book Season = Year Round (visit the old movie houses)
JAMES CAGNEY
ROBERT MITCHUM
TCM has put together this rather gorgeous collection of production stills and candids of the greatest male film stars of the Golden Years. Each actor gets a full page photo, bio, essential films, and some juicy behind-the-scenes information. It's a nice gift for film buffs who want to know more about their favourite golden oldies (Robert Osborne provides the foreword).
Book Season = Year Round (visit the old movie houses)
JAMES CAGNEY
ROBERT MITCHUM
May 1, 2022
Admittedly, I did recognize the actors that made this list - well, all but one but I recognized the face from watching old movies yet didn't know the name. Male actors from the classic silent movies of Chaplin, Valentino and Keaton to the time of publication.
One must remember that this was published in 2006 and so 5 of the chosen were still alive at that time - Kirk Douglas (2020); Paul Newman (2008); Mickey Rooney (2014); Peter O'Toole (2013) and Sidney Poitier who was lost earlier this year (2022).
A 4-page spread for each actor starting with a professional photo, a short biography of their career, birth, death, star sign (??), height, wives and children. Then comes what the editors thought were the 'essential' films - 5 usually - of when made, studio, and short summary, academy awards and nominations as well as a page of "Behind the Scenes" bits and pieces - like Buster Keaton performed most of his stunts with only seven fingers and a thumb since a prop bomb when off and cost him the other two - along with stills from films or other photos. For example, a photo of the foursome that created United Artists - Chaplin, Pickford, Griffith and Fairbanks. Kirk Douglas with a very young Michael.
Of course, it ends with an extensive filmography of each actor which in some cases are quite extensive.
For the classic film aficionado or for the fan of a favored actor, it is likely too general and basic but for the admirer of the industry itself, it does provide a nice general overview of quite the collection of well known members of the American film industry.
Note that this is part of what is basically a set with it's companion book being 50 unforgettable female actors. Should be interesting to see what that list holds.
2022-090
One must remember that this was published in 2006 and so 5 of the chosen were still alive at that time - Kirk Douglas (2020); Paul Newman (2008); Mickey Rooney (2014); Peter O'Toole (2013) and Sidney Poitier who was lost earlier this year (2022).
A 4-page spread for each actor starting with a professional photo, a short biography of their career, birth, death, star sign (??), height, wives and children. Then comes what the editors thought were the 'essential' films - 5 usually - of when made, studio, and short summary, academy awards and nominations as well as a page of "Behind the Scenes" bits and pieces - like Buster Keaton performed most of his stunts with only seven fingers and a thumb since a prop bomb when off and cost him the other two - along with stills from films or other photos. For example, a photo of the foursome that created United Artists - Chaplin, Pickford, Griffith and Fairbanks. Kirk Douglas with a very young Michael.
Of course, it ends with an extensive filmography of each actor which in some cases are quite extensive.
For the classic film aficionado or for the fan of a favored actor, it is likely too general and basic but for the admirer of the industry itself, it does provide a nice general overview of quite the collection of well known members of the American film industry.
Note that this is part of what is basically a set with it's companion book being 50 unforgettable female actors. Should be interesting to see what that list holds.
2022-090
July 17, 2022
Have been reading this off & on for awhile & finally finished. Was interesting reading a bit about all of these leading men of the past.
November 2, 2023
This book reminded me of watching movies on TV with my mom. Very well written bios and great pictures.
January 23, 2021
Books like this exist for one reason:
To assuage the debating need of classic film nerds like me.
Was Robert Taylor all that great? Why did Ronald Reagan not make the list and John Gilbert did? Paul Muni? Spencer Tracy? When a Google search for "classic films" brings up 80's and 90's films you know it will be pretty much impossible to find a living human being(even pre- or post-COVID) knowledgeable enough to have a decently exciting discussion on the topic. Hence, the existence of this book.
That being said, it's a pretty book and some of the tidbits added in are quite fun. As a human substitute it's not bad.
To assuage the debating need of classic film nerds like me.
Was Robert Taylor all that great? Why did Ronald Reagan not make the list and John Gilbert did? Paul Muni? Spencer Tracy? When a Google search for "classic films" brings up 80's and 90's films you know it will be pretty much impossible to find a living human being(even pre- or post-COVID) knowledgeable enough to have a decently exciting discussion on the topic. Hence, the existence of this book.
That being said, it's a pretty book and some of the tidbits added in are quite fun. As a human substitute it's not bad.
