Movies during the 1940s played an important role in distracting audiences from the Second World War, or at least presenting an uplifting view of events. Here are 10 famous 1940s movie stars:
- Humphrey Bogart
was one of the best-known film stars of the 1940s, appearing in iconic films such as “The Maltese Falcon” (1941) and “Casablanca’ (1942).
- Cary Grant
was one of the great leading actors of the 1940s, starring in movies like “Notorious” (1946) and “His Girl Friday” (1940).
- John Wayne
was an iconic Western actor who appeared in 1940s classics such as “Reap the Wild Wind” (1942) and “Red River” (1948).
- Ingrid Bergman
appeared in the iconic film, “Casablanca”, opposite Humphrey Bogart. She also starred in “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (1943) at the specific behest of Ernest Hemingway.
- Katharine Hepburn
was a much-loved Hollywood actress at the peak of her powers in the 1940s. She starred in movies like “The Philadelphia Story” (1940) and “Woman of the Year” (1942).
- Clark Gable
is best known for his role in the 1939 film, “Gone with the Wind”, but his success continued throughout the 1940s in movies like “Strange Cargo” (1940) and “Homecoming” (1948).
- James Stewart
was a popular actor who mostly played everyday characters in relatable situations. Among his 1940s films were “The Philadelphia Story” (1940) and “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946).
- Judy Garland
was one of Hollywood’s most adored actresses and starred in 1940s movies like “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944) and “The Clock” (1945).
- Ava Gardner
appeared in numerous movies throughout the 1940s and beyond. She played opposite Burt Lancaster in “The Killers” (1947) as the sultry Kitty Collins.
started off in silent movies and was a fully-fledged star by the 1940s, starring in movies like “Mildred Pierce” (1945) and “Possessed” (1947).