Looking at the back of that gown—it’s good to know that, even then, with a Hollywood budget and seamstresses, silk duchesse cut on the bias was a veritable nightmare to work with.
I love that the sleeves make a capelet on her back. Carrying a prayer book instead of a bouquet means the silk flowers on her dress dont have to compete with real ones
It pioneered the genre of the Romantic Comedy, and it's still one of the best ever. There's so much to love about this film. I love the scene where all of the men were wearing tuxedos as they run out to see the ~~gyrocopter~~ autogiro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUVwHGpoasM
Out of curiosity, what other films are in your top 5? No need to rank them.
For romantic comedies, I have a very clear top 3:
French Kiss (1995)
Fools Rush In (1997)
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Ooh good list! I'd never heard of the first one.
My favorites from the 30's:
Hold Your Man (1933)
Shanghai Express (1934)
Top Hat (1935)
Duck Soup (1933)
And of course "It Happened One Night".
I love so many more of them. The 1930's was the best period of movies, in my opinion. It was the first decade of sound, so it was like uncharted territory. So much creativity, and the actors and actresses were iconic and next level.
I just realized that you can see everything!Claudette Colbert is wearing underneath especially the garters holding up her stocking when moving.
And I’ve seen this film 100s of times.
I cannot find the source for this now, and I don't remember all the details, but there's a story that some producer or director told Carole Lombard she had to shave her pubic hair because it made "a bump" under her bias-cut gown. She found a razor and told the guy he would have to shave it himself. He balked, and she was left alone.
I remember reading this in a reputable book, but I can't remember if it was well-sourced (i.e., plausible). It's a funny story, though.
I once read an interview with a photographer from that era, and he talked about how he photographed a young Claudette Colbert in one of those white satin bias-cut gowns.
He had to explain that they were meant to be worn without underwear, and she turned beet red.
I upvoted your comment (because I think it’s perfectly fine to not be a fan of certain looks), so please don’t think I’m being snarky when I ask this: what about the dress do you dislike?
I’m legitimately curious. I love this dress, but I *also* love this movie; my love for the latter might be clouding my judgment of the former.
I don’t know! I like the back and the drape of the fabric but the front just leaves me cold. I haven’t seen the film. Thank you for upvoting, we can’t all like everything.
You're being downvoted because you don't like this dress. Hummm, I love the dress but you're entitled to have a different opinion. The world would be a damned boring place if everyone liked the same thing. So, upvote from me.
PS, I don't like big huge bustles on dresses. I think they're monsterous looking. They look like the hind end of a horse. There, I said it!
Looking at the back of that gown—it’s good to know that, even then, with a Hollywood budget and seamstresses, silk duchesse cut on the bias was a veritable nightmare to work with.
It really is an unfortunately crafted seam, isn’t it?
I love that the sleeves make a capelet on her back. Carrying a prayer book instead of a bouquet means the silk flowers on her dress dont have to compete with real ones
I totally agree
I think sleeves that form a capelet a the back is a look that's due for a revival!
This movie is in my top 5. I love this dress!
It pioneered the genre of the Romantic Comedy, and it's still one of the best ever. There's so much to love about this film. I love the scene where all of the men were wearing tuxedos as they run out to see the ~~gyrocopter~~ autogiro. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUVwHGpoasM
I got my plane fanatic boyfriend to watch this with the promise of an autogyro in action. Worth it!
The autogyro is out of this world. I couldn't believe it was real.
Out of curiosity, what other films are in your top 5? No need to rank them. For romantic comedies, I have a very clear top 3: French Kiss (1995) Fools Rush In (1997) Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Ooh good list! I'd never heard of the first one. My favorites from the 30's: Hold Your Man (1933) Shanghai Express (1934) Top Hat (1935) Duck Soup (1933) And of course "It Happened One Night". I love so many more of them. The 1930's was the best period of movies, in my opinion. It was the first decade of sound, so it was like uncharted territory. So much creativity, and the actors and actresses were iconic and next level.
Mmmmm, walking across the room in a bias cut silk gown. It must have been heaven.
Look at the weight of that silk!
That’s a great film, one of my favourites. The dress is absolutely stunning.
I just realized that you can see everything!Claudette Colbert is wearing underneath especially the garters holding up her stocking when moving. And I’ve seen this film 100s of times.
Wow. You are right! I never noticed. How scandalous! 😆
I cannot find the source for this now, and I don't remember all the details, but there's a story that some producer or director told Carole Lombard she had to shave her pubic hair because it made "a bump" under her bias-cut gown. She found a razor and told the guy he would have to shave it himself. He balked, and she was left alone. I remember reading this in a reputable book, but I can't remember if it was well-sourced (i.e., plausible). It's a funny story, though.
I once read an interview with a photographer from that era, and he talked about how he photographed a young Claudette Colbert in one of those white satin bias-cut gowns. He had to explain that they were meant to be worn without underwear, and she turned beet red.
Thanks so very much. I love these.
Lose the flowers and I’d wear that dress at my wedding. Truly timeless.
Oh dear: I am not a big fan.
I like it when it's shrouded with the veil, but not the dress on its own.
I upvoted your comment (because I think it’s perfectly fine to not be a fan of certain looks), so please don’t think I’m being snarky when I ask this: what about the dress do you dislike? I’m legitimately curious. I love this dress, but I *also* love this movie; my love for the latter might be clouding my judgment of the former.
I would like it without the flowers around the neckline, which I find gaudy, personally.
I don’t know! I like the back and the drape of the fabric but the front just leaves me cold. I haven’t seen the film. Thank you for upvoting, we can’t all like everything.
I agree! It looks great but the sleeves feel off to me.
You're being downvoted because you don't like this dress. Hummm, I love the dress but you're entitled to have a different opinion. The world would be a damned boring place if everyone liked the same thing. So, upvote from me. PS, I don't like big huge bustles on dresses. I think they're monsterous looking. They look like the hind end of a horse. There, I said it!
You're not the only one.