Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Roberta

Have you seen the 1935 musical movie, Roberta?  After rewatching it yet again, I am reminded how much I love it to bits! It's got sparkling Fred and Ginger comic banter and dance numbers (one of which I posted a while back), a singing Irene Dunne, and more knockout (if outlandish) mid-30s fashion than you can shake an orchestra stick at.  In fact, the whole film is set in a Parisian fashion house (the House of Roberta) and its climax is a fashion show that rivals the Adrian one in The Women a few years later.  See for yourself! If I could, I would screencap Irene Dunne's awesome tunic dresses and suits, but alas, it is not to be, so I bring you Youtube instead.



My favourite gown, designed by Bernard Newman, from the movie, Roberta

14 comments:

  1. Miss RayneJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Love this movie, it's years since i saw it but can still reccall Irene's version of Smoke gets in Your Eyes.

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  2. Mrs. ExeterJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    I've never seen this film, but it looks wonderful. I'll keep my eyes open for it :)

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  3. EmilyJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    This is one of the films on my list to do for Film Fashion Friday. So much has been written about this film by film scholars and critics alike (mostly about the fashion and how it relates to the filmic world) and I cannot wait to feature it and share my knowledge on the film with everyone. It really is such a wonderful film, isn't it? When I do do it, I can get screen caps of the dress you are talking about. :)

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  4. EvieJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    I haven't seen that movie in a while. It does have some fabulous clothes, not to mention Fred and Ginger ;) That striped dress is to die for!

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  5. Q's DaydreamJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    LOVE that movie!

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  6. garofitJanuary 11, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    oh, lovely! i'll put it in my list of films to watch!

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  7. LaurenJanuary 11, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    Yes! Yes! Yes! I *love* Roberta. Hmm... I think I know what I'll watch this morning.
    Lovely still of that gown! It's one of my favorites, too. Also love a young Lucille Ball as one of the models. She was so glamorous- especially in the 30s and 40s!
    Totally want the sporty clothes... especially the plaid and aviator :)

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  8. Lolita HazeJanuary 11, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    Love this movie. I must get my hands on a copy!

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  9. Casey MauraJanuary 11, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Oooh! I haven't seen this one yet, but I'm on a bit of a 30s movie kick right now and think I'll have to see if Netflix or my library has it. Thanks for sharing that YouTube clip too--the clothes are to-die for!

    ♥ Casey | blog

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  10. Alaura HernandezJanuary 11, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    That gown is SO gorgeous!!! The fashion in that movie is incredible. If only people still dressed like that...so glamourous, and infinitely better than Abercrombie and Fitch.

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  11. DonnaJanuary 11, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    Love your blog, always something beautiful to look at and thanks to one of your post I found the perfect Christmas gift for my sister. A vintage knitting pattern book featuring a pattern for a knitted dress designed by Joan Crawford. My sister was crazy for it!

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:18 PM

    Nooooo, but I will now because that stripped dress just blew my brain. Love. Love. Love. Hurry up, Netflix!
    ~Christine

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  13. Fashion Serial KillerJanuary 13, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Woah, that dress is fabulous!!!

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  14. Sydney B.January 14, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    I love that movie and drool every time I look at that striped dress!

    xoxo~Syd

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