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There were, of course, several pictures released this year which promise to enjoy great popularity which do not rank on this poll, pictures like “Notorious,” “The Best Years of Our Lives,” “The Razor’s Edge” and “The Yearling.” Because they had not been seen by one third of those interviewed when our polls closed in the middle of November, they lacked eligibility. They may well be among next year’s contestants.
In any poll which registers a public choice there are extra finds which prove of interest. This year the Gold Medal Poll again reveals those stars who, during 1946 made the greatest strides in popularity — stars who, in most instances, are not yet at the top.
To go back to previous polls for a minute, in 1944 Van Johnson made the greatest popularity gain of any male star and Jennifer Jones the greatest gain of any feminine star. In 1945 Van Johnson came close to ranking among the top five actors. This year he does. This year he also is tops with girls between twelve and seventeen. And Bob Hope, incidentally, is tops with boys in this age bracket. Jennifer Jones, however, with long waits between releases, has had no opportunity to maintain her 1944 strides.
In 1945 it was Gregory Peck, among the actors, who made the greatest gains in popularity while Margaret O’Brien and Lauren Bacall tied for this honor among the actresses.
Again this year Gregory Peck is outstanding, in the established actor group, for his popularity gains. Among the newer favorites, Cornel Wilde and Glenn Ford have climbed fastest.
Sixth most popular picture — “Night and Day,” with Monty Woolley, Jane Wyman and Cary Grant
Seventh most popular picture — “Anna and the King of Siam,” starring Rex Harrison and Irene Dunne
Fifth most popular picture “Leave Her to
Heaven,” with Cornel Wilde and Gene Tierney