Men’s Fashions Have Changed Through Years Says Derek Bond

Wanganui Chronicle, 8 May 1948, Page 8

Men’s Fashions Have Changed Through Years Says Derek Bond

Men’s fashions may not change so much as women's do, but over a period of time they change considerably.

The new Br|tish star, Derek Bond, has good reason to know just how much they have changed over a period of a hundrmed years or so. He wears clothes of the 1930’s in “Nicholas Nickleby," and then of the early 1900's, in “The Loves of Joanna Godden."

Today's male clothing, he says, is the most comfortable. The Dickensian Clothes,” he explains, "were elegant and colourlul — but not comfortable. The trousers were far too tight. I understand now why you see so many pictures of that period showing the men standing behind chairs. The trousers made it too awkward for them to sit down! The elegance and colour make them pleasing to wear, but I should hate them to become fashionable again. “There is not very much difference between the clothes of the early 1900’s and today, except that they had an ugly line in the cut of the jackets, and the collars were certainly not designed for comfort. “I shouldn’t say that today's clothing is perfect. It is too unimaginative. But is is at least comfortable." * ♦ * ♦ Yacht Voyage. As soon as film commitments permit, Frank Morgan is planning a trip to the South Seas in his new 91-foot yacht. The winner of last year’s Honolulu face, he wants to give the boat a good try-out before entering it for this year's event.

Ten Gypsy Costumes. Rita Haywortli began wardrobe fittings of 10 gypsy costumes especially designed by Jean Louis, Columbia's chief stylist, for her use in "Carmen," which is expected to go before the cameras shortly. Materials for the gowns is vividly-coloured, authentic gypsy cloth.

Metro - Goldwyn - Meyer announce that Elizabeth Taylor will be cast as Greer Garson’s debutante daughter in the new romantic comedy "Julia Misbehaves,” based on Margery Sharpe’s best-seller “The Nutmeg Tree." In the film Miss Garson will co-star with Walter Pidgeon (for the fifth time), while Peter Lawford will play Elizabeth Taylor’s suitor. Stack Resumes Film Career. For the first time in five years, Robert Stack faced a movie camera when he reported for the lead oppositt Jane Powell and Elizabeth Taylor in “A Date With Judy.” Stack was slated for stardom when the war intervened, and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in which he served for four years. Immediately after his discharge he was signed by Frank Capra for a picture, but was invalided for a year with a tropical fever picked up during his service in the South Pacific.

Now, fully, recovered, Stack portrays the male romantic interest in his first film on the Metro Goldwyn Mayer lot since “The Mortal Storm.” “A Date With Judy" is also his first technicolour musical. Films To Look Forward To.

Among the pictures currently before the cameras on the sound stages in 20th Century Fox Studios is "Walls of Jericho," with a east headed by Linda Darnell, Cornel Wilde, Anne Baxter and Kirk Douglas, under the direction of John Stahl and Lamar Trotti as producer. Also now in work is “Sitting Pretty," co-starring Maureen O'Hara and Clifton Webb. Othei’ productions now filming include “You Were Meant For Me.” teaming Jeanne Crain and Dan Dailey. “The Ballad of Furnace Creek" with Victor Mature in the top role, “Lady in Ermine,” co-starring Betty Grable and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., “Call Northside 777," starring James Stewart, and “Deep Water," with Dana Andrews, Span Peters and Cesar Romero. £