Though many point to 1939 as "The Greatest Year in the History of Hollywood," I always remind people to celebrate 1946 as well. For a film noir fan like myself, the quality is virtually unparalleled--Gilda, The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Big Sleep, The Blue Dahlia, The Killers, and Notorious are just some of the iconic movies that premiered that year. It's a Wonderful Life is yet another, and even if not originally as popular as it is today, Frank Capra did win himself a Best Director Oscar for it at the Academy Awards. Of course it's since become a giant in film history--a perennial favorite for the holidays that I have shared again and again on GlamAmor.
RKO costume designer Edward Stevenson is one of the many unsung heroes of the film. Known for loving the 'liquid look' of the 1930s--where beading was used on bias cut gowns to make them look their slinkiest and sexiest--he shows the true range of his talent through these more conservative clothes for Bedford Falls. Each piece reveals something about its remarkable residents and tells their story; you'll see styles evolve as the characters age and change. Who can forget George's football uniform and Mary's robe as they make their way home after the high school dance?
It is these moments toward the middle of the movie that I perhaps adore the most...when George and Mary (Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed) begin falling in love. First when their eyes meet at the local dance and all the way through the evening when we're with them walking home...still somewhat soaked from falling into the school's pool. Their scenes together are all so rich with emotion that I felt compelled to include multiple clips (below). Of course the characters from this film serve to remind us of several important lessons. In George's journey, he discovers that everyone's life has meaning and the greatest gift is being loved. And it is Mary's love for him that inspires us to reach for the moon. As she finds, by believing, we can all make our dreams come true.
Happy holidays!
RKO costume designer Edward Stevenson is one of the many unsung heroes of the film. Known for loving the 'liquid look' of the 1930s--where beading was used on bias cut gowns to make them look their slinkiest and sexiest--he shows the true range of his talent through these more conservative clothes for Bedford Falls. Each piece reveals something about its remarkable residents and tells their story; you'll see styles evolve as the characters age and change. Who can forget George's football uniform and Mary's robe as they make their way home after the high school dance?
It is these moments toward the middle of the movie that I perhaps adore the most...when George and Mary (Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed) begin falling in love. First when their eyes meet at the local dance and all the way through the evening when we're with them walking home...still somewhat soaked from falling into the school's pool. Their scenes together are all so rich with emotion that I felt compelled to include multiple clips (below). Of course the characters from this film serve to remind us of several important lessons. In George's journey, he discovers that everyone's life has meaning and the greatest gift is being loved. And it is Mary's love for him that inspires us to reach for the moon. As she finds, by believing, we can all make our dreams come true.
Happy holidays!
George and Mary's first dance together
and then their touching walk home that night
The emotional kiss that seals their love forever
Merry Christmas!
and Gene Autry wrote "Here Comes Santa Claus" after that year's Christmas Parade
