MovieChat Forums > Ivy (1947) Discussion > This is an Edwardian Drama.

This is an Edwardian Drama.


Set in the early years of the 20th century during the reign of Edward VII. There are early airplanes, (Wright brothers, 1903), automobiles and horses in various scenes. This is not Victorian or set in the 1920s as some have suggested.

Another reviewer suggested this film had a budget of $150,000, small even for the late 1940s. I believe it. It has in some ways the look of a cheap movie and yet... it doesn't. The miracle worker here is William Cameron Menzies who gave the film sets of magnificent detail and interest. The ballroom set looks huge and the water garden outside is beautiful. The apartment Fontaine moves to part way thru the movie is not big but rich with carvings and luxurious appointments. In fact most of the sets look sort of small, perhaps a way to keep costs down.

They said Fontaine's costumes cost $30,000, 20% of the budget. Money well spent. She never looked more beautiful or was photographed with such care. She has close ups in the beginning of the film wearing a veiled hat that are just breath taking. I don't know if Menzies had control over photography or lighting but I suspect he did, the visuals are that stunning.

This film is an overlooked gem, too bad it isn't shown anymore. There's a Universal label in front of the movie but my guess it was made outside the studio system and has fallen through the cracks.

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looks like it's on tonight on tcm! 


🎍Season's greetings!🎅🌲

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