Here's a Battledress (correct nomenclature - "Blouse Aircrew") from the 1942 movie "Eagle Squadron" by Paramount pictures. A movie filmed during the war that the real Eagle Squadron members were invited to the London premier. Starring Robert Stack, Eddie Albert, Diana Barrymore and Nigel Bruce. The Battledress/Costume was worn in the movie by Actor Howard Banks. I have another worn by Actor Lee Bennett. The jacket is not a "real" battledress but a Hollywood made costume, the wool material is quite different from an authentic one. What's interesting is the closure buttons and epaulet buttons are Hollywood cast metal RAF buttons painted a gold color. Whereas the originals just had plain black Bakelite buttons. The Eagle Squadron patches are interesting in the fact that they are E.S. patches "of the period" but made for the movie not the real E.S. pilots. A real E.S. patch will set one back $500 but again these are period. The poster shown is an original Day Bill poster and I also have a couple original Lobby Cards for the movie. Just thought others might like to see.

 

This is AMAZING! I LOVE seeing Hollywood pieces! Thanks so much for sharing! would love to see pics of the other one, too. Also, any way to see a picture of button close-up? Very interesting! Hollywood costumes are a cool thing to learn about themselves, actually.

This is AMAZING! I LOVE seeing Hollywood pieces! Thanks so much for sharing! would love to see pics of the other one, too. Also, any way to see a picture of button close-up? Very interesting! Hollywood costumes are a cool thing to learn about themselves, actually.

Hi Elizabeth,

 

Thank you for your kind words. I too also like the "war' movie memorabilia. I don't avidly collect it but when a nice piece comes my way I usually snap it up. Anyhow here is a photo of the 2nd costume I have from the movie and also a couple of closeups of the Hollywood produced RAF buttons. Just white metal castings painted gold. Notice on this uniform there are no shoulder epaulets. A Hollywood cost cutting measure as actor Lee Bennett most likely only appeared in the scenes where the actors were wearing their life vests. So why go through the additional expense if the epaulets weren't going to be scene. Hope you enjoy these photos also.

Paul

Thats a brilliant jacket Paul. its interesting to see the lack of eppaultes on your other one

heres my closest an eto jacket belonging to an american who had faught with the raf prior to 43

Thats a brilliant jacket Paul. its interesting to see the lack of eppaultes on your other one

heres my closest an eto jacket belonging to an american who had faught with the raf prior to 43

46IR,

One word.......Nice!