Leaning boards ( also called Slant boards) were invented for Hollywood players to relax between takes. Hollywood costumes were frequently 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, for a variety of reasons. Modern fabrics are more forgiving. It is also quite rare for a costume to be designed, cut and sewn, for one actress. Most costumes are off the rack, and modified. Besides, in today’s Hollywood, stars who receive multiple millions for one film are loathe to suffer the indignities of such a tight fit.
Lielle is a cutey!
AFAIK Audrey Hepburn was the only Hollywood Star who had the power to select her own costumes for an upcoming project. She trusted her lifelong friend Hubert de Givenchy.
How they met was funny.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2012/09/04/hubert-de-givenchy-remembers-audrey-hepburn/
I wonder if the stars of today will be as revered as the ones of the 1930s and 40s in 70 years.
Good to see Margot Grahame getting some attention. A truly great talent and really, really attractive. The antidote for the Lana Turner as Milady crowd.
Oh yes, Margo was a fine actress and her Milady is wonderful. I also admire Faye Dunaway’s Milady in Richard Lester’s Musketeer films. Lana’s Milady was blah. But she knew how to wear a costume.
I thought about Faye Dunaway but the George MacDonald Fraser/Richard Lester collaboration took the material in, if not a different direction, a different sensibility — and the filmmaking era was so radically different that Faye was unintentionally snubbed. As for Lana, she could be effective as shop girl, say Postman Always Rings Twice, or as a milk maid in almost any period, but not ever nobility.
Further thought re Milady and The Musketeers.
Binnie Barnes did a fine job opposite Don Ameche and The Ritz Brothers. At one and the same time a burlesque in the Three Stooges style and a faithful retelling of Dumas. Directed by Allan Dwan and more faithful in tone than the Richard Lester variations, which, by the way, I like. No criticism intended.