Saul Bass: credit where credit is due

In which G.M. Norton admires the iconic work of Saul Bass.

As I've mentioned many times before, I'm an enormous Alfred Hitchcock nut. There's just something about his films that keep my attention, resulting in me watching them again and again. The 39 Steps, The Lady Vanishes, Rebecca, Rear Window - they're all absolutely marvellous.

Hitchcock's three films from 1958 to 1960 stand out in particular, which is a combination of the director's signature style added to the haunting film scores by Bernard Herrmann and the film title sequences by Saul Bass that sets the scene for each story so well.

A graphic designer by trade, Saul Bass wisely used his skills for films across four decades, beginning in 1955 with The Man with the Golden Arm, through to the 1995 crime caper, Casino.

Vertigo (1958)

Saul Bass first collaborated with Hitchcock on the haunting Vertigo with James Stewart and Kim Novak in the leading roles. The opening title sequence begins with an intense close-up shot of Kim Novak's eyes, with the audience left to wonder just what is making her pupils dilate so much as Herrmann's film score adds to the feeling of uneasiness. Things don't ease up as it ends with Hitchcock's name spiralling out of Novak's eye.

North by Northwest (1959)

I've previously lauded North by Northwest, starring the fellow idolised by millions, Mr Cary Grant. This is probably my favourite Bass title sequence out of the three Hitchcock films. The green screen is overlaid by blue wireframes set at an angle as different credits quickly race across the screen. Eventually, the wireframe slowly fades and is replaced by the side of a New York office building, and the hustle and bustle of city workers below.

Psycho (1960)

Then there's Psycho. Set to an intense film score by Herrmann, doing a sterling job yet again, the opening sequence features a series of horizontal lines choppily moving across the screen. It all adds an air of high anxiety, setting the tone for what was to follow. I'm on edge just thinking about it.

Saul Bass was a true pioneer, changing the way films were introduced so that the title sequence conveyed the mood of the story that was about to unfold. Clever stuff.

G.M. Norton

Protagonist of 'Norton of Morton'

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Vintage Smiths watch

In which G.M. Norton feels ready to take on the world. 

I recently managed to purloin a vintage Smiths Deluxe watch. Made in England at their Cheltenham factory, Smiths watches have a truly fascinating history. Edmund Hillary wore a Smiths Deluxe (the A404) when he climbed Mount Everest in 1953. And when Vivian Fuchs and Edmund Hillary successfully led the Trans-Antarctic Expedition across Antarctica in 1958, the entire team also had Smiths Deluxe watches strapped to their wrists (the A454). 

My vintage Smiths watch is the A460, which replaced the A454 (although they are identical in every way, except that the A460 is shock-proofed). 

Cravat Week

In which G.M. Norton embarks on a sartorial mission.

This week, on the spur of the moment, I decided to embark on a personal mission to wear a cravat every single day of the week. Rather cleverly, I called this Cravat Week (I believe in simplicity!). Naturally, I documented this on my Instagram page, which is packed full of my sartorial endeavours.

Here’s a snap of each cravat from Monday to today.

Monday

Paisley cravat from eBay

Potty about pins

In which G.M. Norton reveals his extensive pin badge collection.

My name is Norty and I have an addiction. I can't stop acquiring pin badges which adorn the lapels on my jacket.

This is how my collection of lapel pins currently stands. I tried counting them, but I lost count so I gave up, poured myself a generous gin and just admired them instead.

Sun’s out, mag’s out

In which G.M. Norton celebrates issue 11 of the best magazine in existence.

Rejoice, chumrades, for the new summer issue of the most noble of publications, In Retrospect magazine, is now out and available to squander your spending money on.

We’re now on issue 11, which is packed to the rafters with tip-top articles from chalk hill figures, vintage motorbikes, classic toys and Viva Las Vegas.

New summer hat!

In which G.M. Norton has no excuse to get heat stroke

Panama hats are exceptionally magnificent. But a Panama hat that can be rolled up, perfect for one’s travels, achieves messiah status.

I now own such a messiah item of headwear, after the lovely chums at Peter Christian Gentleman’s Outfitters very kindly dispatched one to me. It also arrived with an all-important travelling tube to store the summer hat in, and other goodies including a spotty cravat, neckerchief, socks adorned with hares (which my beloved has claimed) and pin badge. I’m a very lucky chap indeed.

Right honourable gentlemen?

In which G.M. Norton feels nauseous. 

One of the big headlines in Britain over the last couple of days has been the decision that male MPs no longer have to wear ties in the House of Commons.

The Speaker of the House, John Bercow, made the unexpected announcement after being questioned on the matter by a wag who had spotted a Liberal Democrats MP sans tie.

So naturally, I thought I’d give my two penneth on the matter.

The running men

In which G.M. Norton hears a penny drop.

As regular readers of this periodical will know, I do enjoy sitting down to watch a film or three.

Last week, I found myself in the rare circumstance where I was home alone for a couple of hours. Naturally I didn't waste this opportunity and settled down with early 90s thriller, The Fugitive.

I'm yet to watch a film starring Harrison Ford that I've not enjoyed. For me, his name is a quality mark.

Style icon: Howard Stark

In which G.M. Norton gets clothes envy. 

I’ve been enjoying a few Marvel television shows recently, my favourite being Agent Carter which is set in 1946 America, following the Allies victory against fascism in the Second World War. Full of enthralling action, daredevil adventure and truly glorious period costumes, I quickly consumed the two mini-series that were made (sadly the series was subsequently cancelled - boo and indeed, hiss).

Hayely Atwell’s title character, Agent Peggy Carter, is a clever, resourceful and not to mention beautiful agent struggling in a chauvinistic 1940s world. Her entire wardrobe is absolutely first rate but as a menswear enthusiast, my eyes were of course drawn to Peggy's chum, Howard Stark (played by Dominic Cooper), who like real-life inspiration Howard Hughes, is an inventor, film director and international playboy. 

The pied piper of peace

In which G.M. Norton finds the perfect excuse to publish lots of pictures of pipes.

For the last few weeks here in Blighty, you haven’t been able to escape from a constant shower of political views as we edged towards a general election, held last Thursday.

Although I have strong political views, this periodical is not the place to delve into such matters. I like to keep things more light-hearted. So here’s lots of pictorials of one of Britain’s finest ever politicians, Mr Tony Benn. Why? Well, he just exudes style. And to be completely honest, after only two hours sleep on election night, I'm running on empty and an afternoon nap sounds like absolute heaven.