MANILA, Philippines--Hollywood is remembered for names synonymous with stardom, glamour and box-office clout. To bring them down to earth, their more human facets are often reflected by their screen chums.

Reckless adventurer

So, if Mel Gibson portrays a reckless adventurer, he is paired up with a partner who tells it like it is. This ?friend? is often played by an African-American actor who helps draw in more moviegoers. Even Jackie Chan has a comic buddy who helps keep his daring stunts funny and exciting.

Some generations ago, these best pals often appeared as the star?s best friend or younger sibling?so Judy Garland always had Gloria DeHaven around. Gloria was pretty, and she could dance and sing along as the petite Judy rendered those movies? production numbers.

Ward Bond was often the friend of John Wayne in John Ford?s features like ?The Quiet American.? The Irish director obviously liked Bond?s plebeian looks and relaxed acting style.

William Bendix had a pug nose and a gruff voice. He epitomized the friend who was ?solid as a rock,? so he was often cast as the reliable pal of Tyrone Power and Errol Flynn in their adventure films. He always portrayed quick-tempered but very loyal GIs who were willing to die for their friends and country.

DeHaven, Bond and Bendix enjoyed long careers in Tinseltown. The trio didn?t mince words, and the audience loved them for their spunk and spirit. And, when the chips were down, they gave their popular ?best friends? the support they needed.