Genuine kilties in the movies

[Tobus]

At least in Brigadoon you have the panoply of colourful tartans which was so characteristic of mid-to-late 18th century Highland outfits.

The kilted men are wearing proper kilt hose and plausible shoes.

I can't find static images online that show enough detail, but it looks like many of the kilted actors in Brigadoon are wearing some sort of leggings that don't enclose the foot. Basically like MoD "hose tops".

It sure looks like they have bare ankles above their shoes. (Specifically the man in the red shirt in the middle of this photo, as well as the one on the left with the red kilt.)

[Troglodyte]

I can't find static images online that show enough detail, but it looks like many of the kilted actors in Brigadoon are wearing some sort of leggings that don't enclose the foot. Basically like MoD "hose tops".

It sure looks like they have bare ankles above their shoes. (Specifically the man in the red shirt in the middle of this photo, as well as the one on the left with the red kilt.)

Screenshot (26).jpg

As far as I can see, all the 'Highland' characters appear to be wearing footless hose of some kind.

If the wardrobe dept. was using MacIan's watercolours as a period style reference (I can think of no other that would suit better, other than MacLeay's work from 30 years later) they would have have a fairly wide set of options.

One of which would be the MacMillan representative, who is not only bare-chested, but is wearing the little kilt and what James Logan tells us are called 'moggans' - stockings without feet. MacMillan's are diced or latticed in design, but those shown on the MacDuff chappie are a solid colour blue.

All MacIan's other individuals are either bare-footed, or have hose covering the feet inside some kind of footwear.

A few show the over-sized, puff-sleeved shirts like those on the Brigadoon lot.

But Brigadoon was a spectacular musical made in a rather gloomy post-war period, so a but of artistic licence (even if used to the full) can be forgiven. I can't imagine anyone would have seen it as a true-to-life documentary.

Interestingly, people's expectations of Highland dress have changed somewhat since Outlander was aired. A long-established kiltmaker friend based here in the Highlands, has received a number of requests for a 'real' kilt (as seen in Outlander) and not one of the horrid 'modern' sort that everyone wears!

I wonder if there is a 'kilted extras' group that film-makers turn to for Scottish-themed movies. It would be pretty good fun to be a member...

[OC Richard]

Thanks, I hadn't noticed that.

Now I want to find a photo showing more clearly what they're wearing.

It does appear to be some sort of Allen Brothers > Costumes of the Clans > McIan fantasy.

[figheadair]

Thanks, I hadn't noticed that.

Now I want to find a photo showing more clearly what they're wearing.

It does appear to be some sort of Allen Brothers > Costumes of the Clans > McIan fantasy.

Richard, this may help. clearly footless hose and trews.

brigadoon-from-left-jimmie-thompson-gene-kelly-van-johnson-eddie-quillan-HBJXTD.jpg

Compare with this work around / pseudo pair made for the artist William Skeoch Cumming for use on his models.

233791_view 06_06.jpg

[figheadair]

The Maggie - Paul Douglas publicity shot. Looking at the sporran, these must be his own clothes.

Where ever it was taken, it was windy,

The Maggie - Paul Douglas publicity shot.jpg

[JPS]

I can't find static images online that show enough detail, but it looks like many of the kilted actors in Brigadoon are wearing some sort of leggings that don't enclose the foot. Basically like MoD "hose tops".

It sure looks like they have bare ankles above their shoes. (Specifically the man in the red shirt in the middle of this photo, as well as the one on the left with the red kilt.)

I think it's important to remember the balance that must be struck by costuming between being as authentic as possible while also maintaining practical dress. As Brigadoon is a musical from a particular theatrical tradition, the clothing would need to be made first and foremost for ease of movement and comfort for dancing, then for visual effect--puffy sleeves and flowy collars, while not authentic, increase the effect of every upper body movement, which is critical in *stage production--then for whatever authenticity can be maintained subordinate to the first two priorities. Footless leggings are a compromise that makes sense here, as the ensemble characters are all wearing soft dance shoes, which would not accommodate authentic Highland hose or stirrup-style trews.

*yes, Brigadoon is a film, but it is done in the classic theatrical style

[OC Richard]

Brigadoon is a film, but it is done in the classic theatrical style.

Yes it was an extremely popular musical debuting on Broadway in 1947 (running for over 500 performances, followed by a North American tour) and London's West End in 1949 (over 600 performances).

We pipers always end up doing Brigadoon runs. There are a number of pieces in the score correctly written for the pipes, and I believe all the 1940s and 1950s companies included a pair of pipers.

I performed one run of Brigadoon where the decision was made to use correct Scottish dancing throughout. A man qualified as both a Highland Dance and RSCDS instructor was hired to choreograph the dance numbers.

A Scottish fiddler (Scottish born and raised) played for the social dance numbers, I played for the Sword Dance number and of course the "funeral piobaireachd" number.