F·ashion and Fu_nin 1_941 • eg1n Today

by Sharvon Urbannavage rial Award. assistant perspective editor Other movie hits during this era

Clothes of the 1940s were wearable by most women. There was no need for a washboard stomach or an enhanced chest. The clothes were simple, sweet, modest and mad~ with quality fabric. Women in the 1940s wore fitted garments that showed their shape, but not a lot of skin.

The rayon dresses were clingy, but had some swing to the skirt, which kept them fun and innocent. Accessories included clutch handbags, fur collars, initial jewelry and various styles for hats. For men, the trend was more in separate items such as army jackets or aviator sunglasses

Many restrictions imposed on designers sparked new creativity in the fashion industry. American designers introduced the concept of separates and coordinating components in order to create the illusion of more outfits than one actually had. Classic sportswear styles took hold on college campuses.

Since leather was restricted to military use, reptile skins and mesh were introduced as substitutes for shoe materials. The unavailability of stockings prompted the increasing popularity of ankle socks.

At the 14th Annual Academy Awards in 1941, "How Green Was My Valley" won best picture. Best actor and actress was awarded to Gary Cooper for "Sergeant York" and Joan Fontaine for "Suspicion." Best director was given to John Ford for "How Green Was My Valley." In 1941, Walt Disney was the recipient of the Irving G. Thalberg Memo- included "Citizen

Kane;' "Here Come Mr. Jordan," "Hold Back the Dawn," 'The Little Foxes," "The Maltese Falcon" and "One Foot in Heaven." Some actors and actresses, still well known to date, who were also nominated for an Academy Award in~ eluded Cary Grant, Orson Welles and Bette Davis.

Leisure activities of 1941 ranged from horse races to the opera. No matter the amount of one's income, entertainment was available to everyone.

Horseracing, however, was not common people's leisure activity at this time. There were three horseracing seasons, excluding the summer when the ponies would relax due to the hot weather. The betting sentiment was the attraction for this event, not the racing itself.

Drinking wine while watching the horse races was an enjoyable pastime. Various types of tastes of wine were on sale during 1941. Advertisement for the alcohol market was common and very popular.

The cheap selling price of tobacco allowed for cigarettes to be affordable for all class levels, which made smoking a common activity during this era. Upper-priced cigarettes included Pall Mall (20 per pack) and Goldflake (10 per pack). These two brands cost anywhere from 60 to 70 cents per pack while the lower-priced cigarettes cost 20 cents per pack. However, the low prices were a result of the low quality of the tobacco.

The entertainment industry helped begin "Camp Shows" with entertainers waiving pay and working conditions to bring live entertainment to the troops at bases within the United States.

So brief a time we have tfJ stay Along this dear, familiar way;

It seems to me we should be kind To those whose lives touch yours and mine.

The hands that serve us everyday, Should we not help them while we may?

They are so kind that none can guess How soon they'll cease our lives to bless.

The hearts that love us, who may know How soon the long, long way must go. Then might we not their faults forgive And make them happy while they live?

So many faults in life there are We need not go to seek them far; But time is short and you and I Might let the little faults go by. And seek for what is true and fine In those lives touch yours and mine; This seems to me the better way Then why not, friend begin wdtly.

Author Unknown