Massive Movie Crushes From A-Z: Swooning Through The Alphabet #3

As you may have read, I have developed so many massive movie star crushes over the years that I have had to catalog them alphabetically (click here for A-F and G-M). Bringing up the rear alphabetically, but not in my heart, I bring you my crushes N-W (still waiting for those X, Y and Z heartthrobs!).

N O P - I Could Go On All Day
Jack Nicholson

Oh Jack - you are such a rogue, but I confess I love the rogues the most. Jack has that old-time Hollywood charisma that still twinkles, even now. Loved him most in "Reds" where he broke my heart as Eugene O'Neill. I know he's a bad boy, but I'd never expect him to be anything but!

Paul Newman

What's not to love here? One of the handsomest and most decent guys ever to grace the screen. He was hot in "Sweet Bird of Youth" and "The Hustler," but it was "The Sting" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" that sealed the deal for me. A class act, but this was a respectful crush, as I knew his heart belonged to Joanne Woodward.

Laurence Olivier

A major crush - a real love affair. In "Wuthering Heights" he literally stole my heart, and I followed slavishly thereafter all things Larry -  so much so that I started reading Shakespeare! My love for him was positively poetic and his Maxim De Winter was only second by a nose to Heathcliff, that mope of the Moors. I found him dreamy in everything, even when he was not trying to be. He and Viv - what a pair. Why can't life cooperate with dreams?

Peter O'Toole

Another massive crush. Come one now - he was just beautiful in his youth. True, he grew a little ragged and rough around the edges, but that vibrant spirit still shines through. I'd follow him through the sands of the desert as "Lawrence of Arabia," but would prefer to be trapped in a Parisian museum closet with him in "How to Steal a Million." I love him still and admire him extravagantly!

Gregory Peck

Finally - a crush that I could share with the rest of the world. Everyone was mad for Gregory Peck! Drop dead handsome and just quirky and charming enough to be more intriguing than the run of the mill handsome leading man piece of furniture. He had me "Spellbound" and was just so damn wonderful in "To Kill a Mockingbird," but it was "Roman Holiday" that sent me swooning. Hey - notice how Audrey Hepburn got all the good ones?

Robert Preston

I don't know....maybe it was that fine head of hair, but I was always a sucker for boatloads of charisma, and this guy had plenty to spare. I would never have kept him waiting at the footbridge, that's for sure! He was a true manly man, virile to the max  (and that little sparkle in his eye didn't hurt, either). A minor crush, but one I throughly enjoyed while it lasted.

R S T - Alphabetically Speaking, You're Okay


Gilbert Roland

No matter what, no matter how many crushes come and go, I still think Gilbert Roland was one of the handsomest and sexiest men in film. Maybe not the greatest actor or the biggest star, but ay caramba, what a hot Latin lover! From silents with Clara Bow all the way to Gaucho in "The Bad and the Beautiful," Amigo never disappoints me. Grade "A" swoon-worthy forever and always!

James Stewart

Aw shucks, Jimmy is actually pretty sexy, isn't he? From "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," to "The Philadelphia Story," and the wonderful Hitchcock collaborations, he was the perfect uncomplicated American man who just happened to have more of a way with the ladies than you'd think. And he looked like he was a good kisser, too.

Kevin Spacey

A fairly recent crush(can you believe it?). I know what they say, but Kevin does it for me! He was quite sexy in "L.A. Confidential" and "Midnight in the Garden on Good and Evil," but the real kicker was a current crush playing another crush (Bobby Darin in "Beyond the Sea."). His choice of roles don't usually accentuate the sexiness, but that makes me like him even better. What can I say?

Spencer Tracy

A very short-lived crush, as I found him to be a bit cruel (I don't really know why). But he was just a too cute with Katharine Hepburn and I think the obvious love and admiration for her just warmed my heart. Okay, Spence, you still get a thumbs up from me.

V - Means You're Very Sweet

Rudolph Valentino

Rudy, it took me a while to appreciate your charms, but I guess that's because I had to go from girl to woman to fully appreciate you. So smoldering, so smoking,  so hot and steamy; I need one of those paper fans to cool my rising temperature! Could he act? Who cares. He was a god of the silent screen and I bow to him. Long live Valentino!

W (and XYZ)

John Wayne

Didn't expect to see him here, did you? Me either! But, count me among those who have fallen under the spell of the Duke. He sure was a handsome monument, wasn't he? Star power, ruggedly handsome and a real icon - who could say no? Not a deep love, but he always made me weak in the knees (and I miss him so much). The world seems a little poorer without him.

It's Fun to Wander Through The Alphabet With You and Tell You What You Mean to Me!

Whew! I must rest now. All of this romance has given me the vapors!

Excuse me while I slip into something more comfortable

Well, those are my crushes. Did I miss any of your favorites, ladies?

