She Played with Fire - Movie Recap and Arlene Dahls 1950s Fashion
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She Played With Fire Movie Recap, and all of Arlene Dahl’s 1950s Fashion through the film
A gorgeous ex-girlfriend... a love triangle involving Jack Hawkins and the beautiful Arlene Dahl... and a mystery involving murder, blackmail and arson....
You’ll love this film noir whose fabulous twists are only rivaled by the sensational 1950s Old Hollywood Glamour fashion.
She Played With Fire 1957 is a must-watch for film noir and classic movie fans.
Get ready for some thrills and fabulous vintage wardrobe inspo.
What did Arlene Dahl wear in She Played with Fire?
In She Played with Fire, Arlene Dahl’s 1950s fashion ranges from tailored day dresses, to skirt suits, to little black dresses, to evening dresses.
Watching her different outfits is like flipping through a 1950s Vogue magazine!
She also has a fabulous collection of classic 1950s coats, from trench coats to various styles of swing coats, which she loves to color coordinate with chic retro hats.
Her classic fashion accessories typically include chunky gold earrings or perhaps glittering diamonds to up level an evening outfit. And she may even add a diamond broach for some extra glamour.
And don’t forget about gloves. She loves to pair gloves with her outfits too.
Now we’ll get to the story, so that we can admire all her outfits.
1950s Fashion: Velvet Evening Dress
On Christmas Eve, an insurance (Jack Hawkins) travels to the country to investigate fire damage.
He arrives at a formidable gloomy mansion, Lowis Manor.
The owner shows him the damage from where the fire broke out, as well as the remains of some valuable paintings that were also destroyed.
Afterwards, the owner insists on drinks.
When the owner’s wife (Arlene Dahl) is introduced, the insurance investigator and woman both recognize each other, as they had dated previously.
Arlene Dahl is wearing a stunning velvet evening dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt in true 1950s style.
Her oversized pearl studs and simple retro up-do complete her look.
Old Hollywood Fashion: Tweed Skirt Suit
A few days later, Arlene’s character visits town for work.
Jack “runs into her,” and insists on coffee.
Arlene is wearing a gorgeous coordinating tweed suit.
Her criss-cross pull over shawl is lined with a flirty black fringe, and paired with a matching 50s pencil skirt.
A black hat and simple gold hoops are her only accessories.
Jack is clearly still crazy about her. (And we can see why.)
“You’ve never had any serious competition before or after you walked out on me,” he says.
They had a misunderstanding several years ago leading to their breakup and both had been too proud to call the other.
Old Hollywood Outfits: 1950s Negligee
Shortly after, Jack is summoned to sleuth another insurance case.
While waiting to question the woman of the house, he notices an old painting that looks looks vaguely familiar.
The woman, Mrs. Litchen, apologizes for receiving him before being dressed up.
Her black sexy nightgown has a fitted bodice, a deep sweetheart neckline, and translucent billowy sleeves.
Don’t you just love the 50s fashion inspiration for the ideal ‘bedhead’ look?
Her hilarious one-liners and fabulous vintage negligee make this an unforgettable scene.
1950s Old Hollywood Glamour Fashion: Evening Dress
A few weeks later, when Jack steps into his office, he is greeted by Arlene’s husband, who can barely breathe, since he’s battling an asthma attack.
He says that he is under weather and begs Jack to accompany his wife to the opera, in his stead.
Arlene’s character is shocked when Jack shows up instead of her husband.
For the evening out, Arlene is wearing an evening gown with a fitted cross-cross bodice, nipped in waist, and full 50s style skirt.
A floral corsage accessorizes her belt.
Her simple pearl drop earrings complete her stunning outfit.
After the opera, Arlene pulls an oversized scarf across her head for protection against the rain.
We love her vintage 50s scarf style that pairs beautifully with her evening dress.
Jack insists she must come to his apartment to dry, so that she doesn’t catch pneumonia.
Old Hollywood Fashion: Vintage Robe
While she waits for her clothes to dry, Arlene puts on one of Jack’s robes.
Even though it’s borrowed from Jack, she looks fabulous as usual.
Appearing to try to steer the conversation from their past relationship, Arlene starts to ask questions about whether he gets many fake claims, and how he can spot them.
Jack gives her the inside scoop, saying that to look the most real, fires should be started in the basement the old fashioned way, with candlesticks.
Old Hollywood Outfits: Wool Swing Coat & Scarf
After her clothes dry, Jack drives her back to the country to drop her off at Louis Manor.
It is very late when they pull into the driveway, and Arlene’s husband eyes them suspiciously.
He then insists that the insurance investigator stay the night, because it is too late to drive back to London. Plus the manor is so beautiful by daylight.
As Arlene gets out of the car, we catch a glimpse of her fabulous 50s outerwear, which includes an wool swing coat and her headscarf.
Learn more about 1950s style coats here:
1950s Old Hollywood Glamour Fashion: 50s Pinafore Dress
The next morning, Arlene drives Jack out to an overlook which provides a magnificent view of the Lowis Mansion.
