49. LANA TURNER
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)

In her platinum blond hair and white-on-white wardrobe, Turner's femme fatale is a study in icy cool. Then she goes directly from frost to steam. Her pouting, pent-up Cora becomes a woman willing to kill for the man she wants. Many fatal femmes are as ruthless, but few seethe with such passion. After years of forgettable supporting parts, this was Turner's breakthrough role. And she'd never again be such a striking presence.