Massive Movie Crushes From A-Z: Swooning Through The Alphabet - Part 2

So many crushes, so little time. A while ago I revealed my heart's desires A-F. Most sparks were lit in front of a television, watching a black and white (sometimes color) movie and then dreaming about how it would feel to be Mrs A-Z.  Since space and my attention span is limited, I will attempt to conjure up more of my massive movie crushes - G-M today. Swooners, start your engines, please!

(you look good to me)

Cary Grant

The Blue Ribbon Winner, my Number 1 Crush of all time. For me, he is the perfect man. It started in a movie theater, not on TV. The film was "Charade." And while I was equally bewitched by Audrey Hepburn, I fell there and forever under the magic spell of Cary Grant. It was a short hop to "The Philadelphia Story," "Bringing up Baby," "The Awful Truth," "North By Northwest," "Notorious," and on and on and on. I may have strayed from time to time (see below), but I always came home in the end to Cary. As the song says, "What's the use of trying not to fall? I have no will. You made your kill, 'cause you took advantage of me." And how!

John Garfield

This was one sexy man. The misunderstood bad boy of "The Postman always Rings Twice" and "They Made Me a Criminal," admittedly stirred some baser emotions. He made pretty good love to Joan Crawford in "Humoresque," too. Garfield was tough, but tender. He just needed an understanding woman. Not a big affair, but a very torrid one.

James Garner

A movie crush that morphed into a TV crush. I fervently admired Jimbo in his 2 Doris Day movies, "The Thrill of it All" and "Move Over, Darling," all the while day-dream-dallying with him over such trifles as "The Wheeler Dealers," "The Americanization of Emily," and "The Art of Love." He sort of disappeared for a while from my heart, but a little show called "The Rockford Files" hit the small screen and we picked up where we left off. A real friend with benefits. So much so that many years later my heart still skipped at beat watching him in "Murphy's Romance." I may have invited him over for the night.

Clark Gable

I had to jump on this bandwagon, didn't I? I mean, after all, he was "The King," long before Elvis. And what red-blooded woman could resist that charm, those dimples, that smile? I liked him best pre-and in "Gone With the Wind." I lost a little longing as he aged, but confess that he melted and then broke my heart in "The Misfits." So much had changed in the world from Harlow to Monroe, but The King still had it what it takes and then showed them all how it is done.

(you're so heavenly)

William Holden

Sigh. What is not to love about Bill Holden (we're close, so I can call him Bill)? Such a great actor ("Sunset Boulevard," "Stalag 17,"), but his wit, charisma and downright sexiness in "Sabrina," "Born Yesterday," and "Picnic" really sealed the deal. Since he was a bit of a charmer and since I am fairly fickle, we eventually moved on, but I always retained deep affection and respect for this particular dreamboat. He is just such a decent guy! And look at that smile.

(we're like Jack and Jill)

Louis Jourdan

Oh, Gaston! "Gigi" made me swoon, and the adoration continued through "Letter From an Unknown Woman" and "Madame Bovary." Not as lighthearted as Chevalier, but much more handsome. A tasty French dish, but mainly a desert (an exquisite one, I might add).

(you're so kissable)

Buster Keaton

Buster was beautiful! Physically, he was extremely handsome in is youth. There was a soulfulness about him (as well as a pretty fine athletic form), that just captivated me. Of course, the genius factor is always an aphrodisiac, too! I loved Buster from day 1 (even in "Beach Blanket Bingo" and "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini"), continue to love him and always hook up every chance I get (but, please, don't tell Cary).

Gene Kelly

What can I say? I'm only human. Look at him! I admit this one is purely physical, but I ask you: is that wrong? "Singing in the Rain" - Genius! "An American in Paris" - more genius, but the one that really made me grab the smelling salts was "The Pirate." Gene Kelly was made for Technicolor (nice to have those kind of dreams in living color) and was just so all-man - how could I resist? I'm sure he barely remembers me, but I sure remember him!

( is the lovelight in you eyes)

John Lennon

Okay - a music star - but he was in "A Hard Day's Night," and "Help." Lots of those movie mag pictures of John taped to my wall. He was my Bad Boy Beatle crush and I adored him from beginning to a much to early end. Beatles forever!

( I could go on all day)

Robert Mitchum

Sexy, sexy, sexy. Not one to settle down with, but if I was in the mood for a boat ride up an exotic river or a little smoky after hours noir passion, this was my go-to guy. He kept making those westerns and war movies, so I had to step aside, but give me "Holiday Affair," or "His Kind of Woman, or, best of all, "Out of the Past," and I am ready, willing and available!

Joel McCrea

One thing I could never understand: why doesn't everyone have a crush on Joel McCrea? He was so handsome, so decent, so almost like the boy next door (but better). I admit he is a bit forgettable (probably because he was such a modest guy), but every time I see him I am reminded of my crush (which is kind of nice because it's like falling in love all over again).