Jack scratches his head in wonder, saying he believes he’s been here before, which Arlene says is impossible.
She then says that perhaps he’s seen the famous old painting of the manor. She then stops, saying that would be impossible, since the painting was destroyed in the fire.
For their morning excursion, Arlene is wearing a stunning 1950s pinafore dress.
This jumper dress is layered on top of a white silk button-up shirt, and paired with riding gloves.
As Jack is driving back to London, it suddenly hits him that he’s seen the exact famous painting... that was supposedly destroyed in the fire.
It was the investigation that took him to the home of the flirty Mrs. Litchen!
1950s Fashion: Day Dress
Jack immediately returns to the other home and spots the famous painting on the wall of Lowis Manor.
He questions the owner. The ownder insists it’s the original, saying that a young stunning woman sold it to him.
On his way out, Jack bumps into Mrs. Litchen and they have hilarious veiled exchange.
The flirty Mrs. Lichen is wearing a 50s day dress with a fitted bodice and full swing skirt.
This is paired with a fur hat, oversized gold hoops and a broach.
That night Jack drives back to the Lowis Manor at night, planning to investigate the house secretly, knowing the family is supposed to be away traveling.
After sneaking the house through a window, he stumbles across the dead body of owner of the house, Arlene’s husband and discovers that there is a fire burning.
In the basement, he spots candlesticks and instantly knows that this was an arson job. The fire was no accident.
moke starts billowing from under the door, and he struggles to put it out.
It’s too much, so he calls to report the fire, and escapes secretly just as the fire trucks arrive.
His boss asks him to investigate the fire, but he pretends to be sick, and begs his boss to manage the case.
Old Hollywood Fashion: Fur Swing Coat & Hat
Jack buries himself in his work, and eventually sees that the insurance claim comes through and Arlene is paid in full, but Jack says nothing, thinking that Arlene started the fire on purpose.
One day Jack returns home and finds Arlene’s character waiting for him.
Arlene looks gorgeous in her glam 50s outfit.
She is wearing a stunning fur lined swing coat and matching fur hat.
This is layered on top of a fitted dress and paired with heels.
Her jewelry is chunky gold hoops.
She asks if she can come in.
She then asks sadly and hesitantly why she hasn’t heard from him.
He is furious. He says that he knows they targeted him because he was an old flame, and that the first fire was a rehearsal for the big fire so that they could land a huge insurance settlement.
He hates himself for his weakness and not reporting it, because he’s been protecting her.
When she can finally get a word in, Arlene looks at him in shock and anger and says that she has no idea what he is talking about.
And she tells him to go ahead and report it to the police, since he is not protecting her!
Old Hollywood Outfits: Retro 50s Wedding Dress
Jack immediately returns to Mrs. Litchen’s flat.
When he arrives, the house is packed.
It’s Mrs. Litchen’s wedding!
He questions the toasted groom about the antique painting.
As was often popular for 1950s weddings, instead of choosing a formal wedding dress for her house wedding, Mrs. Litchen opted for a beautiful pale cream 50s swing dress with a fitted bodice.
Her accessories for her big day?
Chunky gold hoops, a gold chain, and a statement broach. Simple, yet chic.
She gives him a flirty kiss, whispering that he sure chooses the worst time to show up.
We love this inside glimpse on the popular 1950s house weddings.
If you love 1950s wedding dresses you might also like:
1950s Old Hollywood Glamour Fashion: Sweater Dress
Jack rushes to Arlene’s apartment and barges in.
Although she is furious at first because of his earlier accusations, she soon lets him in.
She is wearing a 1950s sweater dress.
Her cream colored dress is cinched at the waist and beautifully shows off her curves.
Her accessories are her favorite gold hoops, a broach, a bracelet, and statement ring.
Jack ends up staying for hours, explaining how the fires and paintings at the manor were fakes, and why he suspected her at first.
She is stunned that says that she needs to return the insurance money.
Finally she asks him to take her out somewhere so that she may forget everything.
1950s Fashion: Little Black Dress
Arlene changes into a lovely 50s style little black dress for the evening.
It has a fitted bodice, with a translucent neck and sleeves.
This is paired with a two strand pearl necklace and glittering diamond earrings.
While dancing, Jack proposes to her and she says yes immediately.
She asks him when, and he says, “This Saturday.”
When she asks if it’s too soon, he says that they’ve already lost five years of their lives, and he doesn’t want to wait any longer, as she might change her mind.
1950s Fashion: Day Dress
On Saturday, after getting married, Jack and Arlene rush into the insurance office, ready to return the insurance check.
The secretary says that the boss is out for the day.
Afraid to explain the real reason for their visit, instead they announce that they were just married and were hoping for the bosses’ good wishes after their wedding.
Arlene looks gorgeous in her simple 50s wedding dress suit.
She is wearing a 50s bolero jacket paired with a matching circle skirt, and a black and striped blouse.
This is paired with a matching hat, white gloves, gold earrings, and bag.
Old Hollywood Fashion: 50s Negligee & Silk Robe
In France, the newlyweds are enjoying their honeymoon, and forgetting about everything for a few days.
