The Pink Flamingo’s 68th Edition
Thursday Thirteen
Thirteen Reasons Cary Grant Is My Favorite Movie Star

He was suave, debonair, handsome, self-deprecating, had the sexiest way of talking, and once called my sister a “lovely young thing.”  He never played a villain.  He was a very big baseball fan, a naturalized American and a Republican.  And, most importantly, during the 1930’s while making movies and traveling throughout Europe he spied on Nazi Germany for the British Secret Service.  

“…A reporter in search of information wired Grant's agent: "HOW OLD CARY GRANT?" Grant happened to read the message himself, and wired back "OLD CARY GRANT FINE. HOW YOU?"…”

And he once said, “I think making love is the best form of exercise.”

1. Ian Fleming modeled the James Bond character partially with Grant in mind. Ian Fleming stated that he partially had Cary Grant in mind when he created his suave super-spy, James Bond. Sean Connery was selected for the first James Bond movie because of his likeness to Grant. Likewise, the later Bond, Roger Moore, was also selected for sharing Grant's wry sense of humor.

2. He gave his entire fee for The Philadelphia Story (1940) to the British war effort

3. Was a great fan of Elvis Presley, and attended his Las Vegas shows.

4. Turned down the role of James Bond in Dr. No (1962), believing himself to be too old at 58 to play the character.

5. The late Christopher Reeve said that he based his portrayal of Clark Kent in the Superman films on Grant in the early part of his career.

6. Often spoke of his relationship with Sophia Loren as one of the most passionate romances in his life. Initally accepted his role in Houseboat (1958) because he was dating Sophia Loren, whom he was madly in love with. After she went and married someone else, Cary, heartbroken, wanted to back out. He couldn't, but the director made sure the production was a smooth one.

7. Premiere Magazine ranked him as the #1 Movie Star of All Time in their "Stars in Our Constellation" feature (2005).

8. Maintained a year-round suntan to avoid wearing make up.

9. Introduced First Lady Betty Ford at the Republican National Convention in 1976.  Was a close friend and supporter of Ronald Reagan.

10. His favorite after-shave was Aqua DePalma.

11. He always wore a gold chain around his neck with three charms attached. The three charms represented the religions of each of his former wives: a St. Christopher for Virginia Cherrill (Roman Catholic), a small cross for Barbara Hutton and Betsy Drake (Protestants), and a Star of David for Dyan Cannon (Jewish. (Donaldson)

12. Hated his performance in Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), saying it was way too over the top and that it was his least favorite film. Donated his entire salary for Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) ($100,000) to the U.S. War Relief Fund.

13. In later years he always said the character he played in Father Goose (1964) came closest to his real self.  (My favorite Cary Grant roll)

1.  The 1st Choice to be James Bond!


2.  Risqué shower scene


3.  The Bachelor & the Bobby-Soxer
The teenager is Shirley Temple


4.  My Mother’s favorite movie!


5.  Tony Curtis tribute


6. My Favorite Wife


7.  Funniest Movie Ever


8.  When movies had dialogue….


9.  Father Goose
Character most like Grant’s real persona


10.  And Affair to Remember  (caution:  tear jerker – I never watch this one, it is too blubbery)


11. Arsenic and Old Lace (comedy at its best)
Grant hated this one.


12.  To Catch a Thief – Grace Kelly’s entrance is about 2:44 minutes into the movie – in one of the most beautiful gowns to ever be seen on screen.


13.  One of the most famous scenes in all of movies

Dime con quien andas y te digo quien eres.

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