August 4, 2011
Beautiful pictures (headshots, movie stills, AND behind-the-scenes images) of 50 classic actors under the studio system. Sure, one could quibble about some of the excluded stars, but this book makes for a definitive list of the most iconic actors with apt descriptions of what made them light up the silver screen. The biographies were insightful and offered a peek at the highs and lows that contributed to their oeuvre. Touching stories humanized many of the stars who seemed unreachable. Each biography also has a list (more quibble-inducing, I think than the 50 chosen actors) of best films and offer some extra trivia. All in all, a thoughtfully constructed tribute to the actors who have haunted our dreams and provided us with hours of entertainment. This book was excellently executed, but what else would you expect from TCM?
September 13, 2008
Short description of each actor. Good for lists of their movies and spotlights on the four or five best ones. Interesting trivia included.
October 8, 2021
This book was meant to satisfy my obsession with stars from long ago.
February 18, 2009
Great insight to some great actors.
September 15, 2022
"Can't act. Slightly bald. Also dances." That's the clinical observation made by a Hollywood studio exec after seeing Fred Astaire's first screen test. Some nice gem-facts included here in this beginner-level bio on these Studio-Stars of yesterday. TCM made the selections, with Robert Osborne writing the Foreword.
Each of the 50 men get 4 pages:
1 full head-shot (excellent).
1 pg Bio (way too brief. Horoscope sign included? Small san-serif light-toned font w/ background design makes text difficult to read).
1 pg Awards, pix, and 5 films chosen w paragraph on each. (Same font/color/background problem)
1 pg "Behind the Scenes" pix and cool gem facts. (Why is 100% text all caps here? Small, san-serif font, solid color background so easier than other sections to read, but all-caps??)
I like the appendix where each actor has EVERY movie (by year) listed under their name.
I love movies, and watch a lot of then on TCM. But this book is too beginner. Add the difficulty to read per font and background choices, and I can barely let my 3.5 slide round up to 4.
Each of the 50 men get 4 pages:
1 full head-shot (excellent).
1 pg Bio (way too brief. Horoscope sign included? Small san-serif light-toned font w/ background design makes text difficult to read).
1 pg Awards, pix, and 5 films chosen w paragraph on each. (Same font/color/background problem)
1 pg "Behind the Scenes" pix and cool gem facts. (Why is 100% text all caps here? Small, san-serif font, solid color background so easier than other sections to read, but all-caps??)
I like the appendix where each actor has EVERY movie (by year) listed under their name.
I love movies, and watch a lot of then on TCM. But this book is too beginner. Add the difficulty to read per font and background choices, and I can barely let my 3.5 slide round up to 4.
January 30, 2025
Turner Classic Movies books can be a hit-or-miss proposition. Some of them are full of great information and are worth reading. Other… well, not so much.
Leading Men fits in the first category. Its strength is that it limits the range of its subject by sticking to the studio era and to "leading men". Had the authors/editors not done so, their selections would have been harder to pare down and probably more controversial. But, with that limitation in place, it is very difficult to argue with their choices.
The book itself is concise, with each actor receiving four pages of treatment. Each section provides biographical information, recommendations of essential movies featuring the actor, general tidbits, and great pictures.
For many fans of classic movies, there may not be many startling revelations, but there were a few surprises. And I view the book as a great addition to my library, just as a reference.
Leading Men fits in the first category. Its strength is that it limits the range of its subject by sticking to the studio era and to "leading men". Had the authors/editors not done so, their selections would have been harder to pare down and probably more controversial. But, with that limitation in place, it is very difficult to argue with their choices.
The book itself is concise, with each actor receiving four pages of treatment. Each section provides biographical information, recommendations of essential movies featuring the actor, general tidbits, and great pictures.
For many fans of classic movies, there may not be many startling revelations, but there were a few surprises. And I view the book as a great addition to my library, just as a reference.
May 4, 2024
Y aunque esta contraparte masculino me gustó un poco menos que la de mujeres, fue igualmente curioso conocer datos interesantes de estas estrellas del viejo Hollywood, y estoy muy contenta de que hayan incluido a Fredric March, quien usualmente es pasado por alto, a pesar de haber sido uno de los más grandes actores de la época dorada de Hollywood.
Mis actores favoritos, fueron incluidos todos excepto George Raft: Fredric March, Paul Newman, James Stewart, Montgomery Clift y Charles Boyer.
5/5
Mis actores favoritos, fueron incluidos todos excepto George Raft: Fredric March, Paul Newman, James Stewart, Montgomery Clift y Charles Boyer.
5/5
August 5, 2024
Leading Men: the 50 most unforgettable actresses of the studio era. This book just gives enough information about each actor and some of their films that you want to read more books. The photographs range from glamorous to movie stills to family shots. It listed what Turner Studios called essentials and behind the scenes. I saw Gone With the Wind the other day. That's why I'm looking into classic movies. I had forgotten how sexy Clark Gable was in that movie. What a man!
