Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy

...easy on the eyes, that is! Especially when we are talking about early Paul Newman movies.

I am watching "The Long Hot Summer", the 1958 movie starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, based on the short story by William Faulkner. My favorite movies of his from this time period are:

• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
• Sweet Bird of Youth
• The Long, Hot Summer
• Paris Blues

He is so young and intense, charming but with a somewhat troubled edge. His deep blue eyes seem to see right through people, finding either their falseness (or "mendacity") or the true nature of their souls. When his character sets his sights on a woman, she does not stand a chance. But he always seems to remain a loner - which is like nectar to women, who just want to posess him. Watching him in a scene, undressing a woman verbally, is something to behold. Hotter than a gratuitous sex scene, any day.

And just look at him! He defines handsome. All-American good looks, with a healthy dose of talent. Even in his advanced years, he puts Hollywood's finest leading men to shame. There is a humble spirit about him that I love, as well as his obvious love for his wife Joanne Woodward. What a great couple.

"The world belongs to the meat eaters, Miss Clara, and if you have to take it raw, take it raw. "
- as Ben Quick in "The Long Hot Summer"

It's a cool San Francisco night, but that man makes me melt.