Grace Kelly and Mid-Century Glamour

Revolutions, in headlong pursuit of neglected ideals, can sweep away much that was good about an Old Order. Looking back from the far side of the 60′s, we can discern a fin-d’empire quality about 1950′s America–the five-century-long enterprise of European expansion coming to a close. But, then, we have carried much of its spirit forward into our times without remembering the restraint in things like glamour and good taste.

For RT, Grace Kelly has always epitomized that certain lost elegance of 1950′s America. This was the young lady who was not only drop-dead gorgeous, but was also raised to lead a life of great responsibility. She seems to RT to have been a member of that untitled aristocracy that is supposed to inspire everyone to do their best in their daily rounds. Nothing, from this perspective, could have been more appropriate than her marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

RT has written before about the duties of the intelligentsia and others laboring (mostly) anonymously on behalf of society. But to do so officially, as a member of a legally recognized royalty or aristocracy, is that much more difficult for being completely public. More than occasionally, members of the intelligentsia have turned for help in instituting reform to those in high positions–and received it. We all dream of fairy-tale kings and queens who come to the rescue of worthy people in need; how honorable and humbling when someone actually undertakes these burdens.

Happy 85th Academy Awards, everyone!    RT

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Photo: Studio publicity still of Grace Kelly for the film Rear Window (1954). WikiCmns; Public Domain.

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