Black and White Characters

[msemma]

I have to go to a party in a couple of weeks, where the these is "black and White", as in characters from tv/film/stage/life in general from when pictures and film were all in black and white. I'm struggling to think of an idea. I have very long dark brown hair, I'm pale skinned and I'm quite tall for a girl. So far all I can come up with is Lily Munster. Any ideas anyone?

[jno]

Yes - Lily was the first one that came to my mind too. But I wonder if your height actually matters? After all, TV and Hollywood have always fiddled round with it - Alan Ladd was so short he had to play love scenes standing on a box. Perhaps just go for some actress or character you like and don't worry about how tall she was?

[alfiebrady]

If you can get a white smock gown, long white gloves, twizzle your hair up with platinum streaks either side, you could go as Elsa Lanchester in 'Bride Of Frankenstein'...

http://www.themakeupgallery.info/horror/bride/fbride.htm

[kissyfur]

Audrey Hepburn! Classic.

[joko]

why not be literally a black and white character?

pick any character you like, but make all their clothes various shades of white, grey and black and paint your face and hair with grey face paints, wear black white and grey make up and have no colour whatsover - so you will be like a picture on a black and white tv...its different...??

[DaSwede]

Hi msemma, I'm being automatically logged off very soon so I can't do the research I'd otherwise do, I'll just mention the legendary Black and White Party that Truman Capote threw at The Plaza Hotel in New York. If you google for it, maybe you'll get some ideas there. Have fun!

[Buenchico]

'Black and white' together with 'stage' instantly made me think of the pierrots who used to perform at the seaside. A pierrot costume would be distinctive but fairly easy to make (or you could hire one). This is the sort of thing:
http://www.timedancesby.com/personal/judys_bakelite/BB%2 0fr%20bakelite%20pierrot.jpg

Chris

[mike b]

The Elsa Lanchester idea is brilliant, and much classier than the Munsters! I seem to remember reading that she had to wear built up shoes, so your height would be a plus. You have to see the movie though, if you don't already know it, to get the weird head movements right. And the scream - if someone turns up as the Monster. Whatever, have a good party...