the washing machine


In this movie, Samantha Eggar's character keeps complaining that her dad wouldn't get her mom a washing machine. I'm wondering just how many people of her parents' generation had washing machines? They were probably very expensive in the forties and fifties.

Anyhow, great movie!

Ellery Queen(Jim Hutton)=SEXY!
"Why does everything in this house end up in the fridge?"

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MrsElleryQueen1976 says > In this movie, Samantha Eggar's character keeps complaining that her dad wouldn't get her mom a washing machine. I'm wondering just how many people of her parents' generation had washing machines? They were probably very expensive in the forties and fifties.
I know a few people, renters, who still don't have washing machines in their homes. And, judging by the number of Laundromats I see when I pass by strip malls, I have to assume there are a lot of people who have to leave home to do laundry.

Having a washing machine in your own home is a huge convenience and time saver. They were invented long ago but the character remembered what life was like for her mother who did not have one. It was a lot of hard back-breaking work to get clothes clean and, at that point, there weren't many options.

Wealthier families could outsource the wash or get a maid but others were on their own. I usually take my washer and dryer for granted but after hearing it mentioned in this movie I was reminded what a benefit it is. I can do a load of laundry whenever I want and, other than transferring the clothes to the dryer and folding them afterwards, doing laundry is one of the easier household chores. Items that require more work go to the dry cleaner and that's relatively inexpensive these days too.


Woman, man! That's the way it should be Tarzan. [Tarzan and his mate]

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A lot of rental units don't have washers and dryers. Apartments will have a couple for the entire building, but many people who rent out basement suites have to go to laundromats to do their laundry. The homeowners will probably have them, but they might not want their renters doing laundry in the rental unit. Washer/dryer maintenance is an extra inconvenience for some homeowners. Dealing with renters is a big enough hassle. Appliances would just add to the hassle for them.

~~~~~
Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen 🎇

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