22 Comments

!!! TSOM is a childhood favourite of mine too (legit internally screeched when I heard the first notes of 7 Rings), it used to be the go-to Christmas movie in the 90s but I never paid attention to the costumes, this is so eye-opening in the best way. So much detail on all of this!

also I adore Julie Andrews, the only reason why I don't mind the nicening of onscreen Mary Poppins and Grandmere compared to how abrasive they could be in the books, is because they're played by her.

Expand full comment
author

So glad to hear that a fellow TSOM-head appreciated this! And agree re: Julie Andrews

Expand full comment

What a fabulous post. Thank you!

Expand full comment

I love this movie and this post!

Expand full comment

I salute this dissertation!!

Expand full comment

Target audience reached!! This was a wonderful read.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you!

Expand full comment

I love this post so much!!! (and please, do continue with the costume analyses on your personal obsessions, if you ever do another - I find them so much more engaging and interesting than 'here are 3583920 things to buy and wear as a costume' posts that proliferate on fashion substack)

I haven't watched TSOM in at least a decade but seeing all the costumes in detail like this really gives me a new appreciation of how good it is and why it spent like 30 years across generations being the Christmas movie of choice (first for mum, then me).

re: Grandmere, I am still slightly regretful that the version in the Princess Diaries movie isn't the eccentric tattooed-eyeliner Sidecar-drinking snob I know and love from the books. Book Grandmere was so much more of a <i>character</i>- she was delightful, and while Julie Andrews is delightful by default as Nice Grandmere, it still feels like a missed opportunity.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you!! I would love to do another costume analysis sometime but I think this is the only movie I’ve watched enough times to feel at all confident doing that for!

Expand full comment
Jul 11Liked by Eleanor

Titanic ! Little women ! 🤗

Expand full comment

I love that you wrote about this movie. It’s a definite favorite and I think I have a picture of Maria on my Instagram. Looking back I think she was/is a source of inspiration for me. I’m glad she is for you too ❤️

Expand full comment
author

😊

Expand full comment

This is also one of my favorite movies of all time. I think it's hilarious that Maria's first outfit upon meeting The Captain would be a Lemaire or The Row getup today. Minimalist beige tone on tone and all. Thanks for reminding me it's time for a rewatch!

Expand full comment
author

It’s always time for a rewatch of this movie for me! Also really LOLing at the idea of Maria in quiet luxury

Expand full comment

Maria = really a cool girl ahead of her time. Plus those matching set drapery ensembles that are also very now 😄

Expand full comment

Because you are not a monster! Omg. I needed a laugh tonight — thank you for your endless charm 😘

Expand full comment
author

You’re too sweet!

Expand full comment
Mar 5Liked by Eleanor

There are a few very excellent movies from that era, I would add Dr. Zhivago to the list. Wonderful theater and good stories.

Expand full comment

I have seen The Sound of Music many times (Fiddler on the Roof is my favorite, but this is a very close second) and I don't think I noticed this before, but this is brilliant!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks!

Expand full comment
Mar 5Liked by Eleanor

Getting my wisdom teeth out tomorrow, Sound of Music is now my #1 pick to re-watch when loopy and recovering, thank you very much for this

Expand full comment
author

It’s almost 3 hours, so it should take up a good chunk of time! Good luck

Expand full comment