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| Where does he rank in the Top 10? |
But before doing that, I want to highlight two important statistics. First, the star that received the most votes appeared on 56% of the ballots. That shows how dispersed the votes were among all the stars on the ballot. Second, the top five stars were significantly more popular than all the rest. In other words, the number of votes separating #5 from #6 was substantial. However, the number of votes separating #6 from #10 was just a handful.
Polls like this are, by nature, a popularity contest. However, one could make a pretty convincing argument that most of these performers are indeed the Greatest Stars of the 1940s.
9. (tie) Ann Sheridan and Gary Cooper.
8. Judy Garland.
7. Katharine Hepburn.
6. Clark Gable.
5. James Stewart.
4. Barbara Stanwyck.
3. Bette Davis.
2. Humphrey Bogart.
And, at #1, it's Cary Grant!
By the way, if you missed the post on the rest of the Top 25, click here.
No Dana Andrews or Tyrone Power, can't be, they made some of the greatest 40s films.
ReplyDeleteTyrone came in at #21 and Dana didn't crack the Top 25. I also thought the former would place much higher.
DeleteI'm bit surprised by Ann Sheridan appearing in the top ten.
ReplyDeleteI suspect the Ann Sheridan Fan Club was partially responsible. It's always good for a star to have passionate fans!
DeleteI wouldn't argue with the Top 5 at all. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteI think the results are pretty impressive. Like emeraldcity, I too think Ann Sheridan ranked higher than she should have. But I was delighted to see Cary Grant in the number one position where I think he should be.
ReplyDeleteConsidering that Stewart and Gable spent a good chunk of the decade serving with USAAC in Europe, their enduring popularity with movie-goers is impressive.
ReplyDeleteShocked Jimmy Cagney isn't in Top 10!!!
ReplyDeleteI know she spanned 6 decades on film but I'm surprised Joan Crawford is missing in action entirely, some of her best movies were in the 40's.
ReplyDeleteI'm another one surprised by Ann Sheridan at #10, but if she has a loyal fan base, then good on her!
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