Berlei Cinema Advertisement: It Isn't Done
Clip 2: The Berlei Figure Type Indicator
2 min 25 sec
Taken from the advertisement Berlei Cinema Advertisement: It Isn't Done (1930)
Original title classification not known – this clip chosen to be G
Availability of the complete title
Curator’s clip description
After taking Barb’s measurements, Ms Blake calls Ms Trent and asks her to check them against the Berlei Figure Type Indicator, which indicates she is a ‘slender average type’. A suitable foundation garment for evening wear is brought up to the room to correct Barb’s ‘figure faults’. After slipping it on, she stands in front of the mirror where she admires herself in her evening dress. Barb is now converted, agreeing that from now on she will never forsake her Berlei – ‘it simply isn’t done!’
Curator’s notes
In the shot where Barb catches herself in the dresser mirror, the reflection of the cameraman – with his hand-cranked camera – can be seen in the top left corner of the mirror.
Lauren Williams, curator
