Welcome to the fourth and final week of Actress Month. I feel like I saved one of Lucy's best films for last! The main feature this week, Easy to Wed, comes from 1946 and stars Esther Williams and Van Johnson alongside Lucy. This film has to be one of the cutest post-war romantic comedies I have seen. The story is a musical-esque remake of Libeled Lady (1936). While many don't feel this film lives up to that of its 1936 origin, I feel it's still a super fun film with great Irene costumes. Plus it has Esther Williams in it, wearing some awesome swimwear.
Irene worked a lot with the musical department at MGM. It seems that her two favorite starlets to dress and design for were Doris Day (whom Irene became very close with) and Esther Williams. I know that most of the Williams' films were made with the same team, so it's no surprise that Irene worked on pretty much all of these films. Irene had a long career that began as an actress in the '20s. The early '30s marked her debut as a costume designer and supervisor.
Just as a little side note, the TCM Spotlight Esther Williams Volume one collection is amazing!! All of these films have stellar costumes, especially beachwear and Mexican inspired looks. This collection is a must see before summer to get some really get outfit ideas.
This week's honorable mention features an all star cast. Stage Door (1937) is about a boarding house of actress wannabe's. These gals are impeccably dressed and the gowns by Muriel King are the envy of any '30s enthusiast.
Both films are available on DVD in box sets and through online rental at Netflix. I hope everyone enjoyed actress month as much as I did!! Keep leaving your requests and suggestions!!
See you next week for some more vintage film fashion!
Emily