Film Inspiration: To Catch A Thief

doriantb
I have always thought that the film, To Catch A Thief is one of the most stylish movies of all time.  First of all, you just can't beat Cary Grant and Grace Kelly for sophistication and beauty.  Add in a little Hitchcock glamour and you've got yourself something to look at.  I always want to watch this movie when I am thinking about summer and vacationing in a warm climate.  How about the French Riviera?  Hope these images inspire you too!


anatomyofaclassic

I just want to get all dressed up when I see this photo.  Classic.  Always will be.  

blog.picnicfashion

Kelly: "Leg or a breast?"  Grant: "you pick."

glamamor
Just so chic.

pleasurephoto

leasingnews
Um, yeah.

AlisonKerr

starlettshowcase

A yellow swimsuit.  Love.

buckleybulletin

swotti.starmedia
On set.

lestuff
I love this pink dress, not to mention the view.

amysclassicmovie
Only Grant could get away with stripes with a polka-dot scarf.

clothesonfilm
This is not Kelly, it is french actress Brigitte Auber.  Her swimsuit is just fantastic.  Oh, and Grant is in the picture so all the better.

Valentine's Day via Doris Day

Since Valentine's Day is just around the corner I thought to myself, 'self, what reminds you of Valentine's Day; since the holiday is somewhat cheesy and contrived yet sweetly nostalgic?'  Well, that isn't exactly how it went but I immediately thought of all those great Doris Day movies from the 50's.  I am a big fan of Doris Day.  Everyone who worked with her raves about her intelligence and professionalism.  She often did scenes with only one take and these scenes, unlike today, often involved slapstick physicality and long scenes of dialogue.  She was a pro.
The movies she did were fluffy and light, entertaining and stylish.  I think we are in a perfect moment, based on current trends, to look back to these fabulous romantic comedies for some style inspiration!

A Little Bio:  I haven't done any research for this on Doris Day.  I know a few things about her though: She began her career as a dancer, not a singer.  She and her dance partner were lucky enough to get a contract and were to leave for Hollywood, but the night before she was in a serious car accident.  She broke her leg (I believe) and the doctors told her that she would never be able to dance professionally.  This was of course crushing news, but while she was bed ridden she listed to records and it became clear that a new career was ahead of her.  That's right, she began singing with a band and traveled for years as the lead singer until she got her first movie role "Romance on the High Seas" (1948).  It was evident that she had star quality.  She wasn't a trained actress but she had a natural, fresh quality.  She was called "the girl next door," but I disagree.  I know what they mean by that but I don't know anyone as talented, beautiful, and stylish as Doris Day!

A very young Dorris Day in her first film "Romance on the High Seas"

She is just so timeless. I love that dress.

Who could forget great scenes like these from the classic romantic comedy "Pillow Talk?"

There are few on-screen couples as famous as this one.

Gloves? check, matching dress and polka dot hat? check, incredibly adorable? check

Doris Day and David Niven in "Please Don't Eat the Daisies."

I love this movie.  Day plays a harried mom of 3 boys, has a large dog, and is the wife of an ambitious play critic.  She volunteers at her boys' school, attends her husband's boring work parties, redecorates their country house all while looking fabulous!  Now that is a WORKING mother!

I know it is just a movie, but I am so inspired by the thought of a mom who always looks pulled together.

I know, I know. This picture says it all; they are the epitome of what we love about these movies. Cary Grant and Doris Day in "That Touch of Mink."

Style with a capital "S"


Doris Day movies are the perfect link to Valentine's Day.  The movie "Down With Love" was made a few years back which captures the silly, cute qualities of the original Day/Hudson movies, filled with double entendre.  I love this song at the end of the movie.....so here's to love!

     

Irene Dunne

I love Irene Dunne.  Not only was she a fabulous, first rate actress, who could effortlessly slip between dramatic and comedic roles, but she could sing. She trained as an opera singer, but didn't get the job at the Metropolitan Opera.  Instead she was discovered by Florenz Ziegfeld in an elevator. This woman could do it all,  like so many of the super talented stars of the silver screen.  She was a highly thought of leading lady, but today few know her name.  I challenge you not to fall in love with her after seeing her in just a few movie clips: she is just too lovable and funny and always generous to her leading men; she never takes over a scene, but allows others to shine when they should.

This film clip is of one of my favorite slapstick moments!  I laugh every time I see it.  I could not find it anywhere, so I filmed it myself (so I apologize for the quality).  It is from the 1937 screwball comedy, The Awful Truth.  

Cary Grant and Irene Dunne starred in three movies together,  The Awful Truth
and My Favorite Wife (1940) and Penny Serenade (1941). I wish they had made more films together because these two were amazing!  They were both naturally comedic (in a graceful, self-effacing way), but they were also both really good dramatic actors.

1948, I Remember Mama

Irene Dunne plays a Swedish immigrant who is the backbone of her family.  It is a lovely movie. Sentimental but not syrupy sweet.  I think this is because Dunne knew how to keep the moments honest.

Another of my favorite Irene Dunne movies, Life With Father.  She plays the scatterbrained Vinnie Day
to perfection along side William Powell, who is equally wonderful.