To be honest, I was going to write about a different movie today to kick off the Oscar season, but a little discovery caused me to change my mind (more on that in a bit). Today’s film is a classic Hitchcock that I’m sure most readers have seen. If by some chance this film has eluded you all these years, please make sure to add it to your Netflix list immediately.
Rear Window showcases Hitchcock’s uncanny ability to focus on our human foibles and make them not only entertaining but suspenseful. Jimmy Stewart plays L.B. Jeffries, a photographer, wheelchair bound from a job related accident. Confined to his NYC apartment, he passes the time peering into his neighbors’ homes with his binoculars.
Through Jeffries’ voyeurism, we get slice-of-life glimpses into the lives of those living across the courtyard – a young dancer (Miss Torso), above, a struggling composer, young newlyweds and “Miss Lonelyhearts,” for example. Add to this a wise-cracking Thelma Ritter as his visiting nurse, Grace Kelly as his “too perfect” fashion industry girlfriend and Raymond Burr as the suspicious husband across the way and you have a winning stylish yet thrilling combination. As Jeffries becomes convinced foul play is involved, the suspense builds to a nailbiting climax.
Playing a fashion maven, Grace Kelly’s outfits, designed by the legendary Edith Head, are divine, the most famous probably this classic black and white dress from the opening scene. The original sketch for this dress, below, was sold at Christie’s for over $12,000 a couple of years ago.
While the clothing in the film is stunning, the real star is the now famous Mark Cross bag that Kelly’s character carries.
A chic box shaped purse, it opens to reveal a mirror and an area large enough to hold the negligee that emerges.
The combination of the classic tailored geometry and overnight bag-in-a-box appeal has led this to be one of the most coveted fashion items in films. The actually bag was also sold at Christie’s ten years ago.
The good news is that Mark Cross, which had closed in 1997 is back. Reborn in 2010 with new owners, the historic company is issuing a new premier collection with Rear Window allure. Made at the same Florentine factory as the original, the bags are available exclusively at Barney’s. Including several stylish models, they are launching the collection next week. I particularly love the Scottie Small Satchel
and of course the Grace box bag.
There’s an idea that I’m sure someone will figure out eventually – shopping directly from the movies! In the meantime, enjoy this Hitchcock classic.
And without risking sounding like a beauty contestant, I do have to send a thank you to all the readers who let me know they have cast their vote. I am really so very appreciative. Congratulations to each nominee. We all know the time and effort required to produce a consistent site. It is gratifying to know that there are people who enjoy your work!
Then he is a Dragon, in which case, you might want to use it as an excuse to treat him to these 
Joan Fontaine, on the heels of her performance in Hitchcock’s spectacular 
A sheltered and “carefully brought up young lady” of a well-to-do family, with, as her father says, “intellect and fine solid character,” Lina is mesmerized by the handsome playboy Johnnie Aysgarth (Grant). Formerly resigned to her spinster status, she realizes he is everything she thought she could never have.
I love the English country sets in this movie. They are quietly stylish and offer so many memorable vignettes. Don’t you feel that perhaps Ralph Lauren has seen this movie on several occasions?
Lina and her parents live in an appropriately reserved Tudor style house reflecting their solid staid style.
Though her father makes his distaste of the gambling, irresponsible Aysgarth exceedingly clear, Lina is smitten and elopes with him anyway.
Home from their continental honeymoon, Johnnie has rented them a charming fully decorated Georgian house he can’t afford.
Complete with staff
who serves tea in the drawing room
and champagne on the terrace. Remember discussing how 
As you probably know, Hitchcock began his career as an art director which explains why his movies are so stylish and dependable for not only dramatic cinematography but also fabulous, perfectly appointed sets.
Although there are dark and dangerous plot rumblings, everything still has an elegant and sophisticated veneer. I would love for the above vignette to be a part of my daily routine. Dressing for dinner and anagrams (like scrabble) was de rigueur.
Love the necklace – not so much the shoulders.
Despite the elegant trappings, things proceed rather rapidly downhill from there. Johnnie’s ways start to seem less charming and a bit more sinister. His gambling turns into serious debts and there is talk of his embezzling at his job. Lina’s insecurities start to get the best of her as the classic Hitchcock tension mounts in typical psychological fashion.
As Lina catches Johnnie in lie after lie, we too become suspicious of his actions. And then when Johnnie’s best friend, Nigel Bruce, with whom he has invested, dies mysteriously, Lina is sure her time is measured. (notice the chic what-not?). It’s a wild ride as evidence comes and goes – is Johnnie merely a charming spendthrift or a calculating murderer?
Even when Lina faints from an attack of nerves, I practically gasped when the fabulous embroidery on the back of her dress was revealed.
Whether you are watching a Hitchcock for the suspenseful plot, the stylish setting or both, it is always a treat. I won’t spoil the ending of course, but just know that Hitchcock did change it to suit the studios and regretted it forever after. Happy viewing!
In fact, Pfeiffer was such a fan that as soon as she heard Burton was making the film, she put a call in to be cast. The plot centered around vampire Barnabas Collins, to be played by Burton favorite Johnny Depp – Depp and Pfeiffer in a sneak peek above. Although not introduced until after the first year, Barnabas’ appearance catapulted the show into its stratospheric popularity. The series was characterized by high melodrama, wide ranging storylines and plot twists and yes, highly atmospheric interiors!
Collinwood, the estate in the original show, featured interiors full of gothic drama. The exteriors were shot at Seaview Terrace, a French Renaissance style chateau from the 1920′s in Newport. Designed for Mr. and Mrs. Edson Bradley, architect Howard Greenley, won an American League of Architects medal for the house, shown above. It closely beat out Lyndhurst, below, the famous Gould estate in Tarrytown, NY for the honor. Lyndhurst was, however, subsequently used in both movie versions (yes, there were two).
Although they did not shoot inside, many of the interior elements of Seaview, such as the chandelier and stained glass window below, served as inspiration for the set design.
