MovieChat Forums > The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939) Discussion > Costumes by Orry-Kelly

Costumes by Orry-Kelly

posted 17 years ago by Harold_Robbins
3 replies | jump to latest

The costumes by Orry-Kelly are truly splendid and absolutely gorgeous in Technicolor - that green gown in Davis' final scene - wow! It's too bad that the Best Costume Design Oscar hadn't been created yet, although GONE WITH THE WIND would most likely have copped that one, too.

The Best Costume Design Awards weren't instituted until 1948, and it's a pity that they came too late to honor Orry-Kelly for the splendid costumes he designed for Davis during their halcyon years at Warer Bros. - JEZEBEL, THE OLD MAID, THE LETTER, NOW VOYAGER, MR. SKEFFINGTON . . .

"I don't use a pen: I write with a goose quill dipped in venom!"---W. Lydecker

[–] Lutzqueen 17 years ago

So agree with you! Costumes were an integral part to Warners' glories--and this was one of the best looking costumers ever at Warner's......at least until Adventures of Don Juan, which DID win the Oscar for color costume design!

[–] TooSlim 17 years ago

I also agree, and the men's costumes were beautiful also. Flynns teal tunic....so rich!

[–] msvickye 12 years ago

Yes, the costumes are so beautiful as to be distracting!