Have you ever watched a movie and thought “I want that?” We defy you to look at Grace Kelly’s white and black cocktail dress in Rear Window, or her whole wardrobe, and not want it. The movie’s not bad either.
Rear Window (1954) is one of Alfred Hitchcock’s most revered films. The plot twists around things globe-trotting photographer “Jeff” Jeffries (Jimmy Stewart) observes from the rear window of his Manhattan apartment. It’s July. It’s hot. All the residents of the apartments in the courtyard have their windows open to beat the heat. And Jeff has nothing better to do than watch their lives as he sits in a wheelchair recuperating from a broken leg.
Well, he has some other things to do, like visit with his socialite girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) and get worked over by insurance company nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter).
Most of the neighbors he watches are like most of us, regular people living regular lives. He knows all their stories. The married couple with the digging dog, the newlyweds, Miss Lonelyhearts, the dancer, the composer, and the traveling jewelry salesman Lars Thorwald (Raymond Burr) and his invalid wife. Living regular lives, that is, until the dark night when Jeff hears screams and later sees Lars leaving the apartment with a suitcase. Several times. And the next day the wife is missing. And Lars is cleaning a knife and a saw. And a large trunk is picked up by movers later in the day.
Jeff convinces his NYC police detective friend Tom Doyle (Wendell Carey) to find out where Anna Thorwald (Irene Winston) has gone. Upstate, he’s told by Lars. And that makes sense. It’s a heatwave, she’s gone out of town to escape the oppressive weather. But Jeff is sure that’s not true, so he…
Nope, we’re not going to tell you anymore. It’s a Hitchcock movie. You want to know what happens, you’ll have to watch it. We’re not spoilers.
First, the dress
There are plenty of new reproductions that reference the Edith Head beauty of a dress, but since this is VINTAGE Unscripted, we wanted an older version.
This signed Edith Head illustration sold at Christie’s in London for 8,125 GBP in 2010. That’s about $10,600 in today’s dollars.
This 1960s R&K Originals has the right vibe, even without the delicious tulle skirt. Added bonus, you can wear it much more often than you would a cocktail dress. $49.95 from Glamzillagod on Etsy.
This 90s dress has the same silhouette, especially if you add a tulle petticoat. The bodice is jersey, which is a huge plus for comfort and fit. $122 from DivasVintageStore on Etsy.
The Set Decor
If you don’t have occasion to wear a fabulous party dress but still want the look, what about recreating the vintage decor gathered by set decorators Sam Comer and Ray Moyer? For example, add that amazing chair or better yet four of them. Simple lines, classic design, and sturdy enough for years of use. Rock maple furniture, including chairs, were at the height of their popularity in the 1950s.
That black and white swirled lamp (is it Murano or stone?) and the writing desk it is set atop are great pieces that are still relevant today.
We were interested to learn that the use of Grace Kelly’s original Mark Cross overnight bag was the first example of product placement in a movie. The bags are still made today and remain as desirable as they were then.
Finally, add a decorative touch with a history like the black and white WWII photos hanging on the wall behind Lisa/Grace. Did Jeff take those photos?
Extra Credit
Watch the Rear Window original movie trailer.
Juicy facts about the making of Rear Window from Mental Floss.
A visit to the real NYC location that inspired the Los Angeles set for Rear Window.
