MovieChat Forums > Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012) Discussion > Spotless Vehicles

Spotless Vehicles

posted 11 years ago by odo5435
3 replies | jump to latest

I know life was lived at a slower pace back then but, like all period dramas, it seems that the owners of motor vehicles in 'days of old' washed their cars/trucks/whatevers every five minutes. This is not a criticism aimed at this series in particular. It is something I've noticed in many series ranging from England's 'Poirot' and 'Miss Marple' to many U.S. films and T.V. shows.

A quick glance at any film from the early 20th century will easily confirm that most vehicles had at the very least a covering film of dirt. Shiny *beep* and span' vehicles were a rare exception; especially considering that most roads at the time were not sealed.

I wonder what the reaction of period vehicle owners would be to a casting notice for "1920's Australian vehicles, must be in working order and be able to be driven through muddy creeks and stony gravel. A few dents and obvious signs of wear preferable".

That wasn't very sporting, using real bullets.

[–] ojay2 10 years ago

Well, this falls under the category of "poetic license" or "suspension of disbelief". Suspect that many period vehicles used in films are on loan from private collections, and of which the owners are extremely proud. Actually when the script calls for a rare vehicle to be damaged (like burnt or totalled) I often wonder how they do it. Can recall some incidents in Foyle's War or even Midsomer, which is not period, but may have antique car enthusiast characters.

[–] poetcomic1 9 years ago

In town, people with nice cars had frequent polishing and cleaning by the lower classes. Nevertheless it is indeed unrealistic. Beautiful condition antique cars are rented for period films and TV from collections and collectors, property companies etc. who give them the loving care afforded rare antiques. Hence the unreality.

[–] alifeatthemovies 9 years ago

Obviously collectors today who lend these cars to productions keep them in extremely good condition due to their value.

I think another point is that in the 1920s, many people who owned a car did not drive themselves most of the time. They had full time chauffeurs, whose duties including driving, cleaning the car, and regular maintenance.