January 17, 2020
Leading Men: The 50 Most Unforgettable Actors of the Studio Era is a guide by Turner Classic Movies. It has a foreword by Robert Osborne and an introduction by Molly Haskell. The text is by Frank Miller, as stated on the cover page.
I absolutely adore this book. I've learned so much about my favorite actors because of this book. I've also added so many movies to my never-ending watch list.
I absolutely adore this book. I've learned so much about my favorite actors because of this book. I've also added so many movies to my never-ending watch list.
April 7, 2018
this book is so fun and it gives you star signs. I wish there had been some more in depth details for some though (eg. cary grant’s bisexuality)
October 16, 2018
Marlon Brando
Laurence Olivier
Clark Gable
James Stewart
Humphrey Bogart
Cary Grant
Laurence Olivier
Clark Gable
James Stewart
Humphrey Bogart
Cary Grant
August 15, 2020
Now I have a lengthy lost of movies to watch. I only wish my library had the companion volume of actresses
December 28, 2021
When leading men were dreamboats and had substance.
October 7, 2013
- I love old movies, and I love the old school actors. They had class and charisma that no other era or group of actors will have!
- My favorite quote in the book: "Their attraction was in what they did and were, not how they looked." LOVE THAT!
- It was fun to flip through this book and read about some of my favorite actors. I admit, I didn't read about every guy, but I read most of them.
- After reading, I gained a lot more respect for Cary Grant, James Stuart, and Gregory Peck! They were real gentlemen that did great things!
- Sadly, my respect also faltered for a few. I won't list names.
- I did not know Jimmy Stuart was a Brigadeer General in the Air Force!!!! Wholly huge shocker Batman!! I don't know why he wanted to keep it a secret. That title is something to be proud of!
- One of the best parts of the book was looking at all the pictures! So fun! The one of Charlie Chaplin is crazy! I totally didn't recognize him!
- There is not enough time in the day...or life, to watch all the movies I want to watch! The movies listed in the book just killed me! I wanted to watch all of them at that moment I read about it.
- A couple of my favs is Spencer Tracy, Gene Kelly, Mickey Rooney, and the others I've mentioned above.
- I'm hoping my hubby looks like Spencer Tracy when he is older...I think he will :)
- My favorite quote in the book: "Their attraction was in what they did and were, not how they looked." LOVE THAT!
- It was fun to flip through this book and read about some of my favorite actors. I admit, I didn't read about every guy, but I read most of them.
- After reading, I gained a lot more respect for Cary Grant, James Stuart, and Gregory Peck! They were real gentlemen that did great things!
- Sadly, my respect also faltered for a few. I won't list names.
- I did not know Jimmy Stuart was a Brigadeer General in the Air Force!!!! Wholly huge shocker Batman!! I don't know why he wanted to keep it a secret. That title is something to be proud of!
- One of the best parts of the book was looking at all the pictures! So fun! The one of Charlie Chaplin is crazy! I totally didn't recognize him!
- There is not enough time in the day...or life, to watch all the movies I want to watch! The movies listed in the book just killed me! I wanted to watch all of them at that moment I read about it.
- A couple of my favs is Spencer Tracy, Gene Kelly, Mickey Rooney, and the others I've mentioned above.
- I'm hoping my hubby looks like Spencer Tracy when he is older...I think he will :)
March 29, 2011
Nice resource for classic film fans and those just starting to fall in love with the studio era. Also recommended: Leading Ladies: The 50 Most Unforgettable Actresses of the Studio Era AND Leading Couples
June 12, 2010
A beautiful book featuring multiple pictures and interesting information about some of the greatest actors of the Classical Hollywood films. These leading men are some of the most attractive, interesting, and skilled men to ever appear in cinema. I personally adore the Cary Grant pages as he is my favorite actor.
July 1, 2009
Just a reminder of what Hollywood used to be before it was overrun by young and immature people. I love the format of the book, with photographs, interesting facts, and a short biography. Good for a simple reference on these 50 men, but nothing in depth.
January 19, 2010
A good browse book which gives us brief bios on 50 count-em 50 of the biggest movie stars of the "classic era"(with XY chromosomes)and their most important films. Which will probably point me toward movies I haven't seen but should.
July 28, 2007
Loved revisiting these wonderful actors from times past.
Read
August 17, 2008Interesting info about these actors---random facts I had never heard before. It would be interesting to know how the selection was made. The print was small and pale and difficult for me to read.
January 4, 2016
It gives some interesting information about the actors. It makes me want to read up more on some of them. I like watching old films, so this was a fun read.
May 8, 2015
Easy to read encyclopedia of the actors of the studio system.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews