"They're Waiting for You at Bergdorf Goodman."

Let me begin by saying that there's probably a reason why you haven't seen That Touch of Mink. The heat of Cary Grant and the well-scrubbed purity of Doris Day come together to produce something...rather luke warm. It's sad because they're both fantastic actors, but the chemistry in this film fizzles before it fires.

However there is a fantastically opulent sequence of shopping at Bergdorf Goodman. Evening gowns, day dresses, and even those fabulous capri-pants-overskirt deals that were called "Hostess Gowns" back in the day. (Why doesn't someone bring those back?) Chartreuse, burgundy, bubblegum pink - the colors are vivid and meant to entice.

How does such a shopping spree come about? Well, Cathy (Doris Day) has been invited away to Bermuda by Mr. Shayne (Cary Grant), and apparently she needs a new wardrobe for the occasion. Cathy is unemployed and Mr. Shayne is very rich - like, billionaire businessman building-owning rich. Cathy is a former girlscount from Upper Sandusky and Mr. Shayne is a bit of a roué, with a black book to match. I'm sure you get the picture. The prospect of a trip to Bermuda therefore, brings the tension  to a predictable head.

The only reason I love this clip is because I'm enchanted with the idea of opening the door to be told "They're waiting for you at Bergdorf Goodman." There is something to be said for the convertible mink coat too. It's just sadly typical that a Milkwater Miss like Cathy Timberlake would choose the beige over the red or emerald. Nevermind that a mink coat is totally useless in Bermuda anyways.

Like Andy's transformation in The Devil Wears Prada, this little clip shows the power of great clothes for turning a nice girl into a bad one. As Emily tells Andy: "You sold your soul to the devil when you put on your first pair of Jimmy Choos. I saw it." In this film it's "...like watching Joan of Arc on her way to the fire."

Comments

[Penny Dreadful]

Oooh I want to watch this now, just for the clothes. Charade was a similar turkey - Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn completely fizzle, it is almost painful to watch... but ultimately worth it for the fantastic set and wardrobe.

[agnes]

aww...no, i just love all of Doris Day Movies..no matter what! and yes indeed, the fashion is a big part of it! ;) put she is really funny! and a great actress!

lovely blog!

dearest greets

agnes

http://some-kind-of-style.blogspot.com/

[julie]

Also Cover Girl with Rita Hayworth (almost unwatchable but love the fashion). I think the most memorable clip of Good Girl Gone Bad when I was a kid was Olivia Newton John's Sandy at the end of Grease. My sister and I were taking notes on that one.

[Chic and Charming]

I own this movie. I so get a kick out of how dirty it is for something made so long ago! And, of course, I love this shopping scene!