Show us their suits

[Two Types]

'Penny Paradise' (1938)

This film has a couple of rather nice suits:

Jack Livesey in a rather bold stripe, complete with double breasted waistcoat:

The actress is Betty Driver. She was 18 at the time. She retired from acting in 2011 at the age of 91 (having played Betty Turpin in British soap opera 'Coronation Street' since 1969) and died just 5 months later.

Not quite so bold, but also striped and with a double breasted waistcoat, is Jimmy O'Dea's suit. Peaked lapels and one-button fastening - rather nice.

As is fitting to their characters, Livesey (in the super-bold stripes) is a rather 'fast', untrustworthy type. Whilst O'Dea - in the sober stripes - is the good-guy.

 

[Nick D]

The bold fabric looks like cashmere stripe for morning dress.

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

Granddad at age 18, 1918

 

[Fastuni]

Brunswick, great photograph. I pretty much have the same hairstyle.
Also quite dramatic tie!


@TT

Remarkable screenshots from "Penny Paradise". Both are rather "formal/elegant" suits without any casual or sportive element, yet combined with a herringbone cap or a casual scarve.
It works!

 

[Metatron]

It works!

True!
Although I think a plain shirt and non-striped tie would be more 'harmonious'.
If one wears such a bold outfit for casual occasions, what would you save for best I wonder??

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Not a suit but a rather rad sport coat / leisure jacket thingy. With zipper pockets.

Caption says: Marlene Dietrich photographed aboard the SS Normandie with her husband Rudolf Sieber (1937).

Remember this?

Robert Montgomery in a similar beast. I like it.

 

[herringbonekid]

looks identical !

 

[Metatron]

Notice how the sleeve is longer than on a regular sports coat with a shirt like cuff...

 

[Two Types]

Dracula (1958)

Last night I watched the 1958 version of 'Dracula'. I hadn't seen it for 20 years and had forgotten quite how fantastic Peter Cushing's coat was. I can safely say this has to be my all-time favourite film coat:

it was also interesting to see that, although the film was set in the 1880s, they used what appears to me to be a suit from the late 1920s/early 1930s for the costume.

 

[herringbonekid]

that last image; least convincing 1880s wardrobe (and hair) ever ? ... possibly.

good suit though !

 

[Metatron]

I seem to remember reading that there wasn't much interest in proper wardrobe research for period films, until recently.

 

[Metatron]

On the topic of overcoats,
this one is worn by the inspector in the very good film 'The Fallen Idol' (1948)








I think it makes him look incredibly intimidating. Almost as bad as a leather overcoat.
I would be terrified if I was the kid, but would divulge no information!

 

[Qirrel]

I seem to remember reading that there wasn't much interest in proper wardrobe research for period films, until recently.

I have seen quite a few movies from the 50s and earlier with good costumes. Kind Hearts and Coronets from 1949 (if I remember correctly) has a fantastic edwardian wardrobe:

 

[Two Types]

I've just noticed: Peter Cushing's suit doesn't appear to have a breast pocket.

 

[Two Types]

Cat People (1942)

Check suit with single rear vent, 3-roll-2 front and very slanted hip pockets.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Lon Chaney in "the Blackbird"

Click on this link to see a larger pciture of the back. There are some interesting panels....
http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/13800000/Lon-Chaney-Sr-silent-movies-13813767-1600-1285.jpg

 

[Metatron]

I like that jacket, two types.
3 roll 2, lapels and roped shoulders.
Looks relatively long for the period too I think?
That man has a perfectly rectangular face.

I like this photo:


How common were slim fitting trousers in the 1930s? Perhaps a 1920s/1930s transitional look?
This is my ideal 'modern' cut for trousers.
Just looks perfectly proportioned and sleek, without being obscenely tight.

 

[Fastuni]

Looks strongly like a pair of sailor (or navy inspired) trousers to me. Tight on the top, flared, wider legs.

 

[esteban68]

You mean there's a chap in the photo also?

 

[Metatron]

Nothing like wearing breeks to accentuate one's hips!
You are right Fastuni! Just noticed the flare. Correction: Those trousers without the flare would be my favourite modern style.