42nd Street

I watched, then re-watched, one of my all-time favorite movies, 42nd Street the other day. It is by far one of the strangest things I have ever seen. I'm sure they weren't intending it, but it really seems like everyone involved was tripping on some illicit substance during filming. I love it so much for this reason. I love it for a hundred other reasons as well, including Ruby Keeler's astonishingly bad performance. Truly--it's jaw-dropping (apparently she was married to one of the producers or something). I also love, love it for the outfits. Jaw-dropping in a different kind of way. Look at her collar above. I might have to make that.

I really wanted to share, so I was pausing my computer and doing the screen-capture thing, so please forgive the poor picture quality. I think it's worth it.

I had a hard time getting a picture of this lovely girl at all. The camera just moved over her (how could it??) so this one is particularly blurry but I just think she is stunning. And the outfit. She also had black loafer-style tap shoes. Which is important to keep in mind--all these are the girls in their "practice clothes." They are literally tap-dancing day and night in things like this:

Complete with hat, sash, hair bow, and ankle socks. Dreamy.

Here's Ruby Keeler in her tap-dancing onesie looking particularly exhausted (this is right before she passes out while tapping her face off):

And Ginger Rogers in this sassy number (which I may have to re-create):

Why wouldn't you wear a monacle for around-the-clock rehearsals?

And I just love this girl--her outfit and her expression which never changed from what you see here:

I thought this would be pretty easy to recreate/make--a halter top and blousy white shorts.

I'm off to do a matinee and then my weekend begins! Have a lovely day wherever you are!

Comments

[ambika]

I adore this movie. The songs are fabulous.