Of the 1940's: your favourite musicians, writers, actors/movies, artists, other icons, symbols, etc. & WHY?

Question

Please give at least one good reason why :>

The whole purpose here is to see good recommendations to further pursue. If there is just a name or title and no explanation, the suggestion will not mean very much at all.

I'd give an example myself, but I don't know very much about the entertainment & artistry of the 1940's! :<

I am eagerly anticipating your suggestions. I'll also be asking this question for the other decades of the 20's-50's. Please check for those questions if you are interested.

Thank you!

Answer 1

I loved that era, the fashions were so classy, American were in love with America, the pin-up girls were pretty and sexy without looking slutty, the big band era was in full swing, and I loved that music to. I was born much later, but I always felt I was born in the wrong time. good luck in your search, may you find that patriotic love for a country in your lifetime

Answer 2

Actresses:

1. Myrna Loy - While she didn't start out in the 40's and while I believe her peak time was in the mid-to-late 30's, most all of her movies from the mid-30's on are worth watching. Especially any movie where she teamed up with William Powell. They made a charming couple and had wonderful chemistry on camera. She had style and grace, yet could make you burst out laughing.
A list of some of my favorite 1940's Myrna Loy movies (not including any "Thin Man" titles):
"I Love You Again" (1940), "Love Crazy" (1941), "Mr. Blanding's Builds His Dream House" (1948).

2. Katharine Hepburn - Regardless of the decade, Hepburn is always one of the best actresses, hands down. Her screwball comedy makes you laugh so hard you get a cramp in your side and her dramatic acting makes you feel.
Some of her 40's movies that you cannot go wrong with: "The Philadelphia Story" (1940) (Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart AND Cary Grant!), "Woman of the Year," "Keeper of the Flame" (1942), "Without Love" (1945), "Undercurrent" (1946), and "Adam's Rib" (1949).

3. Ingrid Bergman - Always provides you with a strong performance. Some of the better picks are "Gaslight" (1944), "Casablanca" (1942), "The Bell's of St. Mary's" (1945), and "Notorious" (1946).

4. Barbara Stanwyck - Unfortunately, I haven't seen a great deal of Stanwyck's 1940's performances, but there are a few that I HAVE seen that stand out. For me, Stanwyck is one of those actresses that can completely captivate me. Her acting seems so effortless and so full of life.
"Christmas in Connecticut" (1945) (Perfect for this time of year!), "Sorry, Wrong Number" (1948). There are a couple more that I have seen, but I have completely spaced the titles.

Actors:

1. Cary Grant - Like Katharine Hepburn, Grant's movies from any decade are a delight. Some of his 40's highlights include:
"His Girl Friday" (1940), "My Favorite Wife" (1940), "Penny Serenade" (1941), "Suspicion" (1941), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944)

2. Spencer Tracy - While Spencer Tracy is no where near as easy on the eyes as Cary Grant and while his movies usually don't get you the same light-hearted feelings that Grant's do, Spencer Tracy's movies are a treat in and of themselves. Tracy's work usually had a bit more substance to it.
"Edison, the Man" (1940) and "Edward, My Son" (1949)

Other notable 1940's movies:
1. "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) - Favorite Christmas movie hands down.

2. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947) - Another good Christmas movie.

3. "Dark Passage" (1947) - A great movie that teams Bogie and Bacall.

4. "The Shop Around the Corner" (1940) - "You've Got Mail" is the remake of this classic.

5. The Andy Hardy movies are always enjoyable to watch and you get to see lots of young talent; Judy Garland, Lana Turner, Donna Reed, etc.

6. "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945) - An EXCELLENT film featuring the beautiful Gene Tierney

7. "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" - A love story of sorts between a ghost and a woman. Also featuring Gene Tierney

There are so many more to list, but it's early. ;)

Answer 3

1942 brought along Casablanca one of the best films ever...also in the 40's bugs bunny makes his debut and lets not forget WW2 was going on with Hitler and the Jews