The film is based on the successful Broadway play, which was (very) loosely based on the life of American philanthropist Margaret Brown.
Reynolds-as-Molly is brash and loud, and she storms through scenes with Determination. She’s on a mission to (A) go to Denver, (B) marry Rich, and (C) join Society.
(Okay, we sense a little disappointment that such a lively character gained her wealth by marrying it, instead of earning it herself, which she could doubtlessly do.)
Reynolds’s character, as a young woman, leaves home for the sole purpose of Finding a Millionaire. En route, she meets a nice, handsome man (Harve Presnell, reprising his Broadway role), and she marries him, even though he ain’t got much dough.
Turns out, though, that Presnell owns a mine and tons o’ cash, so Reynolds gets both love and liquidity.
As you may have guessed, the film is more about the Refining of Molly Brown than it is about anything else, including her actions vis à vis the Titanic, and this reformation is symbolized by her Absolutely Incredible wardrobe.
To be fair, Molly Brown’s Reformation includes practical things, such as learning to read and write, but filmmakers gloss over that and focus on her desire to fit into Denver Society. In order to do that, she must lose her accent and mimic the manners of those she regards as Well Bred.
This transformation is told through her wardrobe – and, if we’re honest, this film is as much about the clothes as it is Molly herself.
Here is Reynolds-as-Molly at the start of the film. Notice her clothes are shapeless and baggy, and her haircut has a definite DIY feel to it. All suitable for stomping through the mountains, but not through Polite Society.
The first time we see Molly in a dress is when she finds employment as saloon entertainer. This Hand-Me-Down outfit is overlaid with black fishnet, but note the odd and cheerful ornaments: The colour red will be a recurring theme in this film.
As Molly falls in love, she develops a more feminine style.
Image: Moviestore/Shutterstock
Now that Molly has a Rich Husband, she’s desperate to fit into Denver Society. She has the moola, thanks to mining profits, but her neighbours think she’s uncouth. Her jewels and wardrobe start to become a little Much, reflecting her desire to Fit In.
But, during a trip to Europe, she refines the more outrageous parts of her personality and wardrobe, and becomes Debbie Reynolds, Glamorous Movie Star.
The story of Molly Brown’s Reformation via her Wardrobe is told by Morton Haack, who is likely best-known for his costume design for Planet of the Apes (1968).
During his career, Haack was nominated three times for an Oscar, including his fabulous work on The Unsinkable Molly Brown, although Cecil Beaton (My Fair Lady) received the award that year.
Now, we don’t want to give you the impression that Reynolds-as-Molly is a sell-out; she never loses her sense of humour or self-determination. Most importantly, she never forgets those less fortunate than herself, and always ensures her father (Ed Begley) shares her Good Fortune.
Debbie Reynolds said the role of Molly Brown was one of her favourites, and it seems she was born to it. She gives us a woman who Will Not Be Beaten Down – and has the wardrobe to prove it.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown: starringDebbie Reynolds, Harve Presnell, Ed Begley. Directed by Charles Walters. Written by Helen Deutsch. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1964, colour, 128 mins.
The Michener art museum is near my town. It’s excellent. They once had an exhibit of clothes worn in various movies. Rebel Without A Cause, The Wizard Of Oz, and many more. A very great exhibit.
The one thing Molly Brown never lost during her transformation was her high energy and zest for living. Debbie Reynolds did a wonderful job in the role. It’s been ages since I saw the movie, but I like it, including her refined wardrobe.
I enjoyed this so much. The costumes in this film are indeed absolutely divine, and as you said, key to character transformation. I literally stared at that picture of the green gown for a good thirty seconds. Thanks for contributing to our Blogathon 🙂
One of the movie parts I always pay close attention to is costumes. They really play a big part in any movie. I also keep a close eye on hairstyles and makeup. The costumes in this Debbie Reynolds movie are indeed stunning.
Love this musical! Reynolds seems to have super-human energy here. It’s definitely one of her best roles. She lost the Oscar to Julie Andrews’s Mary Poppins, but one could argue that Reynolds’s role was more challenging.
Silver Screenings 
The Michener art museum is near my town. It’s excellent. They once had an exhibit of clothes worn in various movies. Rebel Without A Cause, The Wizard Of Oz, and many more. A very great exhibit.
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That would’ve been an excellent exhibit!
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The one thing Molly Brown never lost during her transformation was her high energy and zest for living. Debbie Reynolds did a wonderful job in the role. It’s been ages since I saw the movie, but I like it, including her refined wardrobe.
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You’re right. She never lost that joie de vivre, did she? Hers is a high-octane performance.
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Oh, I like how you phrased it. “Hers is a ‘high-octane performance’.”
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I enjoyed this so much. The costumes in this film are indeed absolutely divine, and as you said, key to character transformation. I literally stared at that picture of the green gown for a good thirty seconds. Thanks for contributing to our Blogathon 🙂
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I love, LOVE the costumes in this film. I almost had to watch it twice – once for the wardrobe, and a second time for the actual story!
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One of the movie parts I always pay close attention to is costumes. They really play a big part in any movie. I also keep a close eye on hairstyles and makeup. The costumes in this Debbie Reynolds movie are indeed stunning.
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It would be interesting to watch a film with you sometime and hear your thoughts on wardrobe design.
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You would definitely need to watch the movie again without me because I could not stop talking!
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Haha! Me too!
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This sounds really fun, and those costumes are fantastic.
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Aren’t they beautiful? And, of course, Debbie Reynolds always looks fab, even at the beginning of the film. It’s hard to disguise her glam looks.
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Loved your write-up, Ruth! I never gave much thought to Debbie’s wardrobe in this, but I appreciate it much more now!
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Aren’t her gowns stunning? That wardrobe department really knew their stuff.
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Gorgeous costumes and a lovely post, Ruth! I don’t believe I’ve seen this one, but now it’s calling my name 🙂
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Oh yes, this movie has your name written all over it! 😄
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Those gowns are like gorgeous cakes–simply delectable!
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They sure are! They’re exquisite, and Debbie Reynolds wears them well, even though a couple of them could be a bit heavy.
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“Love and liquidity”–what a perfect combination! The costumes are indeed one of the best reasons to watch The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
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You’re right. The costumes practically steal the show.
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This is so interesting! I’ve only seen clips of “Molly,” but the size of Debbie’s hats always amazes me.
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The hats are beautiful, but whoa! They’re huge! However, her wardrobe is stunning. So easy to be distracted by the clothes!
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That’s a good problem to have. 🙂
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Love this musical! Reynolds seems to have super-human energy here. It’s definitely one of her best roles. She lost the Oscar to Julie Andrews’s Mary Poppins, but one could argue that Reynolds’s role was more challenging.
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Super-human energy is right! I agree Reynolds’s role was more challenging than Andrews’s, although both women are superb.
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