Caption
Sparked by a phenomenal boom in beauty since the war's end, Canadian "charm" schools are today doing a thriving $2 million dollar business, teaching glamour secrets of make-up, proper carriage and wardrobe to potential career models and housewives alike. So great is the self- improvement trend that, in the Toronto area alone, some 8,000 women last year spent $400,000 on commercial and YWCA courses designed to make them prettier on the fashion runway or in the kitchen. "Riding bicycle", these students take figure slimming exercises under supervision of instructress-model Hilda Land. Figure streamlining course is aimed at correcting figure defects brought about by insufficient exercise, poor posture and wrong diet. Ultimate goal: the ideal symmetry of a perfect 34"-24''-34".
Release Date
February 7, 1956
Materials
Typescript with illustrations
Photographers
Lund, ChrisCollection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Caption
Poise and proper carriage, important social as well as modelling assets, are an integral part of charm school training. Teen-age students watch as teacher Lois Piton (herself "Miss By-Line of '52"), puts students through paces in simulated runway work. Cost of general course in commercial schools averages $80.00.
Date
December 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB75367
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176139
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Advice on clothing and accessories, designed to suit individual purse and personality, are given these beginning students. Tips on use of fabric and color, design, employment of accessories, prove invaluable to both housewives and models taking course. Here, instructress Jeannine Mallinson advises on millinery styles.
Date
December 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB75370
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176140
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
This Toronto housewife, undergoing skilful facial trans- formation, is availing herself of the services of a unique Canadian industry devoted to women in pursuit of pulchritude. In addition to courses in make-up, Canadian charm schools also feature classes in figure-slimming, wardrobe, voice-training and proper carriage.
Date
December 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB75372
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176141
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Tape recording of voice is used in this Toronto charm school to instruct students in breath control, resonance and pitch, as aids to developing an attractive voice. This particular glamour school last year trained some 1,000 students; including 200 teen-agers, 500 working girls, and 300 housewives.
Date
December 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB75373
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176142
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Photostory #43:Charm Schools a $2 Million Business
Photographers
Maker
National Film Board of Canada
Release Date
February 7, 1956
Collection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Main Text
Sparked by a phenomenal boom in beauty since the war's end, Canadian "charm" schools are today doing a thriving $2 million dollar business, teaching glamour secrets of make-up, proper carriage and wardrobe to potential career models and housewives alike. So great is the self- improvement trend that, in the Toronto area alone, some 8,000 women last year spent $400,000 on commercial and YWCA courses designed to make them prettier on the fashion runway or in the kitchen. "Riding bicycle", these students take figure slimming exercises under supervision of instructress-model Hilda Land. Figure streamlining course is aimed at correcting figure defects brought about by insufficient exercise, poor posture and wrong diet. Ultimate goal: the ideal symmetry of a perfect 34"-24''-34".
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