MovieChat Forums > Yanks (1979) Discussion > William Devane's Hair!!

William Devane's Hair!!

posted 11 years ago by chuckymom
7 replies | jump to latest

What was up with William Devane's JFK 1960s style hair? It kept flopping in his face! No man wore their hair so dry and untamed back in the 1940s - at least from all the old photos and movies I've seen. How could the director, stylist, etc. have approved this? It's very disconcerting, considering an effort was made to give every other actor/actress at least a semblance of period hairstyles.
His annoying sneering smile and behavior was a bit odd too - it didn't seem to fit in with the movie in general. Maybe he just plays himself in every role?
All in all, this was a beautifully shot film with some artful looking scenes and wonderful set design, but a bit light on character development and plot. It's more of an ambient film - giving us a taste of what England during WWII might have been like.

[–] corinnacarpenter 11 years ago

I personally think he was sexy as hell and looked incredibly good in uniform. His hair was sexy too.

And I absolutely love William Devane's smile. It gets me everytime and makes my heart beat faster.*Sigh* It also gives me terrible butterflies in my tummy. His voice has the same effect on me.

I have a mad crush on him. There is something about Devane that is so alluring.

Oh,and the way he kissed Vanessa Redgrave? It just makes me melt.

Established 1976

[–] msbackstreet 10 years ago

I totally agree. I barely looked twice at Richard Gere in this movie, I was far more interested in the scenes with William Devane. In uniform - oh my!

I've had a huge crush on him since I was very young, when he was old enough to be my grandfather!

I'm currently re-watching Knots Landing, and he is the sole reason for it. Poor Paige, she had no chance trying to resist the immense charms of Gregory Sumner!

Everything about William Devane is sexy. The drawl, the come-to-bed blue eyes, the downright dirty slow smile. Yes, he may now look his age in '24: Live Another Day', but some men never lose their charisma and magnetism. And our Bill is one such man!

[–] aasoloway 11 years ago

What about Spencer Tracy? He had the natural look... Maybe not as pushed forward but not everyone is a slave to fashion.

You don't like William Devane... Why don't you leave it that?

[–] chuckymom 11 years ago

I have no problem with William Devane - I actually enjoy him onscreen. I just always notice when a character seems out of place. Dick Van Dyke (who I love) once made a movie set in the 1920s, but his hair was blow dried 1970s style. I find it distracting - others may not. And I don't get your comment about Spencer Tracy at all. It has nothing to do with Devane.

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] chrissso 7 years ago

Once you see him play JFK in the Missiles of October ... he will always be JFK in your mind. He was just perfect for that role.

[–] chuckymom 7 years ago

I agree - he was right for JFK (and the hair was right too! LOL)