In 1999, the American Film Institute declared a list of the leading 50 stars of American Movies. While these actors and actresses are tremendous and legendary, many may suppose that the stars of now have eclipsed their talent. All the same, these stars from Hollywood’s golden age will not ever be forgotten.

The number one player on the inventory was Humphrey Bogart. “Bogie” as he was appropriately nicknamed starred in 75 films from the 1930’s to the 1950’s. One of the most significant is “Casablanca” from 1941. He was born in New York City on Christmas day, December 25, 1899. He passed away from cancer of the esophagus on January 14, 1957.

Coming in at the number 2 spot is Cary Grant. Born Archibald Alexander Leach on January 18, 1904 and passed away on November 29, 1986. The number 3 spot on the register goes to Jimmy Stewart, who is still seen every year at Christmas for the much-loved classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”.

In the number 4 spot is Marlon Brando, Jr. He was born on April 3, 1924 and he passed away on July 1, 2004. The famed dancer, Fred Astaire, born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10, 1899 and passed on on June 22, 1987, is at the number 5 spot. Fred Astaire’s silver screen career spanned seventy-six years, and he made thirty-one musical movies. There were 10 films made with Ginger Rogers, the associate with whom he is most often linked.

At number six on the inventory, there is Henry Fonda. Henry was born May 16, 1905 and he passed on August 12, 1982. At number 7 on the register is the man who played the lead character in the show with the top box office success of all times, Clark Gable. In 1937, he played Rhett Butler in the picture “Gone With The Wind”.

James Cagney comes in on the listing at the place of number 8, followed by Spencer Tracy. Spencer Tracy had a lengthy and flourishing career and along with his long-time love Katharine Hepburn, who is number one on the list of AFI’s top actresses, he was part of one of the most flourishing screen pairings in silver screen history.

The only performer from the silent film period to make the register comes in at number ten. Charlie Chaplin began his memorable career back in 1916, before the days of “talking” films. His first true “talking” film came about in 1940, “The Great Dictator”.

Of course, favorite actors, actresses and movies are always personal. Everybody has a different belief on what is perceived as best. But the list of the top stars does consist of the group of actors who made their mark on film history.

Entertaining children’s films that shouldn’t be forgotten and you can also learn more about free movie downloads. Plus it’s always best to only use sites that have legal movie downloads.