Tagged: Homburg Hat

Sidney Reilly’s Edwardian Gray Suit

Sam Neill as Sidney Reilly in "An Affair With A Married Woman", the first episode of Reilly: Ace of Spies.

Sam Neill as Sidney Reilly in “An Affair With A Married Woman”, the first episode of Reilly: Ace of Spies.

Had he not been killed by the Soviets in 1925, Sidney Reilly may have lived to be 140 last weekend- March 24th to be specific. However, a 140-year-old man is very unlikely, especially with his lifestyle and habits, so something would’ve probably gotten him anyway.

Vitals

Sam Neill as Sigmund Rosenblum, later renamed “Sidney Reilly” upon his entry into the British Secret Service

London, Spring 1901

Series: Reilly: Ace of Spies
Episode: “An Affair with a Married Woman” (Episode 1)
Air Date: September 5, 1983
Director: Jim Goddard
Costume Designer: Elizabeth Waller

Background

This is the first we see of Reilly – still known as Rosenblum – back home in London after his first mission, the details of which will be covered in a later post. After an assignation with his prostitute mistress Rose, he resurfaces at a public meeting in Covent Garden where the British Secret Service is denying his own existence. In a cheeky fashion that recalls James Bond, he gets the best of everyone. Later, we also see him wearing the same suit for a series of meetings and the funeral of his aforementioned mistress. Continue reading →

Bond Style – Black Tie in Dr. No

Vitals

Sean Connery as James Bond in Dr. No (1962)

Sean Connery as James Bond, British government agent and legendary super spy

London, Spring 1962

Film: Dr. No
Release Date: October 5, 1962
Director: Terence Young
Wardrobe Master: John Brady
Tailor: Anthony Sinclair

Background

Today is the day all good Americans have been waiting for four years! No, not the Presidential election; that was Tuesday and less exciting than…

Skyfall, the 23rd and latest installment of the official James Bond series, now released in U.S. theaters! In honor of this latest appearance, let’s run through Bond’s first appearance to audiences.

In 2012, James Bond needs no introduction. However, fifty years ago, he was introduced to major film audiences throughout the world as Sean Connery first uttered the immortal words:

Bond. James Bond.

Now, the words are just as iconic as the man himself, as well as his gun (Walther PPK), his drink (a vodka martini, shaken not stirred), and his car (a silver Aston Martin).

In 1962, the producers of Dr. No knew they had to make a quick impression. The new film audiences weren’t as patient as the book readers who had been reading about Bond for almost ten years. They had to establish immediately that this was a suave but tough British spy who liked fine things and knew it. Continue reading →

Nucky Thompson’s Eveningwear

Steve Buscemi in non-traditional white tie as Nucky Thompson in the second episode of Boardwalk Empire.

Vitals

Steve Buscemi as Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, corrupt Atlantic City treasurer and “half a gangster”

Atlantic City, January 1920

Series: Boardwalk Empire
Episodes:
– “Boardwalk Empire” (Episode 1.01, aired September 19, 2010, dir. Martin Scorsese)
– “The Ivory Tower” (Episode 1.02, aired September 26, 2010, dir. Tim Van Patten)
Creator: Terence Winter
Costume Designer: John A. Dunn
Tailor: Martin Greenfield

Background

The real “Nucky” Thompson—actually named Enoch L. Johnson—was born in 1883 and, like his semi-fictional TV counterpart, was raised in Atlantic City with both he and his father serving as sheriff. By 1920, he was the county treasurer and made much money from illegal bootlegging during Prohibition. Continue reading →