Cinema Wedding Gowns: Arizona (1940)

This post was one of the more difficult ones to put together because I had over 40 screenshots to choose from due to Jean Arthur wearing today's wedding gown for several scenes and the dress itself having so much detail.

We will start with some full-length shots.

It's difficult to know how to describe this gown. There are tiers and ruffles and lace and possibly some beadwork. The skirt is gathered and wonderfully full with beautiful movement. 

Jean Arthur appeared on the cover of the September 1940 issue of Arizona Highways wearing the wedding gown (sans veil). There was also a six-page spread about the film. You can view the entire magazine here! Click the download symbol to view a pdf of the magazine. This is the clearest picture of the gown I could find and it also shows the hem and tiers really well. It could easily look too fussy but somehow doesn't.

In this shot we get an excellent view of the waist and bodice detail. Note the lacework "stripes: on the bodice under the collar section, sleeves, and going down the skirt. 

This shows the "stripes" on the skirt a little better. 

The dress has a scoop neckline with drop shoulders and balloon sleeves.

Another shot. If you're wondering why Jean Arthur doesn't look too happy it's because right after the wedding William Holden has a gunfight scheduled. I have to say, she's taking it much better than I would have ;)

The veil doesn't look historically accurate to me but I love it so much. The lace is exquisite. 

She wears it almost as if it were a shawl.

It comes down to a point on the sides.

On most women the bow could look silly but Jean makes it work. Such a pretty curled updo!

Another look at the bow as well as her beaded choker.

Just because ;) *swoon*

Spoiler: He survives the gunfight.