Movies Way Back When: Do It Yourself Costumes

By Betsy J. Green

A century ago, silent movie actors were expected to provide their own costumes for most films. The local paper described how a popular “Flying A” actress and her mom sewed her costumes.

“Two of the busiest women in Santa Barbara are Vivian Rich and her mother . . . The mother and daughter are at work adding to the already extensive wardrobe of the popular actress. They make all the gowns and dresses Miss Rich wears in pictures.” – Santa Barbara Morning Press, December 18, 1913

Betsy’s Way Back When book — Movies & Million-Dollar Mansions — is now available in local bookstores and at Amazon.com. This is the seventh book in her series on the history of Santa Barbara. Learn more at betsyjgreen.com​.