Pennies from Heaven Pennies from Heaven (1981) is an American musical-drama starring Bernadette Peters and comedian turned actor Steve Martin in his first dramatic role. Based on the BBC television series written by Dennis Potter and adapted by him for an American audience, the film is set during the Great Depression, and contrasts the characters' real-life struggles and increasingly desperate situations with their fantasy lives, as depicted through lavish, upbeat musical numbers where the actors lip-sync and dance to popular songs of the era. Star-crossed lovers played by Peters and Martin are joined by co-stars Jessica Walters and Christopher Walken, who appears in a now-legendary tap-dancing striptease as Tom the pimp. Costume Designer Bob Mackie earned one of the film's three Academy Award nominations for his stellar work, and Peters won the Golden Globe for her role as Eileen Everson, the schoolteacher turned prostitute. At its release, it managed to polarize critics and audiences alike, bombing at the box-office. Whether due to fans rejecting Martin in a non-comedic role, or because the film as a whole was simply too dark or complex to attract a wider audience, Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times summed-up its challenges in his review stating, "it is like no other period musical. It is so far out, so unexpected, that it might well be described as experimental... As such, it's likely to elicit deeply divided reactions: Audiences will either love it or hate it." Over the years, it has gained a cult following and even managed to land a spot on American Film Institute's list of Greatest Movie Musicals. This week we mark the 40th anniversary of Pennies from Heaven with some Depression-era fashions. VFG members are showing-up in everything from drab daywear to dazzling evening attire. So, c'mon, Let's Misbehave!
1930s evening gown pattern reproduction Vintage Vogue 2241 1930s bolero jacket pattern Vogue 7842 From my sold archives: 1930s hats pattern Pictorial Review 8812 1930s blouse pattern Hollywood 1794 1930s blouse pattern Ringier 600
Micro-Beaded Art Deco Evening Bag Made in France 1930s Fur Felt Velour Hat 1930s Cotton Voile Girl's Dress with Fagoting Whiting and Davis Art Deco Mesh Evening Bag From Ranch Queen Vintage Sold Archives... 1930s Puffed Sleeve Bias Cut Velvet Gown
1930s Wine Velvet and Crepe Day Dress, Vintage M to L Cowl Neckline, Bishop Sleeves, Peplum, Old Hollywood Dress with Original Belt 1930s Silk Charmeuse Slip, Vintage Small Ivory Bias Cut Nightgown, Delicate Crochet Lace, Old Hollywood 1930s Lace Gown, Vintage M to L Unusual Rust Color Form Fitting Dress, Flutter Sleeve 1930s 40s Genuine Alligator Clutch, Vintage Bakelite Hardware and Hand Strap 1930s Floral Print Chiffon Evening Dress, Vintage 30s Green Velvet Rhinestone Dramatic Back Size S M and R
1930s Linen Day Dress B Altman & Co Paris New York Size Medium 1930s Nightie Pink Satin w Lace Trim Nightgown Size M 1930s Black Hand Sequinned Jacket Sequins on Netting Ladies Size S 1930s Panne Velvet Dress - Off White Striped Devore Velvet - Wedding Gown - S 1920s Silk Crochet Dress Pink Fringed Flapper Style Size M
From my sold archives 1930s Walkover shoes 1930s Valcraft suede shoes A couple of 1930s dress patterns A wonderful 1930 print ad for a Knapp felt cap
This rare late 1920s frock pattern by McCall is now available in our Authentic Vintage Patterns shop on Etsy:
30s Peach Lace & Silk Chiffon Long Dress with Silk Slip 30s Large Round Multicolor Crystal and Goldtone Pendant Necklace Some previously-sold faves. Unlabeled cotton organdy: Rayon dress with lucky charms: Peggy Hunt, designing under the Jean Carol label—
Depression era pot metal dress clips - personal collection : Base metal and glass brooch - personal collection Unsigned potmetal enamaled 1930s brooch - one of my favorite pieces.
In my Etsy shop - as soon as Etsy releases it from limbo for referring to the heel shape as "Cuban style", a fabulous pair of 30s spectator peeptoe pumps. And Etsy doesn't let you edit out the faux-offense and then list. Nope. Must delete and re-list without that word. Anyway, link now clickable. These 30s peeptoe pumps also have a Cuban-style heel(!) are are New Old Stock - click the photo to see details at MagsRags.net
Click on the photos 1930s soft rayon bra 1930s brown back strap leather clutch bag 1930s round deco sunglasses unisex Czech black metal buckle and satin belt From my Sold archives A 1930s floral silk gown and a feather bolero jacket
A few more depression era pieces - photos done and working on the rest! A black felt slouch type fedora with button creased crown Another 30s slouch fedora, navy blue with the crown shaped by stitched slashes and an assymmetrical inner pinch And a pretty white day dress
1930s gingham dickie collar 1930s black lace tunic 1930s rhinestone shoe clips 1930s hand tooled leather belt 1930s rose pink lace dress and bolero
Black liquid satin cocktail dress 1930s S 36-38" bust 27 waist Embossed black leather purse frame handbag 1930s Black homburg hat 1930s Dobbs size 7 rolled brim