Discussion: Costumes, Codes and Subtext - Roman Holiday and Bringing Up Baby

For the September meetup, we are stepping slightly away from the indie and international films we have discussed so far to dive into Classic Hollywood from the 1930s and 1950s. We will take a closer look at how Roman Holiday and Bringing Up Baby use costumes and clever subtext to challenge social codes and conventions while entertaining audiences with charm and elegance typical of Hollywood at that time.

Roman Holiday (1953, William Wyler): A runaway princess and an American journalist navigate a day of freedom in Rome, where elegance, gestures, and unspoken rules reveal more than words ever could. – Available on Paramount+ via Amazon Video (7-day free trial available)

Bringing Up Baby (1938, Howard Hawks): A paleontologist’s orderly life is turned upside down by a spirited heiress and her pet leopard, highlighting the clever use of physical comedy and farcical situations in screwball humor. – Available on BBC iPlayer

⚠️ Important: Space is limited, so please RSVP only if you plan to attend. If your plans change, kindly update your RSVP to allow someone else to take your spot.

💙 This is a safe and inclusive space where everyone is welcome. We encourage open, respectful conversations and celebrate diverse perspectives.

Looking forward to seeing you there! 🎬