VintageGent’s Menswear Daily

Send In Your Head Shot…I Mean, Video

I first became interested in vintage fashion and fashion history through sitting on my dad’s knee watching old movies on Saturday afternoons. No, not from watching The Blob, or films that were about the Return of or the Son of something or other. Later on, when I was immersed in technical theater as an avocation, I again became interested in historical garments and different periods of 20th century history. That being so, it does not surprise me that many of my readers got their start in the professions of preserving clothing from being exposed to it in the theater, or were similarly inspired by classic films.

There is a romanticism about beating the street, reading the call boards, and showing up at auditions. Now, just like social media and YouTube has taken some industries by storm, some of the typical “show up with a head shot” has replaced by sites like ActorCast – are you on it?.  It started as a way for a casting director to organize audition videos and liists. Soon, it took on a life of its own and actors began to submit their material. Now, it is not just a system with a logical work flow for casting directors and producers, but it is a way for actors to be seen.   If you are interested in being considered for Independent films, television, and more, and have a polished presentation, definitely put this on your list of things to do to further your career.

My Dad is No Ward Cleaver

In the harrowing tail of the Attack of the Bookshelf, below, I mentioned my father’s personal mishap.  I was thinking the other day that when some people think of their dad or grandfather, they sometimes think of a particular actor or character that reminds them.  Oftentimes, they don’t think of this until long after their father or grandfather is gone.   My father is still with us, thank goodness.   He reminds me of Clark Griswold, Chevy Chase’s character, most of all.   Aside from getting tempted by strangers, which wouldn’t be characteristic of my dad, the heart of the character us to keep plugging along and making the best of things no matter what crazy thing happens.

Crazy Dog t-shirts has a shirt that I wished I had seen before Christmas, but I think I will put it away and give it to him before hand next year so he can wear it all through the holidays.  It reads: “The Griswold Family Tree…It’s All About the Experience.”   That is exactly something my dad thinks all the time.  It doesn’t matter if you get anything actually done, does it?  When in doubt, tie your problems to the rough, right?  Trust me, there is just no possibility that he will see this shirt and buy himself before then.   He sometimes still just hits “reply” when I send him an email and doesn’t type anything back in response.   Online shopping is something we will have to work on in another couple years.

Play “As You Wish”

When I was…ahem…younger, I remember watching the Princess Bride over and over again.  My family had just gotten cable for the first time, and it was on one of the movie channels in heavy rotation for a few months.  I was first introduced to it in school, where our English teacher brought it in as a treat on the half day of school we had before a holiday.  Of course, it featured the celebrated acting of Andre the Giant as Fezzik.  It was the type of irreverant movie that makes adults laugh and children to have the affectation to their voice which they believed to be their best Spanish Accent and declare to everyone: “I am Inigo Montoya. You Killed My Father. Prepare to Die.”

It has taken quite a few years, but as you wish, someone has imagined up the Princess Bride Game. I have tried the demos for the 5-pack of Princess Bride games for PC/MAC.  I have to admit, I had a lot of fun.  Are you up to the challenge? Brave the fire swamp and stand up to Vizzini in the Battle of the Wits, and much more.  I have to admit that the questions made me think.  So many games that are based on other media (books, movies) require you to have seen or read the inspiration source, otherwise you will be lost when playing the game.  I think it makes it that much more fun when you already love the movie, but friends who have not, or have not seen it in years can hold their own quite well. In the fire swamp, I was reminded of the game Pitfall! except that this was much more easy to navigate and a bit more challenging.  I used to walk into walls and trap myself all the time in that old game.  The other good thing about it, is that it is all ages friendly without being over simplistic.  The nephews and niece have tried it, have had as much fun as I did with the demos, and they are clamouring for me to purchase the games for them.

The whole experience makes me want to see the movie again.  I am going to check my local listings or go ahead and rent it.  Not only is the movie a little off the cuff, but it reminds me of being what they now call tweens, and sitting on the couch on a Saturday with my brother and sister.

Uncovered Gem: The Barretts of Wimpole Street

I love the movies of the 1930s.  There were some pretty psychological stories before the studio codes went into effect.  One of the more mainstream films that I had never seen was the Barretts of Wimpole Street.  The story of Elizabeth Barrett-Browning and Robert Browning didn’t immediately appeal to me in the first few scenes, as I thought it was going to be a maudlin love story (or a chick flick).  Norma Shearer is supposed to be deathly sick and looks beautiful and perfectly made up…that is one of the suspensions of disbelief one must have in watching older films.  As the film went on I became very enthralled.

The story is not just about Elizabeth and Robert but it is more about how a controlling person can crush someone, and even snuff the life out of someone one professes to love.   One really pulls for Elizabeth, Robert, and Henrietta.  In real life, Mr. Barrett forbid his twelve children to marry. In the film, he doesn’t quite get redeemed in the end.  That may have been a whole other movie and not the purpose of the tale. Here are two clips. The first features Norma Shearer as Elizabeth, Charles Laughton as Mr. Barrett, and Frederic March as Robert Browning. The second also feature Maureen O’Hara.

The movie also serves as a step back in time to fashons that suggest the 1840s in London as an added bonus.

A Farewell to One of Cinema’s Coolest

A belated farewell to one of cinema’s finest. 

