Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Band Wagon

I spent the morning of my labor day watching one of the great movies from the 50s, Bandwagon. Released in 1953 and directed by Vincent Minelli -it's everything you would hope for in a technicolor extravaganza. The colors are amazing; Vincet Minelli was a master at designing his movies. Bright clear reds, yellows, blues -but especially yellows seem to be a theme throughout the movie. Cyd Charisse in one of the 'numbers'.
another colorful number.
a party scene at the end of the movie.Notice all the brightly colored costumes and sets!
this act was performed in front of a backdrop of watercolored lines - very striking!

The all encompassing producer / actor / director character (based on Minelli) has this beautiful colorful apartment -may of the pieces come from Minelli's own home. I love the stage sets here in the yellow sitting room and the blanc de chine pieces!

In the yellow sitting room, a fireplace wall is glazed in antiqued mirror -really glamorous!The entry hall has the ceiling, doors and trim all painted the same shade of blue/gray with this perfect chandelier with beautiful shades. I love the contrast of the red den in the background. Red, blue, yellow -all in one apartment! Brave indeed!

The story is as wondeful as the sets - lots of fun, great music and singing and dancing provided by Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse -this is a fun weekend movie! Check it out!

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos!!

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4 comments:

  1. KwanaSeptember 2, 2008 at 10:24 AM

    Thanks for this recommendation. It looks like so much fun. I'll put it on my must watch list.

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  2. ArchitectDesign™September 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM

    Check it out, Kwana -if just for the costumes!

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  3. Toby WorthingtonSeptember 15, 2008 at 12:35 PM

    Just catching up with your blog today, and finding one of my favourite films analysed in terms of colour.
    The touches of sharp emerald green always impressed me, particularly in the evening gloves that Cyd Charisse wore in that last image. Jack Buchanan's flat was a riot of colour with a lavender entry hall, a red room just off it and then his yellow and gold library.
    Tres Vincente Minnelli, as you rightly point out!

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  4. AnonymousNovember 10, 2008 at 11:51 AM

    Well written article.

    ReplyDelete

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