Film Fashion Friday: Musical Month Round Up

Well, this is the last installment of the Musical Month feature here on Film Fashion Friday. I hope at least one of the films featured throughout the course of the month was a new discovery! For the last week, I decided to feature three films with not any one of them being a main selection. All three films are available on DVD and can be rented through Netflix or may very well be at your local video store..... if you still have one close by. All of the Blockbusters around here have shut down and we now have to rely on a small regional chain, which is still a great place to rent from, but unfortunately doesn't have a good classics section. Anyways, on to the films!!

The first film and probably the best this week fashion-wise is Neptune's Daughter (1949) starring Esther Williams and Red Skelton. This was one of the first Esther Williams' film I had ever seen and immediately fell in love with the water dancing! If you haven't checked out Ms. Williams yet, this is a great starter film and is typical of most of the other MGM and William's collaborations. The plot is zany and the costumes and hairstyles are drool worthy.

The plot is kinda confusing, but it basically follows Esther and her sister and the trouble her sister creates when she falls for Red Skelton, whom she believes is a famous polo player. The real polo player has it bad for Esther and there begins all the craziness of the film. Esther's character is a swimsuit designer and her designs are fully showcased throughout the course of the narrative. Irene designed the costumes for this one and did a really brilliant job. I have featured a few other works by Irene, so if you want to know more, just click the label. Overall, this film is a great inspiration for summer looks and contains some serious vintage bathing suit eye candy!

I couldn't do a musical month without featuring at least one Judy Garland film! Out of all her wonderful pictures, I choose Till the Clouds Roll By (1946). This is a true all star cast with many of the big names when it comes to musicals. The film is based on the life story of Jerome Kern and showcased a plethora of fantastic costumes spanning a few decades, not to mention the lovely stage costume creations, all the work of Helen Rose. Again, another costume designer I have featured on here before. As with Irene, click the label to see more on Ms. Rose.

As a whole, I would call the dress in this film a bit more artistic, but there are several scenes where there is "street clothing" being presented. With all that being said, I could totally picture someone integrating the saloon girl look in the middle picture into one of their daily looks. I really love the glitz and glam of this film and I hope you will too, if you haven't seen it that is!

The last film for this week is South Pacific (1958), undoubtedly one of the most famous musicals of all time, for both the stage and filmic renditions. What I found interesting about this picture is that off the rack clothing was used for a great majority of the film and none of the wardrobe managers had much of a career before or after this film, kinda one hit wonders if you will. Nevertheless, I am loving the beachy outfits that could totally transplant themselves into any vintage gal's summer wardrobe. Plus, this movie really makes me want to visit the beach!

I hope everyone enjoyed the musical month..... I know I did!! :)

Keep sending in suggestions; I love to here from you!! Film Fashion Friday will resume its regular postings on June 11th. Stay tuned!!!!

Emily

Film Fashion Friday: The Dark Corner (1946)

Hello Readers!! Welcome to week three of actress month. This week's Lucy selection come from 1946, The Dark Corner. This has to be my favorite non-Dana Andrews film noir. Lucy and Mark Stevens are great together!! Mark plays a PI who gets framed for a murder. Lucy is his eager to help secretary -- in one of her best nonmusical roles (in my opinion). This is a wonderful Fox noir that features a great supporting cast, including Clifton Webb.

Kay Nelson designed the costumes -- putting Lucy in a slue of post war suits complete with great coats and bags. Other great Nelson pictures include Leave Her to Heaven, Boomerang, Gentleman's Agreement, and Miracle on 34th Street.

While Lucy's costumes are more "everyday" clothes, I think this film does a great job of accurately representing the normal middle class; something I think many Classical Hollywood films struggle with. Plus, I just love Lucy's role as Mark Stevens' "Girl Friday!"

Every time I watch The Dark Corner, I can't get over how much Mark Stevens looks like a combination of Dana Andrews and Robert Walker. I have a mad crush on Andrews!! I think like Dana Andrews, Mark Stevens is a very underrated actor. He is pretty good in this film, especially for a studio produced B film and some of his other films are exceptionally wonderful pictures.

This week's honorable mention has Lucy playing a money hungry chorus girl -- a more typical role for Ball -- in Dance, Girl, Dance (1940). For that reason, I have put this selection in the honorable mention section rather than the main film. This film is included in a box set of Lucy films and often gets brought up when thinking about Lucy's early career before I Love Lucy.

My goal with this series is the feature lesser known films and roles for big stars. I don't think The Dark Corner doesn't get talked about enough and my hope is that many of you will check out the film. Both of these films are available on DVD and Netflix.

Check back next Friday for the final Lucy week. If you would like to see another actress month, leave a comment with the actress of your choice. There will be an Audrey Hepburn week, as I have had a few request for her.

Emily

Film Fashion Friday: Since You Went Away (1944)

So, I have a mini obsession with Joseph Cotten, which is reflected in this week's picks for Film Fashion Friday. I apologize now for the lack of pictures. I got both of these films through Netflix and sent them back before I took stills from them. Anyways, the main film is Since You Went Away (1944). This has an all star cast including Claudette Colbert, Jennifer Jones, an older Shirley Temple and of course...Joseph Cotten!!! The story revolves around the girls (mother and two daughters) and how they cope when their father/husband enlists in WWII. There is a great love story between Jones and Robert Walker, who was her ex-husband in real life. I have never been a huge fan of young Shirley Temple and this was the first "older" Shirley film I had seen. I must say that I am now a fan...but only of old Shirley. :) She has great clothes and shoes in this film (and in the honorable mention, too) and I really loved her hair too. I am going to have to study them and try to attempt one of her styles soon!!

Elmer Ellsworth was in charge of the wardrobe for this film and really did a good job. What many may not know is Ellsworth helped in the wardrobe department on some really great films such as Gone with the Wind, Marked Woman, and The Petrified Forest.

Both films this week take place during Christmas and both have great dance party scenes, making both film a must see!!!

I am sure many have seen I'll Be Seeing You (1944), it is a Christmas classic of sorts. Although Ginger doesn't have many different costumes (she mostly appears in one suit with different blouses) there is a great New Years scene that features a lot of lovely ball gowns. The extras are also very well dressed in this film. Edith Head was in charge of Ginger's clothing which shows some of her signature touches.

Next week I am going to try and round up some more films that take place at Christmas time!!

Emily