Fun wardrobe moments

[flossieskid]

In the original Thomas Crown Affair starring Steve McQueen, my Mom played the secretary to police captain Paul Burke. They asked her to bring in some of her own clothes to see if they might work for her character. As I recall, they selected a pink sheath dress that she could wear. Not sure how to describe a sheath dress for those that don’t know, but it just hugs the body with little wiggle room.

My Mom didn’t like to drive, so many times if the studio was near by (and most of them were) she would call our house and either my Dad, brother or I would pick her up. Sometimes, she would get a ride home with another cast member who lived close to us.

So, one night I drove to Universal Studios and my Mom was waiting out front. When she got in the car, she said, “Oh, you just missed him!” “Who?” I asked. “Steve McQueen.” Needless to say, like most women in the universe I thought Steve McQueen was incredibly gorgeous!
My Mom didn’t have any scenes with him, but she was always a friendly, get-to-know-everyone on set type of actor.

“Did he say hello?” I asked. “Well, he drove up on his motorcycle and said, ‘Nora, what are you waiting for- a ride?’ I told him my daughter was picking me up. ‘Nah, hop on, I’ll take you home.’ I am wearing this sheath dress and I didn’t know how I could possibly get on the back of his motorcycle in this darn dress!! But, I sure would have liked to try!! So I said you were on your way and would be here any minute and I thanked him for the offer.”

I think my Mom HATED that dress because she lost out on the once in a lifetime opportunity of riding on the back of Steve McQueen’s hog, arms around Steve with her hair blowing in the wind. I don’t think I ever saw her wear that dress again!!

[Easton]

She should have hiked it up as far as she could and climbed aboard. (The motorcycle, that is. Not Steve.)

Okay, maybe not.

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Sidesaddle?

[flossieskid]

Easton - I like your thinking about just hopping on Steve McQueen’s bike! It just never occurred to her. Most women my Mom’s age (especially with a few extra pounds) would wear tight, restrictive undergarments.

When my Mom was working with Cary Grant in “North by Northwest” she was at the crafts service table ( with all the delicious food) and handsome Mr. Grant was there and mentioned to the assembled group of cast and crew that everyone must “Think Thin” in order to stay in shape. “Before you put anything in your mouth - just stop and think if what you are eating will keep you thin!” Wise words indeed! In fact, I think he even says “Think thin” in an early scene in the movie where he and his assistant are riding in a cab.

So about a week later, Mom was, again, at the craft services table getting her lunch, when Cary Grant walked up and, in his amazing voice said, “Nora, you are looking slender! Are you thinking thin?” My Mom was so flustered by his comments, she just blurted out the first thing in her mind: “Oh no, I haven’t lost weight, it’s just a new girdle!”

Needless to say, she was mortified and felt so embarrassed by her outburst. But sweet Cary laughed and said, “Well whatever you are doing, it is working!” I think that is also the reason she never entertained the thought of hopping on Steve McQueen’s motorcycle - her girdle would show!!

Ah, what misery women put themselves through for beauty - and no visible gut!!

[Easton]

Love the story and it gave me a chuckle or two.

Still, the misery of a girdle is, I should imagine, a picnic compared to the torture of a corset.

[patriciaanne]

Jun 27, 2021 7:35:49 GMT -5 Easton said:

Love the story and it gave me a chuckle or two.

Still, the misery of a girdle is, I should imagine, a picnic compared to the torture of a corset.

Now we have something called "shapewear," and it isn't much fun either.