5 Swoon-Worthy Heartthrobs from Old Hollywood: Flaming Hot…5 Reasons Why Tag

Sometimes it’s tough being a classic movie fan, isn’t it? I don’t know about you, but when I sit down to watch a movie, I’m surrounded by so many great titles it can be overwhelming…in the best possible way.

You know the saying “you can never have too much of a good thing.” And as classic movie fans, there are so. many. good. things.

That leads us to today’s topic, which affords me the privilege to dote on some of the “good things” from the movies – the handsome men from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

I’ve written about My Favorite Leading Men sometime in the past, so I will be using this opportunity to share my admiration for a different group of dashing gents.

Flaming Hot…Five Reasons Why Tag

This amorous Valentine’s themed tag is the brainchild of fellow bloggers Realweedgiemidget Reviews (who tagged me) and Thoughts All Sorts. I wanted to write a similar post for Valentine’s Day but never got it off the ground, so thanks, you two, for the inspiration!

Here are the rules:

1. You must add the name of the blog that tagged you AND those of the Thoughts All Sorts and Realweegiemidget Reviews with links to ALL these sites.. and use the natty cat themed picture promoting this post. This picture is found later in this post… 
2. List 5 of your all-time swoon-worthy characters from TV or Film i.e crushes/objects of your affection. And also do mention the actor or actress who plays them, as you might like James Bond as played by Timothy Dalton and no one else.. etc etc
3. Link (Tag) to 5 other bloggers.
4. Add lovely pictures, gifs or videos of those you selected.
5. If you don’t have a blog (or don’t have time to write a post) join in with your choices on Twitter with this #5TheFlamingHot5ReasonsWhy Tag and tag @realweegiemidge and @Thoughtsallsort  and the person who tagged you in your tweet.
6. Oh…and post these rules.

Let’s begin!

Tyrone Power

1. Do I really need to explain? Tyrone Power was one of the most handsome men to ever grace the silver screen. He had a crystal clear speaking voice, where every word was understood, and he spoke his lines as if he really meant them, that they came from deep inside.
2. That smile – wow.
3. Although he had a nobility about him and a confidence of bearing, he never comes across as arrogant or stuffy. A sincerity always shines through his performances.
4. He could play any genre, any role. He even played Zorro – one of the coolest heroes and swashbucklers of all time.
5. I dare you not to swoon during his romantic scenes. Underneath Power’s tenderness lies a fervent passion for his love interest. The stuff dating and marriage templates are made of.

Ricardo Montalban

1. If you were to look up charm in the dictionary I’m pretty sure there would be a picture of Mexican actor Ricardo Montalban staring back at you.
2. He had it all, didn’t he? Elegance, masculinity, and the accent.
3. Montalban was a fabulous dancer. Any girl would feel like a queen dancing in his arms.
4. He started Nosotros, a foundation providing better opportunities for Latinos, because he did not approve of how they were being portrayed in Hollywood. The man had backbone.
5. He had integrity and a zest for life. A very attractive combination if you ask me!

Gary Cooper

1. There’s something inherently endearing about the mild mannered innocence and naivety of Coop. Watching his gentle nature being swept up in the powerful forces of love is hard to describe. But when a guarded temperament like his fall in love, they fall hard and deep into the object of their affection. It’s the real deal for them. Think of him being seduced by Barbara Stanwyck in Ball of Fire.
2. The man was born to wear a hat.
3. There was magic in his eyes. No words needed, they spoke volumes.
4. His heroic image projects a protective, loyal nature.
5. According to his friends, he seemed like the sweetest, nicest guy you’d ever want to meet.

Gordon MacRae

1. First things first…Have you heard him sing? I admit it’s hard for me to buy him as a tough guy in Carousel, but when he starts singing “If I Loved You” and “Soliloquy,” he’s as perfect as can be. His acting during these notoriously musically difficult songs is magnificent. He brings you right into his character’s shoes in an emotionally intimate way. MacRae’s velvety baritone voice harbors authentic intensity that is tempered with a serene gentle quality. In short, it’s gloriously gorgeous. I can’t listen to him without getting goosebumps.
2. It’s hard to resist his boyish charm.
3. Again, that smile.
4. He had a benevolent nature. Later in life, MacRae succumbed to the bottle but conquered it and helped others overcome their struggle as well.
5. Warmth and genuineness come through when he’s on screen. Just watch him in Oklahoma! and you’ll see what I mean.

Gilbert Roland

1. This handsome gentleman had a career that spanned seven decades, beginning in the 1920’s and ending in the 1980’s. He survived the transition from silent to sound and from leading man to character actor. Versatility was his mojo.
2. As one of Hollywood’s original “Latin lovers” Roland projected virility, danger, and a lust for life.
3. Charisma. He had it in spades.
4. Time was kind to him. Along with versatility, he had longevity and was able to maintain his youthful appearance and physique well into his later years.
5. In real life, Roland was good friends with Buster Keaton and was a sentimental man who sought out the beauty in life. He said this upon returning to visit his hometown: “You go everywhere, do everything, still there are some places you can’t forget. The people and the land. If you forget the beauty of your youth, you are no more than an animal.” A sense of humor combined with an appreciation of life, I’d call that a jackpot!

So there you have it! 5 men from the Golden Age who with their charm, appeal, and dashing good looks continue to dazzle those who are lucky enough to discover them.

And now I nominate these 5 lovely bloggers for this air conditioning required Flaming Hot Tag…

1. Movies Meet Their Match
2. Hamlette’s Soliloquy
3. Totalleemac
4. The Classic Film Connection
5. The Wonderful World of Cinema…and anyone else who wants to join in!

Now it’s over to you, what screen idol makes your heart skip a beat?