Vogues of 1938

This film is a fun diversion. It is a beautiful example of early Technicolor photography and it looks as if it has been restored. The sets and costumes will be of interest to any one who loves art decco. Unfortunately this is not a Busby Berkley film.It lacks big production numbers and is dull in parts.

Have not seen the entire movie as yet, but the mid to end is stunning! The usual story line was palatable but Baxter looked too old. Joan Bennett was super-duper beautiful with lovely speaking voice. Loved Mischa Auer and Alan Mowbray! The costuming was stupendous....furs, hats, ensembles to rave about. As a collector of vintage fashions, I am mesmerized by this spectacle and plan to try to find a copy of this great film.

The pacing and performances in this "varieties" package are just right: like a sumptuous buffet catered with style this packed entertainment serves up hot jazz, delightful dance, and considerable comedy along with the main course, splendiferous fashions. And all of it is seasoned with just a sprinkling of romance!

Those who have panned this picture as a "turkey" have decidedly missed the point: yes, the plot is as thin as some of the clothing on the models here on display--it's supposed to be! This rich mix demands a minimal story, since we're meant to enjoy the goings on with the same detached discernment which the tony patrons of the House of Curzon display in reviewing the season's outfits. The technicolor, as others have noted, is delightful (Joan Bennett's strawberry blonde hair being just one of the delicious shades on display) and the camerawork and direction are often quite innovative and at times inspired.

Like the opening sequence--a bevy of beautiful girls unroll the opening titles and credits on luxurious fabrics--Warner Baxter's first scene, where he improvises a fashionable hat for a demanding patron by sticking a feather into a rag he's plucked off the head of one of the cleaning ladies, sets the tone of the picture, as if to say: we've put together with panache and ingenuity a clever divertissement for you. Sit back and enjoy!

Joan Bennett runs out on her wedding day and takes up with fashion designer Warner Baxter in "Vogues of 1938" which is a combination of musical numbers and fashion shows with a little plot in between. And it's in Technicolor! Bennett has reddish-blonde hair here and resembles Lucille Ball a little but her voice is similar to her sister Constance. I'm so used to her as a beautiful brunette that the change took some getting used to - it has to be shortly after that she did a screen test for "Gone With the Wind," and by then, she had dark hair. In this story, after she abandons her wedding, she falls for the married Baxter (who designed and made her gown) and becomes a model in his fashion house. Baxter's wife is an ambitious performer who persuades him to back a show she's in - and it nearly breaks him.

There are some great scenes - I have to admit, I thought the roller skaters were spectacular. There was a wonderful scene at the Cotton Club, another at El Morocco, and the entire finale is a fashion show done as a musical. The gowns and suits are gorgeous.

Precious little plot here but plenty of shots of the New York of the '30s, some good music, dancing, gowns - and oh, those roller skaters!

"Vogues of 1938" was obviously an expensive and prestigious film and it must have cost the studio a fortune. After all, very, very films were filmed in color back in 1937. Plus, the movie is filled with pretty models, designer gowns and opulence. And, incidentally, it's STILL a terrible film. Why? Because the story is very thin and one fashion show after another gets incredibly boring. So, no matter how good the acting is of Warner Baxter and Joan Bennett, they aren't given much with which to work. And the story just never in the least gets interesting...never.

So is there anything good about the film? Not a lot. I did enjoy the production number early in the film with the black band--in particular the pianist who was playing a nifty jazz piece. Other than that, a complete waste of time and a film that is all style and absolutely no substance.