Anybody know why some men in the fifties had a curved scar along

[Hekate]

14. Since these were actors in a particular kind of show, I'd say it was to look tough...

Facial scars from fencing were a German-Austrian thing, and ceased with Hitler.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dueling_scar
Dueling scars (German: Schmisse) have been seen as a "badge of honour" since as early as 1825. Known variously as "Mensur scars", "the bragging scar", "smite", "Schmitte" or "Renommierschmiss", dueling scars were popular amongst upper-class Austrians and Germans involved in academic fencing at the start of the 20th century. Being a practice amongst University students, it was seen as a mark of their class and honour, due to the status of dueling societies at German and Austrian universities at the time. The practice of dueling and the associated scars was also present to some extent in the German military.

More at link.