What's Underneath ...
In the spirit of Thanksgiving for this country's fans, here's a thought.
MFU actors are impeccably costumed. In every single scene, not a wrinkle, a smudge or a tear. Very different than for the Wild, Wild West where Conrad is always splitting his pants.
Pop Art Affair
In MFU’s case, meticulous appearance is for the sake of continuity, because scenes are shot out of order. Studios have overnight dry cleaning services making for a clean, well-pressed change every day. I’ve read where a duplicate clothing could be on standby so as not to delay production if something couldn’t be fixed. I think that accounts for the routine of their clothing. When they did wear something new, it really stood out.
One of the fun questions, because after all, we are here to have fun! Is how were are they able to tuck their shirts so invisibly into their slacks, meaning smoothly. Shirts needed to be tailored for extra length and snug around the torso, to keep them in place during action sequences. You can see the difference when a stuntman’s clothing (Discotheque Affair) gets pulled out of place at his back, but the action is so brief it doesn’t matter.
Actors also wear undershirts because of sweating under the hot light. Probably easier to do a quick change of one than use a dress shirt, but depending on the necessity of course. That’s enough material to deal with in managing a sleek and sliming appearance. Because in comparing some shows of the day, they never looked baggy. The trick is not distracting the viewer, but of course we're fans!
Did they achieve the effect by tucking inside … or outside ....the underwear. Which brings up the next question, what type. My guess is there’s already been a discussion about this topic, somewhere in the archives?
The only hint (for NS) comes from 2 episodes, Minux X and Pop Art. Now the curious thing about Pop Art is probably no other time did NS where such light, thin material in slacks. Golf pants in yellow, really? Who went shopping that day? The point being, do the images show the lining of the pockets, except they’re pretty shallow to be holding anything, or is it the bottom line of underwear. Both sides of the pants are the same. The actors didn’t carry things in pant pockets on screen.
He’s also wearing a dark sport shirt, should it show through such light pants. Why doesn’t it and how long is the shirt, maybe not at all.
Minus X is curious because Illya points out a tear in NS’s grey slacks. Velcro might be the secret to keeping it closed, but opened, does it show the white dress shirt underneath, a little bunched. Or something else. And of course does it matter, except we’re fans who examine everything. Apparently!
I realize this is not exactly x-rated viewing. But costuming always fascinated me (in television) because it has to be so consistent scene to scene. There is so much action, how could they keep track. Makes somebody wonder how much grooming was required between every break. I read somewhere that actors can choose their own undergarments, so this is why the question is kind of fun. Frankly, I think they were professional enough to defer to styling.
Of course there are other examples for discussing IK. Let’s save that for another pleasant day!
Pictures and comments welcomed!!
Pop Art Affair
Pop Art Affair
Pop Art Affair
Minus X Affair
Note that spiffy watch!