I think you have a point about ideal people. To some extent our ability to view the faces of the past in spite of photography being "verite" is limited. The subjects were chosen by the photgrapher, and will reflect his or her view of the appropriate person to express what he or she is trying to convey, pathos in the 1950's might have been conveyed by the slim body type of which you speak.

By the way I have remembered the actor William H. Macy, in spite of what I say above surely he has come to us from a 1940's wormhole!!!!                   

                     macy is grand. i enjoy all of his movies. even mystery men. but that gal that tattooedsweater likes, sherilyn fenn, has got a real vintage look about her. she really set the twin peaks series on fire every scene she was in. just like ava gardner or that lady that was in leave her to heaven with victor mature. i can never remember that actresses name!