Seraphic Secret

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

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.

Leaning boards were frequently used not so much because of a tight fit, but because of the sheer weight of the costume. In this photo, Jane Halsey is wearing a 102-pound beaded costume for The Great Ziegfeld.
Leaning boards were frequently used not just because of the impossibly tight fit, but for the enormous weight of the costume. In this photo, Jane Halsey is wearing a 102-pound beaded costume for “The Great Ziegfeld” (’36).

 

Director Roy Del Ruth and leading lady Alice Faye between takes of “On the Avenue” ('37).
Director Roy Del Ruth and leading lady Alice Faye between takes of “On the Avenue” (’37).

 

Lena Horne leans between takes on “I Dood It” ('43).
Lena Horne leans between takes on “I Dood It” (’43).

 

Katherine Hepburn and the great costume designer Walter Plunkett, between scenes of “Sea of Grass” ('36).
Katherine Hepburn and the great costume designer Walter Plunkett on the set of “Sea of Grass” (’47).

 

Susan Hayward leans and knits between takes of “The Lost Moment” ('47).
Susan Hayward leans and knits between takes of “The Lost Moment” (’47).

 

Kim Novak leans and looks less than amorous on the set of “The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders” ('65).
Kim Novak leans and looks less than amorous on the set of “The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders” (’65).

 

Tonight begins the holiday of Succos. Seraphic Secret will be off-line until Monday. Karen and I wish all our friends and relatives a lovely and meaningful Succos.
My Lulav and Etrog lean in the Casa Avrech Succah. Tonight begins the holiday of Succot. Seraphic Secret will be off-line until Monday. Karen and I wish all our friends and relatives a lovely and meaningful Succot.

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  2. It was back in the fall of 2004, just around Sukkot, that I discovered Seraphic Secret…and learned of your great loss. And was moved by your powerful, emotional writing.
    And a friendship was born…
    Chag Sameach to you all.

  3. A lovely and meaningful Succot to you and yours, Robert. Thanks again for thge lessons in classic Hollywood. Kim looks lovely even on the leaning board!

  4. Shana Tova!
    A gut bentch yar!
    And a most Happy Sameach!
    May your succah be bright and welcoming to all!

    “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
    All the sukkahs are growing
    And they’ll all be glowing and full of Good Cheer!
    It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

    It’s the Hap – Happiest Season of All!
    With the Lulavs we’re waving and Mitzvahs we’re craving,
    It happens each Fall!
    It’s the Hap-Happiest Season of All!

    There’ll be sukkahs for hopping
    And corn will be popping
    And we hope that it doesn’t snow!
    There’ll be food that is cooking
    And we’ll all be looking
    For Ushpizin from long ago.

    It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year !
    Our hearts will be yearning
    For much Torah learning
    As loved one are here!
    It’s the most wonderful time,
    It’s the most wonderful time,
    It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

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