British Pathe

C/U of a woman wearing a black sweater with pearls. She wears a nice pair of dark framed spectacles. She takes off her specs and puts on another pair. M/S shows that she is a secretary, she types a letter. Narrator speaks of how the opticians consulting room is turning into a fashion centre. Women sit...

C/U of a woman wearing a black sweater with pearls. She wears a nice pair of dark framed spectacles. She takes off her specs and puts on another pair. M/S shows that she is a secretary, she types a letter. Narrator speaks of how the opticians consulting room is turning into a fashion centre. Women sit in the consulting room as the optician places different frames upon the face of a glamorous model.

He points out which frames are suitable for her particular face shape - some of the frames are outrageous! Good C/Us showing the hands of the opticians tracing shapes around the model's face deciding which frames suit her best. C/U of a box containing six different pairs of glasses. Model selects a different pair. The optician points to the bridge of her nose - this pair is the wrong colour for her hair and complexion. Finally, the right pair are selected.

M/S of the optician helping another glamorous woman to choose a pair of glasses. She has a square shaped face and the optician chooses a "cat's eye" shaped pair in the correct colour. C/U of her smiling and looking at the camera - she approves. Camera tilts down to show how they match her outfit.

M/S of another model trying on glasses. Sensational pair which point up at the corner and have an ornate arm. In the C/U the model looks rather like Grace Kelly. Next up is a gorgeous diamante trimmed pair - they match the model's earrings. She tries another pair - with a light catching oyster pearl trimming. Another woman models a pair with unusual arms - a curlicue effect. Narrator ends by saying: "Today women can wear glasses proudly - thanks to the colour and subtlety of modern design."

Note: wonderful brochure "With your eyes in mind..." on file. Also the Autumn 1954 edition of "Vision" - "The Popular Magazine about the Eyes". Published by the Association of Optical Practitioners.