So who were they?  These handsome leading men? Were they lovers or fighters? Well they were a bit of both really. Here are some questions for you. See if you can match these stars with the type of characters they played.

1:  He was generally cast as an English gentleman. Handsome,debonaire and charming at all times. He even made a some westerns and quite a few war films in the 1940s.  Oh and he was actually born in Australia. A real adventure hero and swashbuckler.  Dark hair and twinkling eyes with athletic physique.

2:  He was public enemy number one. The most feared film gangster of the 1930s. A real tough guy and one that no-one wanted to mess with. Even though he was short in stature he could pack quite a punch. He was also a brilliant dancer and made a couple of musicals.

3: Equally talented in both drama and comedy this star was suave and sophisticated to boot. He was impeccably dressed at all times and could make women swoon just by smiling at them. A smooth operator with class. Probably one of his classiest roles was as a thief stealing from the upper classes of Monaco. His co star  in this film was Grace Kelly.

4: This leading man was the king of the silver screen and was adored by both male and female movie fans. On the screen he was the essence of masculinity. He was the rough on the edges but had an endearing little boy quality which made women want to mother him. Still he was also the strong and dependable type. Every woman’s hero.

5: He made a series of detective movies,  ‘The Thin Man’ , which were incredibly popular. His character, a detective who was friend to criminals and law enforcers alike, was aided by a beautiful wife and a very smart little dog. Quite a charmer with a quick sense of humour and the fine tastes of a well groomed gentleman.

6: Originally from Canada leading man virtually started at the top as soon as he reached Hollywood. His most famous role was alongside Bela Lugosi in ‘Dracula’. However he became bored with Hollywood and quit whilst still in his prime.

7:  Very well known for gritty roles in  the Film noir  genre and was even the lead in an earlier version of ‘The Great Gatsby’. His most famous role,however, was in a western.

8: Dark, handsome and  brooding this star was one of the most romantic of leading men. Usually cast in films based on classic novels.  He looked incredible in period costumes. He was famous also for roles which required much soul searching.

9: This good looking all rounder with a bright personality and positive outlook was everyone’s best friend and confidante. He was equally adept at serious roles as the loyal knight  in shining armour  or even as a reformed gangster trying to straighten out the bad guys.

!0: Probably the deepest of them all this leading man was more of the anti hero. If anything he was often representative of everyman in everyman situations. Quietly working out a clever strategy for getting things sorted. Whether playing the family man protecting the home or a businessman trying to outsmart the competition this was someone audiences could relate to.

11: Another very famous gangster.   Also regarded as one of the worlds finest actors. His film noir’s are classics as is the persona he created. He made four of them with his wife who was one of the greatest femme fatales in Hollywood.

12: Often played characters overwhelmed with the dilemmas of every day life. Always a loveable character with a boyish charm and high moral standards.  The good guy who takes a stand to protect those less fortunate. Famous too for his very distinctive voice and a sort of stammer when in the middle of a very emotive scene.

Have fun.

Renee Dallow ( Hybiscus Bloom ) 30/5/2013