MOR-0469

Actor Stewart Granger, as Beau Brummell, wearing the first long trousers

1955-02-08

SFP 39

Still image

1 photographic print : b&w. ; 10 x 8 in.

All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Box PxS13 -- Folder: Fashions-Men.
Written on back: "IF THE BEAU HADN'T WORN THOSE PANTS!--This scene from M-G-M's 'Beau Brummell,' originally enacted 150 years ago, had a great effect on your life if you are a man -- or even if you are a woman. The scene shows Stewart Granger, as Beau Brummell, striding into the ballroom during the Prince of Wales' birthday party. Everybody stared, gasped, giggled and gulped. The intrepid Mr. Brummell was wearing, or all things, long, black open-at-the-bottom trousers. All the other men were wearing the conventional brightly colored silken knee-breeches, with long stockings. Those were the first long trousers. The men jeered such a silly innovation, and called the trousers 'pipestem inexpressibles.' Never has one pair of pants caused such a furore! But the style caught on and men's trousers today still have that 'Brummel look.' Can you imagine what would have happened if the Beau hadn't invented those longies? You, sir, might still be wearing pink knee-breeches with long stockings. And you, madam, would have to look at those male legs -more often of the bow-leg variety than the Beau-leg type. Somebody should build a monument to Mr. Brummell!

English

brn: .b10396536

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