Over the years I came to develop a great affection for director Blake Edwards. Sure he made a lot of stinkers, but he also made “Breakfast At Tiffany’s.” Later in his career he made “Skin Deep” with a brilliantly cast John Ritter; it remains one of my favorite comedies from the ’80s and contains my all-time favorite physical comedy gag (and no, not the glow-in-the-dark condoms scene).
The focus of “Skin Deep” is an alchoholic who hits rock bottom and has to get sober. Edwards also explored the theme of alcoholism, albeit in a much darker way, in 1962’s “Days Of Wine And Roses.” If you’re young and have never seen it, it’s a classic. And if you’re older, consider giving it a fresh look.
Like Tony Randall, Lemmon was born to play men who wear natural-shouldered suits and work in advertising agencies. “Days of Wine and Roses” is full of understated, mid-century style. Lemmon is pictured above in sport coat with all the Ivy details — natural shoulder, 3/2 roll, sack front, lapped seams, and, for a Continental twist, double vents. Fitting, since every cocktail he downs is a double. — CC
Another surprising place to find Ivy details is Dragnet (the second incarnation, in color). Natural shoulders, 3/2 roll, sack front–and for a twist, shallow double vents (on Harry Morgan’s jackets, anyway).
Love this movie. The sack suits are great!
I.A.
Dig your blog, Invisible Agent. Added it to our blogroll.
C.
Love Grumpy Old Men with Lemmon and Matthau…very WASPy
Memo to: Mercer, Michael-Spencer, O’Connell’s.
Subject: The OCBD Worn by Jack Lemon in These Photos
Why oh why can’t you offer your customers the exact same shirt? Note the long collar points and gentle roll when worn with a necktie.
This is the authentic Eastern Establishment shirt that was de rigeur in the Old Money NYC commercial banks I worked in.
Please: make it, or demand it from your vendors, and sell it. Your customers will thank you.
Lee Remick shown. Her family owned the department store in Quincy, MA center, Remick’s. Very good actress and good looking as well.
Days of Wine and Roses. All drinkers should see this film.