'Guyliner' in classic films

[Mei Lewis]

I've just started to notice that some male characters in otherwise serious films are wearing slightly comical eyeliner.

 

Two examples are Peter O'Toole in Lawrence of Arabia

 

and the Uncle Joe Grandi character in Touch Of Evil

 

Is there a reason for this? I realise most male actors are probably wearing makeup in most films, but it's usually quite subtle and there just to make things look better.

This guyliner is so obvious and odd I don't know what to make of it.

[Mark Kenfield]

It's not just old films, take a look at Gerry Butler in 300.