Paul Newman was known for his “cool” style, but never fit the Hollywood mold.  He chose roles based on his personal interests and the challenge he thought the role would provide, rather than the paycheck.   One may argue that he wasn’t a pauper, but I think it is more of a case of “Do What you Love; the money will come.”

Secondly, he and Joanne Woodward married in 1958, and were only seperated by Newman’s recent death.  They met while starring in a stage production together, which is not uncommon for actors.  What was uncommon was that the chose to keep their home life private and their children out of the spotlight so that their family life could be relatively normal.  

(A little trivia footnote: Paper Moon was to originally star Paul Newman and daughter, who was known on screen as Nell Potts.  We know her today as Nell Newman of Newman’s Own.   The director changed, and Paul Newman withdrew his daughter when the direction of the film changed.  Ryan and Tatum O’Neal replaced them.)

Maybe modern Hollywood should take cues from them.  “Too Much Information” doesn’t a long marriage make.

Farewell to Another Vintage Gent: Heston dies at 84

There will be one more name to add to the annual Academy Awards “Parade of People who have Died,” segment.  Charlton Heston passed away Saturday at the age of 84.

Heston was a childhood favorite of mine.  I spent many a Saturday afternoon, sprawled on the living room floor with my dog watching “Planet of the Ape” marathons.   Or, Ben Hur for the 5,000 time. There was something about his delivery that was always teetering and threatening to fall over into “B”moviedom even when many of his films were clearly “A” list, big budget, Hollywood affairs.    I think what worked in his favor is that he did not tackle roles with a nudge and a wink.   All characters were approached with seriousness.  In fact, many of his films, if not put in the capable hands of the right director, could have easily become disasters because of their grand scale and the subject matters they tackled.

He delivered the highest number of effective lines through clenched teeth this side of ventriloquism, inspiring thousands of impressionists around the world.  Sunday school was never the same, when the idea in your head of what Moses looked like was replaced by the likeness of Heston  Somehow it seemed very strange to see him in such films as “Towering Inferno,” where he was dressed like an everyday person, as one just had come to expect that he was more accustomed to astronaut’s gear, or lace up sandals.

Though we haven’t heard much from Heston since his last public interview when he announced that he had Alzheimer’s, he never left the mind of the public.

In his own words: “I have lived such a wonderful life! I’ve lived enough for two people.”

Update to the Countdown

Call me a geek. Call me a nerd.

The return of the most popular fedora wearing persona returns to the big screen on May 23, 2008. I have included this convenient time clock so that you may synchronize your watch. As of this writing you have less than 52 days to get ready. Are you planning to camp in line to get tickets to “Indiana Jones IV?” With Fandango and other websites, that sort of thing may be a remnant of the past. So, call me a wimp, but I will probably be waiting in line from my desk.

Film Festivals go Viral

I once read an interview. Was it with Stephen Speilberg? I don’t recall. Anyway, the message was that with technology changing as much as it is, it may not be too many years until we see an Oscar nominated film that was shot on a hand held digital camera by a twelve year old. We may not be at that point yet, but the Viral Film Festival acknowledges the ability the masses have to create. The BeFilm Underground film festival is hosting it as part of their annual festival at 7:00 P.M., April 28th at the Dolby Theater in New York City. The founders have the world view that “shorter is better” when it comes to film, so videos created for online distribution are a natural fit.

What would people wear on the red carpet for a “short” film festival. Mini Skirts? Tube Tops? Briefs (Bad joke, I know)? Or would they just “come as they are” and just walk really fast so as not to waste any time? I can’t wait to find out.

Oscar Night

Tonight, as you already know, is Oscar Night. Every year not only do millions watch the Academy Awards telecast to see who won the office betting pool, it is a night for folks who don’t go out to the movies much to find out what movie will be a sure bet for their dollar this weekend when some films are re-released or still out in first run if they can chase down a theater that is still playing them. (Whew! That was a long sentence. Hopefully you are still reading.).

In all seriousness, though: Of course people are also watching to see the fashions of the night. I will make three arguments about that statement.

First, I am confident that there are more people out there who relish the fashion flops, intentional or no. Who remembers what Angelina Jolie wore two years ago. Nope. We remember Bjork’s Swan outfit, which probably goes down in history as the top most talked about dress. I have already seen Sally Kellerman’s outfit this year (note: I did not call it a dress), and am just waiting for the photos to hit the internet.

The second argument I make is that people far more watch to see the ladies fashions and are not as interested in men’s fashions. One may think that it is because there are only so many modifications that one can make to a tuxedo. I argue that when a man is impeccably dressed, no one notices the ensemble unless one is a tailor – you notice the man. A man has to really go over the top for you to talk about his outfit. (Remember Randy Quaid in a muumuu?)

Thirdly, I would argue that the clothing worn for award ceremonies are not nearly as influential in fashion as are the clothing worn in the actual movies. When there are trends for certain periods in films that come out, they are more likely to influence fashion. In days of yor, people watched movies to see what kinds of fashions were coming out, an designers knew that is where they could reach a captive audience.

At an award ceremony, you see someone wearing something for a fleeting moment but in film have much more time to ponder it and be influenced by it. Also, there is often more emotion connected with a favorite or powerful film.

Case in point: There was more than one aspiring Indiana Jones in my family, at least one Cary Grant wannabe and then also plenty of bratty youngsters (I was likely one) who defended their fashion choice because they saw it in a movie.

At any rate, get the popcorn ready and enjoy yourselves tonight.

Until Next Time,