They just don't make men like him anymore

...which is a lie, because they do. We have seen a fair few lovelies on stage and  silver screen and frankly, there are PLENTY of men who could be held up there. Surely this blog alone is testament to the fine men who have inherited the mantel from this remarkably talented man? Despite this, Howard Keel is the Grand Daddy of them all and we believe any theatre boy wanting to make his mark in the industry could do an awful lot worse than watch a bit of Howard and see how the master did it from the start. He was the first one we noticed when we were mere toddlers and the man who introduced us to the beautiful  world of musical theatre (other than our dads!)and helped nurture our passion for all things musical and Hollywood. Bless his beautiful hide. All this and Clayton Farlow in Dallas too. What a man...!!!!!

He starred in the gorgeous 'Showboat' as the rather whackily named Gaylord Ravenal (we said they just didn't make men like him any more...).  Ironically, one of the best songs in this film ('Old Man River') isn't sung  by Gaylord, though otherwise this film showcased his baritone voice beautifully. And demonstrated exactly how imposingly manly he was, as he carried his name with pride!!!

It didn't matter whether he was Adam Pontipee (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) or Wild Bill Hickok (Calamity Jane) he always managed to fill the screen with his presence in a big-bear kind of way, as a short arse he certainly wasn't. And he came across as the nicest person ever (other than Doris Day, maybe) which made him all the more lovable. Then there was his voice, which would have melted the coldest of hearts.
Mr Keel is a legend of the stage and screen and will never be forgotten for as long as we're around.