Top Ten Tuesday: Movie Screen Leading Men

Thank you to the folks at The Broke and the Bookish for hosting this fun Top Ten Tuesday meme each week! Many other bloggers’ picks on today’s theme can be seen here.

This week’s theme is a Valentine-related freebie, so instead of drawing from books, I’m going to share some of my favorite romantic leads from movies. This was such a fun project because I guess I’m a romantic at heart, and these guys (and their gals) have given me much enjoyment as I watched their stories over and over again.

Many of these are from the 60s, and I don’t know why. Maybe they just don’t make them like this anymore. You’ll also notice that some are Rogers & Hammerstein musicals. It may not be realistic to burst into song at the drop of a hat, but the musician in me loves that part. Also, all have happy endings – with the exception of two, that is.

So, in no particular order, here are some leading men who have captured my heart over the years. Have you seen any of these movies? And who are some of your personal favorite leading guys from the big screen?

Christopher Plummer / Captain Von Trapp

The Sound of Music, 1965

I’d hate to pick a favorite from this list, but if I had to, it would probably be Captain Von Trapp. Just a beautiful story in every way.

Jonathan Crombie (1966-2015) / Gilbert Blythe

Anne of Green Gables, 1985

“The first time we met was in the Anne of Green Gables production office for a preliminary read-through of the script. I was 17. I think Johnny was 18. I remember thinking he was so sweet and non-threatening in the best way. Because we were all nervous, and he put you at ease. He had a wonderful sense of humor, so we laughed a lot.” – Megan Follows

Yves Montand (1921-1991) / Paul Robaix

My Geisha, 1962

My Geisha is a movie that most of you have probably never even heard of. But it is a fantastic romance built around the filming of a movie adaptation of Madame Butterfly – and Shirley MacLaine costars. Did I mention that it’s a wonderful romance?!

Harve Presnell (1933-2009) / “Leadville” Johnny Brown

The Unsinkable Molly Brown, 1964

Love this musical adaptation of the real-life Molly Brown (played by Debbie Reynolds), a Titanic survivor, and Johnny who awaited her back in Denver, Colorado.

Andrew McCarthy

Come Dance with Me, 2012

Straight from the Heart, 2003

I just can’t get enough of Andrew McCarthy in these two Hallmark movies. Those blue eyes! He’s the type of leading man that gets to me.

William Holden (1918-1981) / Hal Carter

Picnic, 1955

Picnic is considered pretty racy for its time. I love the way it looks back on an era (the 1950s) when drifters hopped boxcars, marriage was the most important goal for a girl, and people wore ties, sports coats, and full-skirted dresses to picnics.

 

Patrick Swayze (1952-2009) / Johnny Castle

Dirty Dancing, 1987
Simply timeless.

Michael Douglas / Ed Leland

Shining Through, 1992

Suspense and World War II stories aren’t high on my list, so I don’t know why I ever watched Shining Through. So glad I did, though! When he rescues Melanie Griffeth from the Nazis at the end . . .

Robert Preston (1918-1997) / Harold Hill

The Music Man, 1962
76 Trombones…Lida Rose…Goodnight My Someone…Till There Was You…What could be more delightful?!

Gary Sinese / Terry McQuinn

Fallen Angel, 2003
Can’t help but be drawn to Gary’s character is this outstanding Hallmark movie.

Richard Chamberlain / Ralph de Bricassart

The Thorn Birds, 1983

Franco Nero / Lancelot

Camelot, 1967

These two leading men did not get their happily-ever-after endings, but I was drawn to their stories in spite of that. Franco Nero and Vanessa Redgrave from Camelot actually married in 2006. And as good as The Thorn Birds was, the book by Colleen McCullough was even better.

Pat Boone / David Wilkerson

The Cross and the Switchblade, 1970

This movie isn’t a romance, so why on earth have I included it? Well, Pat Boone was a very popular singer and teen heartthrob in his day, and this is a powerful movie. It’s the real-life story of David Wilkerson, who founded a ministry to New York’s street gangs called the Teen Challenge Center. Nicky Cruz, a tough Puerto Rican gang leader (played by Eric Estrada), was converted and went on to serve with Wilkerson and later started his own outreach ministry in California.