Until one day, at breakfast when the mail arrives, and she opens a letter.
Arlene’s breakfast attire is so 1950s vintage glam!
We love her splendid lounging robe, with its silky collar and dramatic lace puff sleeves.
This is layered on top of a slinky lace and silk negligee.
Arlene cries out in shock, after opening her letter. It is her dead husband’s signet ring.
Old Hollywood Outfits: 50s Shawl
Once back home, Arlene receives a mysterious phone call inviting her to tea.
She pulls on her shawl and heads meets with the blackmailer over tea and buttered toast.
Her loose wrapped 50s style shawl looks fabulous paired with her favorite fitted dress that she wears in multiple scenes.
Her simple accessories are a strand of pearls and jeweled hoop earrings.
A man claims to be a negotiator and threatens that his “client” knows that the fire was set on purpose.
And so it was a fraud to collect the insurance money.
His “client” has proof and wants half of the reward money.
1950s Old Hollywood Glamour Fashion: Swing Coat
The blackmailer tells Arlene to come back at 9 pm for further instructions.
That evening when Arlene steps into the restaurant, she looks absolutely gorgeous.
She is wearing a stunning 50s swing jacket on top of her favorite fitted dress.
Her “accessory” that takes her outfit to the next level?
Her dainty poodle, Trixie, of course!
In the 50s, poodles were a symbol of class and refinement.
This was because high profile dog shows featuring poodles and their fancy haircuts were really popular.
Even though her husband, Jack, is hiding nearby, the blackmailer never shows.
For a fun read about poodles and the 1950s poodle skirt trend you might like:
1950s Fashion: Winter Swing Coat & Scarf
The plot thickens when a detective shows up at Jack and Arlene’s house asking questions.
Pressure mounts as rumors begin swirling at Jack’s job.
The blackmailer calls Jack at his office, and says that Arlene must meet that night with the money.
For their sleuthing trip, Arlene pulls on a dark full length wool swing coat and ties a colorful scarf over her strawberry blonde locks.
Who ever knew going under cover could be so glam and mysterious?
They hide and trail the blackmailer.
They discover that former butler from Lowis Manor and a young female painter are in cahoots.
Jack tells them that the game is up, as they plan to go to the police.
The butler taunts them, saying that the police will only implicate them in the husband’s death.
For more Vintage Scarf Style inspiration you might like:
7 Sexy Vintage Head Scarf Styles - Inspiring Retro 1940s and 1950s Head Scarf Outfits
Old Hollywood Fashion: Skirt & Fitted Blouse
Exhausted they return home.
As Arlene pulls off her coat, we spot her striking 50s outfit.
Arlene is wearing a fitted white blouse, paired with a long a-line skirt.
Her “under cover” scarf doubles as a fabulous accessory piece. It adds a delightful pop of color to her outfit.
She discovers that Trixie, her poodle, is missing!
In the bedroom, Jack spots a distinctive cigarette burning in the ash try.
He quickly hides it in his pocket, before his wife can see it.
Old Hollywood Outfits: Striped Blouse & Skirt
The next morning, as Arlene is putting her husband’s coat away, she feel something in the pocket.
Wrapped inside a handkerchief, she spots the unique cigarette that Jack had hidden.
For her day at home, Arlene is wearing a fitted striped blouse, paired with a black skirt.
1950s Old Hollywood Glamour Fashion: Little Black Dress
Jack arrives home and sees Arlene left him a note that she was going to Lowis Manor. He is not to follow.
Of course he jumps in his car and heads out to the country, to the burnt out mansion.
When he steps inside the creepy ruins, he spots a light in another wing.
He also hears Trixie, their poodle, barking.
Another distinctive cigarette is burning on the stand.
He opens the door slowly, trying to see who is standing behind his wife.
Arlene is wearing a classic little black dress, with a striking asymmetrical peter pan collar and button.
As she steps aside, her ex husband’s mother is revealed.
In distress, she spills the whole story,
1950s Fashion: New Look Inspired Suit
The mother confesses the truth the next morning to the insurance company and the police.
She knew her son had set the first fire to collect the insurance money and that he would do it again.
When he’d planned so carefully for everyone to vacate the house for a trip, she’d stayed and confronted him.
They’d argued and he’d fallen backwards over the railing to his death.
After the mystery is cleared up, the questions then swirl around Jacks’ actions.
He resigns, saying that he did not act honorably.
He should have reporting the large fire immediately as a fraud.
As he heads out, he realizes just how much he loves his job!
His boss and colleagues chase him, begging him to stay.
In the closing scenes, he turns back and decides to stay at his job.
Arlene’s style sizzles!
She looks like she just stepped off of the cover of a magazine in a Dior’s New Look inspired outfit.
Arlene is wearing a poplin jacket with a nipped waist, softly rounded shoulders, and matching full skirt.
This is paired with a coordinated vintage hat, gloves, and chic gold earrings.
This post was all about She Played with Fire and the 1950s Fashion throughout the film
What are your thoughts on the vintage glam outfits and Old Hollywood fashion in this fabulous film noir?
Which looks are your favorite?
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