Top 5: Louis Jourdan

Monsieur Jourdan - a very suave, debonair, continental romantic actor whose fame came into being in the 50's, and he's still with us at age 90. I have to say unlike what he's known for being - the French lover type or as he called himself  "the French cliche" he was very much under-appreciated as an actor and didn't have much of chance to branch out until he played a Bond villian. 

*Might contain spoilers*

1. The Paradine Case (1947)

To some it's Hitchcock worst or one of the worst, to me it's underrated. Louis plays the servant Latour whose entangled in Alida Valli's web of deceit. It was his American debut and I think he did a great job. He hoped that it would give him the star status he had in France but since the film didn't do very well, that didn't happen unfortunately.

2. Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948)

One of the most beautiful, cinematic stories of unrequited love and love returned. Louis's portrayal of a pianist who has no recollection of the woman who loved him and bore his child (until he reads her letter) should have cemented his place but again it didn't. Good thing though that this film has gained a solid reputation because it's a masterpiece.

3. The Swan (1956)

Louis plays a tutor to the brothers of Princess Alexandra with whom he's in love with. Louis is dashing as usual and says one of the best lines in the whole film that could melt any female - "I'm thirsty for your lips". To be honest he was more eye candy here and wasn't really allowed to express all that he's capable of but it's still a lovely film to look at and I love the storyline.

4. Gigi (1958)

One of the best musical films of the 50's that has not one but two French stars - Chevalier and Jourdan. Here he unfortunately solidifies the "French cliche" he hated being but his performance as a brotherly type to Caron, the kind that turns to feelings of love is perfect. He also has a nice little singing voice and expresses how he feels very well through song.

5. Count Dracula (1977)

In this BBC miniseries Louis portrays the most famous vampire of all time - Dracula. Not only is he the sexiest vampire (it had to be said) , he also gives it that more European flair that no other actor except for Bela Lugosi have given the character before. Much better than the other Dracula of the 70's - Frank Langella (who is not hot at all no matter how much acclaim he got for this role). If you haven't seen Louis as a vampire, you really, really need to.