Showing posts with label Elli Rolf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elli Rolf. Show all posts

Sunday 27 February 2022

1. April 2000 (1952)

Costume Design by: Leo Bei and Elli Rolf

Tedious Austrian propaganda film disguised as a scifi comedy, which the review blog Scifist did a better job of skewering than I ever could - and I would definitely recommend it if you are interested in early science-fiction film!

The one highlight of this twee bit of nationalism are the few futuristic costume designs present - the film had two costume designers credited, so I assume one did the historical costumes (the bulk of the film's costumes, alas), and the other did the remaining futuristic ones for the 'present' of the year 2000. The most striking outfit in the film is this deal worn by the 'North American President' (Hilde Krahl) who sports this shiny dress with a large panel of fabric (of a similar material to the main dress) slung over one shoulder, as well as acting as the skirt - this is worn with a wide-shouldered cape in some scenes.
The President's second main dress is this less obviously 'futuristic' design, with raised shoulders and an open diagona collar, the point at a slant.
The president's last notable dress is this oddly modern feeling design with a wide collar, worn over stockings and with a similar headdress as her first costume.
There is also the dress worn by the Austrian secretary (played by Elisabeth Stemberger), who sports perhaps the most cliched 'futuristic' fashion here, with a large raised collar and cuffs, made out of a synthetic material.
The other fashions of the delegates aren't very noteworthy, with the future 'suits' being just wider lapels (or no lapels?) and much wider ties - there are however these padded vinyl overcoats.
Other futuristic fashions in this film tend to consist usually of vinyl it seems, usually worn over contemporary gear - special mention to the future journalist who doesn't just wear a top made of imitation newspaper, but also has an aerial on his head!
Lastly, are the soldiers of the 'World Police', who all wear padded spacesuits worn with domed helmets - dare I say they look a little bit like the Michelin Man...