Marcello Mastroianni
Ah, Marcello, my favorite Italian. Is it because you are so sexy, so handsome, so continental? Is it because nobody smokes a cigarette like you? Is it because you could charm the birds from the trees? Is it the accent? Is it the eyes? Is it all of the above? YES!

This has been quite draining. I must now take to my fainting couch and rest up a bit before I tackle crushes N-W.

Massive Movie Crushes From A-Z: Swooning Through The Alphabet

Ever since I figured out that men were cuter than horses (though I admit I waiver back and forth on that one from time to time), I have lived through many massive crushes on movie stars. Once in a while a TV star would creep in, but he had to be movie-worthy in order to make the cut. I devoured the teen movie publications. Every week a new magazine! New stories and photos to pour over!

Being a classic film nut, many of my crushes came from watching a Saturday or Sunday afternoon movie and then racing to the library on Monday to find out as much as possible about my latest heart throb (Mom thought I was doing homework. Sorry, Mom).

Eventually, I had so many crushes that I started to keep them mentally filed in alphabetical order. And yes - I still get crushes.

I've been a fickle girl, so this is going to take a while. I will have to break this little love-fest into a few installments (with a few letters omitted - no E, I, Q,U,X, Y, Z - yet). Today's post will examine crushes A-F.

(You're Adorable)


Brian Aherne

A minor crush. First swoon occurred viewing him as the tragic Emperor Maximilian in "Juarez." Enjoyed him in a few others, but this was a very short-lived crush. After the first rush, the thrill was gone.

Dana Andrews

"Laura" was the first swoon, followed by "My Foolish Heart." Very handsome in a lock-jawed kind of way. A passing crush, but I always retained my affection for him. More like a friend with benefits.

(You're so beautiful)

John Barrymore

A fairly large crush. The flair, the dash, the profile! "Dinner at Eight" caused a stir in my heart, as did "Twentieth Century," but once I saw him in his youthful glory in such silents as "Don Juan" and "The Beloved Rogue," he earned a permanent place in my box of crushes.




Bill Bixby

Okay, I confess this was because of "My Favorite Martian," but he was in 2 Elvis films: "Clambake" and "Speedway." Another crush that was fleeting, but passionate nonetheless.

(You're a Cutie Full of Charm and a very busy letter)


James Cagney

A Mad Massive Crush of off-the-charts magnitude. It was Saturday, I was 14, I was alone and I watched "The Public Enemy." After that I watched "Angels With Dirty Faces." A poster in my room of Cagney as Rocky Sullivan and a shelf full of movie books quickly followed. I had moved from magazines and started hording my allowance for hard-cover books about classic Hollywood. True, deep, enduring love. Still.

Charlie Chaplin

If I had to rank them (in addition to alphabetizing them), Charlie would be #2. Starting with the Kevin Brownlow/David Gill documentary on PBS, Charlie was not only my gateway to his own wonderful films, but to silent films in general. I am eternally bewitched and ever so bothered.

Maurice Chevalier

So charming, so French, so oo-la-la. Maurice made me swoon in "Love Me Tonight," and remained my favorite Frenchman and older gentleman (ah, "Gigi"). Although the affair was brief, we always had Paris.

Bing Crosby

Yes, the voice helped, but it really was those eyes and his effortless demeanor. He was romantic and funny (especially with Bob Hope). Another fling, but the tune lingered.

Ronald Colman

Yet another brief affair who lured me with a voice, an accent and a mustache. It didn't last long, but he was a very classy crush.

Tony Curtis

A swift affair due to "The Great Race," but I always contend he was a grand fellow. In retrospect, I kind of wish this one had lasted a bit longer.

(You're delectable)

Bobby Darin

So cool, so swinging, so elegant, so charming, so cute, so married to Sandra Dee. A very mad crush whose embers have not cooled over the decades. Oh Bobby, I miss you like crazy!

Kirk Douglas

A mild crush - based largely on an overdose of "Spartacus." We still retain "friends" status and I am always happy to come across him at any time (especially in "Letter to Three Wives" and "The Bad and the Beautiful.")

Robert Downey, Jr.

A current crush, and is one of my 2 crushes who plays another of my crushes on film ("Chaplin"). I am so smitten! He is one of the few stars whose movies I will see just because he's in it.

(You're a feather in my arms)



Albert Finney

Another Brit who got under my skin. I first saw him in "Two For the Road," and that was it for me. What a doll (but I confess I was just too jealous of Audrey Hepburn - not only did she get a great wardrobe in that film, she got to have an off-screen affair with Albert Finney! The woman got everything!). A short-lived affair, but I am always happy to see Albie in anything, even now. I generally stay friends with all of my "affairs." ♥

Coming Next:  Movie Crushes G-M

Whoops! Get back in my subconscious!