"Diamonds and Dames" Visits Cora Smith

Tuesday's tutorial was episode five of the all request series 'Diamonds and Dames'. The style was from the Film Noir classic, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice'. The only female character of note in the film, Lana Turner sports a medium length middy haircut and some very very blonde pincurls. Layers are a must for this style and though my hair is longer, underpinning can attain a very similar look. When hair is darker, naturally the curls will not look as defined as they do on Lana. But by following a simple pincurl diagram, this 'bombshell' style can still be achieved.

Hair is parted on the side and pincurled towards the face on both sides of the part. If you have bangs, like me, a good quality hair gel (like Layrite) will aim them back sufficiently for the pincurls to change their direction and more easily blend with the sides of the style. Once the pincurls were dry, I coated my hands w/ pomade for the brushing out, being careful to brush the curls against my hand so that the frizz was controlled. The result is a similar 'film noir' style, for longer hair. The underpinning option is discussed and demonstrated in the the video.


Film Synopsis:
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
Directed by: Tay Garnett
Starring: Lana Turner and John Garfield

Drifter Frank Chambers becomes the grudging employee of Nick Smith, whose gorgeous young wife Cora is used to getting her way. Cora is a beauty with brains and as she and Frank develop a relationship, the two of them conspire to do away with Nick, in order to inherit his business and all that goes with it. Problems arise, however, when a series of odd events causes the plan to go awry and the lovers to doubt one another. Through courtroom drama and the tension of daily life, Cora and Frank must decide whether their love can withstand the pressures of their tortured consciences.