Newborough Hats (1955)

Two versions exist on digibeta. is version transferred after the neg was cleaned. Mayfair, London. M/S of two women sitting at dressing tables trying on hats at a milliner’s shop. The milliner hands one of the women a hat to try on. Narrator is saying how men can never understand what is going on in a woman’s mind (true on the whole) but if facial expressions are anything to go on, a visit to this Mayfair salon may help the amateur psychologist. Milliner (or shop assistant) selects a hat. One of the women tries it on - over the shoulder shot of the two women adjusting their hats and generally preening. Pathe has a secret camera behind a trick mirror apparently - to show us expressions of the girls as they try on hats. (I think it is more likely just a pink hazy mask used around the edge of the camera lens.) C/U of one of the woman - Susan Turner - pulling down the net trimming of her hat. She makes exaggerated poses - ecstatic, big smile, “I’m so gorgeous