Sunday Viewing: The Jewel Robbery, 1932

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director William Dieterle had the good sense to reunite popular onscreen couple William Powell and Kay Francis for his 1932 comedy, The Jewel Robbery. The film would mark the fifth of seven collaborations between the two stars. Powell initially rejected the film, preferring to stay at home with his new bride Carole Lombard. He also wasn’t keen on playing another “ladies man,” but the appeal of the script and the thought of working with Kay Francis again intrigued him. With his elegant appeal, William Powell was exactly the kind of man audiences wanted to see in the early 1930’s. Similarly Kay Francis with her exotic beauty and excellent fashion sense depicted the sort of aristocratic woman who could make the audience forget about their troubled lives.

William Powell
Warner Brothers Pictures

Powell plays, “The Robber” in this comic caper. The Robber, as he explains, doesn’t care for the American “Shoot-em-up” style of theft. He studied in Paris where one learned a far more elegant method of thievery. While robbing an upmarket jewelry store, The Robber encounters Baroness Teri von Horhenfels—a bored society woman who alleviates her ennui by taking on a series of lovers (seemingly with the knowledge and consent of her older husband). Teri, her husband, and current fling have gone to the shop to purchase her a diamond—something they all hope will put her in better spirits. Teri is intrigued by The Robber, especially after he subdues the guard with a “special cigarette” (an early and scandalous mention of marijuana).

What follows is a humorous and exciting look at a dishonest man who’s fighting his honest intentions and a dishonest woman who doesn’t really care too much about being honest. Joined in this escapade by Helen Vinson and Alan Mowbray, Powell and Francis deliver excellent performances.

Francis and Vinson
Warner Brothers Pictures

It’s worth watching the film for the visual aspect alone. With perfect 1930’s sets and costumes, you’ll really feel transported to another time. I’d highly recommend this very enjoyable picture.  Unfortunately, it's not available on DVD.  However, Turner Classic Movies does show the film from time-to-time, so keep your eyes open.

History's Runway: The Chanel Blue Sequin Evening Gown, 1932

Gown by Chanel, 1932
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum

How 1932 does this dress look?  Can’t you see Joan Crawford slinking around in this, looking for her next husband and slinging back tumblers of vodka?  This long, sleeveless evening dress is made of saxe-blue silk and is completely covered with small matching sequins.

In the style of the era, it features a wide V-neck front, which dips to the waist at the back. A large bow of matching silk has been applied to the front bust, with another matching application below the waist at the back. The skirt is gored to flare from the knees in the front and also from the waist at the back.

During the first half of the 1930s, designers concocted evening gowns which were intended to wrap women in luxurious, body-hugging sheaths.  This was a clear response to the short, flat square gowns of the 1920s. During this period, the floor-dusting evening gowns were mostly sleeveless and very often showed off a bare back or a low neckline.  The white and light pastel colors of the 1920s gave way to the stronger, more acidic colors which were fashionable in the 1930s.  Chemically-charged tones were combined with jewel tones for a dramatic contrast which helped define the era.  Furthermore, the fashions of the 1920s tended to flatten out a woman’s curves, making young ladies look quite androgynous.  The gowns of the 1930s bolstered femininity and allowed women of the time to use the spunk and strength that they’d amassed during the last decade as a means of expressing their womanhood. 

The gown was designed by Chanel who had previously championed the sportier looks of the 1920s.  By the time this gown was designed in 1932, she had begun to embrace the more luxurious draping of the time and became known for the highly feminine fashions for which her label continues to be celebrated.  

Sunday Viewing: The Jewel Robbery, 1932

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director William Dieterle had the good sense to reunite popular onscreen couple William Powell and Kay Francis for his 1932 comedy, The Jewel Robbery. The film would mark the fifth of seven collaborations between the two stars. Powell initially rejected the film, preferring to stay at home with his new bride Carole Lombard. He also wasn’t keen on playing another “ladies man,” but the appeal of the script and the thought of working with Kay Francis again intrigued him. With his elegant appeal, William Powell was exactly the kind of man audiences wanted to see in the early 1930’s. Similarly Kay Francis with her exotic beauty and excellent fashion sense depicted the sort of aristocratic woman who could make the audience forget about their troubled lives.

William Powell
Warner Brothers Pictures

Powell plays, “The Robber” in this comic caper. The Robber, as he explains, doesn’t care for the American “Shoot-em-up” style of theft. He studied in Paris where one learned a far more elegant method of thievery. While robbing an upmarket jewelry store, The Robber encounters Baroness Teri von Horhenfels—a bored society woman who alleviates her ennui by taking on a series of lovers (seemingly with the knowledge and consent of her older husband). Teri, her husband, and current fling have gone to the shop to purchase her a diamond—something they all hope will put her in better spirits. Teri is intrigued by The Robber, especially after he subdues the guard with a “special cigarette” (an early and scandalous mention of marijuana).

What follows is a humorous and exciting look at a dishonest man who’s fighting his honest intentions and a dishonest woman who doesn’t really care too much about being honest. Joined in this escapade by Helen Vinson and Alan Mowbray, Powell and Francis deliver excellent performances.

Francis and Vinson
Warner Brothers Pictures

It’s worth watching the film for the visual aspect alone. With perfect 1930’s sets and costumes, you’ll really feel transported to another time. I’d highly recommend this very enjoyable picture.  Unfortunately, it's not available on DVD.  However, Turner Classic Movies does show the film from time-to-time, so keep your eyes open.