Times

So, I attended the film screening last night. Even though I had already seen the film when I was in college (in a history class...we were examining the evolving role of women in American society), having the professor from Cal Tech come in and speak about some viewpoints and facts surrounding the film made me look at it with new eyes.

For example:

Though it is set in the modern day (modern day being 1945), the film makes no explicit refrences to World War II. The film makes no connection to the issues of the day and so is a film set to completely entertain. Its purpose is not to be a rallying cry for those who are remaining at home.

The film is framed by a murder. The professor spoke about how most Warner Brothers films were action packed adventures and were mainly produced for male audiences. However, this film introduces a female heroine and along with it female angst and melodrama. In order to cater to a male audience (one that would be just returning from Europe and the South Pacific), Warner Brothers added the murder scenes and the mystery to help draw in the male public.

Interesting stuff.

It was so funny to watch the film thinking about how much life has changed since then, as well. In every scene someone was smoking. The women wore skirts throughout the film...no pants. High heels were worn at all times and men were in suits.

Besides the smoking, sometimes I wish the days of dressing to go out for shopping for eating were back. Its so informal nowadays.

Oh, well...time moves on.