Category Archives: 1950s

1950s, Alfred Hitchcock, Rear Window, Taylor Comfortmeter

Rear Window Movie: Wall Thermometer

Rear Window Scene with Taylor Comfortmeter by the window.

In Rear Window Starring James Stuart and Grace Kelly a Taylor Comfortmeter thermometer is used to draw attention to the 80 degree heat which adds to the tension and discomfort of the main character constrained in a plaster cast. The thermometer is positioned by the window frame. Close up of the Temperature Gage on Rear Window

Vintage Taylor Comfortmeter

Vintage Comfortmeter Thermometer by Taylor, Made in the USA. It is mounted on a solid wood base. The thermometer is 8″ long X 2 1/2″ wide

Grace Kelly and James Stuart in the Hitchcock classic movie Rear Window

1930s, 1950s, Jeeves and Wooster, Vintage Kitchen, Wall Clock

Jeeves’ Kitchen Wall Clock

Green Wall clock above the sink as Jeeves performs his duties in the Wooster flat.

A green Art Deco style wall clock takes a prominent position in the back wall over the sink in the kitchen at Bertie Wooster’s flat. The green metal clock is a mechanical wind up wall clock by Smith’s of Enfield. Aparently it was made in the 1950’s although it has an Art Deco look that suits the Jeeves and Wooster era.

Metal Wind-up wall clock by Smith’s of Enfield

A similar clock was sold on eBay recently

Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry as Wooster and Jeeves
1950s, Alfred Hitchcock, James Stewart, Props, Rear Window

The Rear Window Back Scratcher

rearwindow-backscratcher
James Stewart in Rear Window uses a wooden back scratcher in key scenes from the movie.
backscratcher
Similar back scratcher to one uses as a prop by James Stewart in Rear Window

Jimmy Stewart’s character is confined in a plaster cast and makes good use of a back scratcher in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 movie Rear Window.  He uses the back scratcher several times, not only to scratch his toes or to reach an itch inside his cast, but for emphasis when gesturing as well. Continue reading The Rear Window Back Scratcher →

1950s, Alfred Hitchcock, Doris Day, Hollywood, James Stewart, Props, Vintage Fashion

Doris Day’s Wicker Handbag in The Man who Knew Too Much

Doris Day's wicker handbag
Dorris Day’s wicker handbag

Doris Day carries a white wicker bucket bag in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) the suspense thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart and Doris Day. The top handled bucket bag is made of wicker/rattan with metal fittings and is painted white with red lining. Continue reading Doris Day’s Wicker Handbag in The Man who Knew Too Much →

1950s, Alfred Hitchcock, Hollywood, James Stewart, Props, Rear Window

Rear Window Camera and Lens

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Camera and Telephoto Lens used in Rear Window movie 1953
Camera and Telephoto Lens used in Rear Window movie 1953

One of my all time favorite movies is Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window which goes along with my favorite era for 1950’s collectibles. I decided to dedicate a shelf in my bookcase to the movie with some easily found 1950’s items as seen in the movie. The piece-de -resistance has to be the Exakta camera, which was surprisingly easy to source. Continue reading Rear Window Camera and Lens →

1950s, Audrey Hepburn, Vintage Kitchen

Audrey Hepburn’s Enamelware Salt Box

Audrey’s kitchen saltbox is seen on the wall to the right of the picture. Circa 1953, “Actress Audrey Hepburn at home preparing and serving coffee and cake.” From photos by Earl Theisen for Look magazine

Audrey is seen in her kitchen preparing coffee for guests. On the wall to the right there is an enamelware salt box. I saw a very similar one on eBay HERE also pictured below. Vintage enamelware pieces can easily be found on eBay and add a retro vintage look in your kitchen.

Enamelware Salt Box on eBay - click picture for details.
Enamelware Salt Box on eBay – click picture for details.