Seraphic Secret

Robert J. Avrech: Emmy Award winning screenwriter. Movie fanatic. Helplessly and hopelessly in love with my wife since age nine.

Lena Horne

Friday Photos: True Hollywood Confessions

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“Yes, I was correctly quoted in saying I introduced sex into films in the 20’s, but it was sex in good taste and left a great deal to one’s imagination.” —Pola Negri
“Yes, I was correctly quoted in saying I introduced sex into films in the 20’s, but it was sex in good taste and left a great deal to one’s imagination.”
—Pola Negri

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Take #2: The Meaning of Leaning in Hollywood

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Jean Harlow propped up on a leaning board between scenes for Dinner at Eight ('33). The Adrian designed gown was so tight that Harlow could not sit, nor wear any undergarments.
Jean Harlow propped up on a leaning board between scenes for “Dinner at Eight” (’33). The Adrian designed gown was so tight that Harlow could not sit. In fact, Harlow was sewn into the gown — sans underwear.

Leaning boards ( also called Slant boards) were invented for Hollywood players to relax between takes. Frequently, the costumes were cut on the bias, and tailored so snugly that the actor could not sit without bursting a ladder of seams. In fact, most of the time, there were no zippers or buttons on the costumes. Actors were stitched into their garments.

When you see Jean Harlow in Dinner at Eight, and marvel at the impeccable fit of the famous white silk gown, be aware that Harlow’s mobility was severely limited. In fact, just breathing was something of a chore.

Remember, classic Hollywood movies were designed to project images of glamour. For the screen, costumes had to be photogenic. Comfort and practicality were of little concern.

These days, leaning boards are still in use, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

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Remembering Legendary Costume Designer Helen Rose

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Costume designer Helen Rose.
Costume designer Helen Rose.

Helen Rose was one of Hollywood’s most important costume designers.

Seraphic Secret has authored several posts about Rose.  In June 2010, we wrote about Rose’s not-so-nice Jewish boyfriend. If you have not read this post, you should. The identity reveal at the end will take your breath away.

In another post, with the help of genealogist Kathy Soto, we unravel Rose’s Jewish roots. We also chronicle an episode of costume craziness between Rose and Jane Fonda.

In April 2011, we wrote about the stunning wedding gown Helen Rose designed for Grace Kelly.

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