MovieChat Forums > The House in the Square (1951) Discussion > Hair Styles and Bathing

Hair Styles and Bathing

posted 9 years ago by manage-932-700755
2 replies | jump to latest

I liked it a great deal. Ann Blyth as Helen was just delectable. The actors and actresses who played the English characters were quite realistic.

Did the leading male stars, including Tyrone, and the actors who played Tom and the obnoxious Throssel wear wigs or just let their hair grow very long and then have it styled? I'm of course referring to Tyrone in his 1784 character.

With regard to Tom's and Throssel's incredulity of Standish bathing every day, that raises a question. In 1784 how often did men and women bathe and bathe "all over" (lol)?

[–] vicky_lc2001-1 7 years ago

I think many grew their hair long at this time, 18th century, but only shoulder length for men and it didn't prevent both the men and women from wearing wigs nonetheless. Wigs were very popular at this time, anyone who could afford it wore them. As for bathing, there was once a quote from Queen Victoria a century later bragging that she only bathed (all over) once a year. I imagine bathing all over was unpopular at that time until the 20th century.

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[–] Popcorngal (4349) 4 years ago

I can imagine what Queen Victoria said was true, although it grosses you out. Thank goodness the Western world came to its senses regarding physical hygiene.