Do You Think The Outfits Worn On 'I Dream Of Jeannie' Prevented It From Being Dated?

[Brian Damage]

‘‘I think first of all, we’re all in uniform - I don’t think it’s dated as far as clothing is concerned,’’ she said, ‘‘and secondly, it takes people away from their worries - it’s gentle fun and sometimes we need that don’t we?’’

http://www.parramattasun.com.au/news...s/2172524.aspx

[catlover79]

To some degree, yes.

[Marvo301]

The uniforms help but what really makes "Jeannie" timeless is the fantasy aspect of the show. What single man wouldn't want his very own genie in the form of a beautiful young woman who can perform magic? That is a timeless and universal theme!

[TV Knowledge Fan]

...."I DREAM OF JEANNIE" was designed to be "timeless", so that it could be syndicated in perpetuity after its original network run. Therefore, very few topical references were used [although a few managed to slip in, including a picture of President Lyndon Johnson on the wall behind the General's desk in several episodes]. And that went for the outfits worn by the cast as well [and if you've seen at least one Air Force or Army uniform, you've seen them all]....at least, in the initial seasons.

For example, look closely at the production photo in Brian Damage's initial posting. When do you think that was taken?

Can't tell, can you?

If you're an avid viewer, you'd know that was from the end of the episode "My Son, the Genie" {December 12, 1967} [Jeannie is saying to Tony, "...and you should be the President!"]. To a casual viewer (or one who's never seen the episode or show before), the clothing doesn't give any hint as to when it was filmed. Even though Larry Hagman is wearing a "skinny tie", they often find their way back into style...as they are now. His dress suit would be perfectly acceptable in a "modern" crowd, without looking "dated"...

And of course, there's Barbara Eden's harem outfit. No one ever filled Jeannie's slippers (do genies wear pantyhose?)- or those billowing trousers- or that brassiere under her little jacket- better than her! And her look is "timeless" as well. Gwen Wakeling, a veteran Hollywood costume designer, created Jeannie's "ancient" appearance along the lines of the "traditional" Hollywood idea of what a Middle-Eastern "harem girl" might look like. She designed her first season outfits, including the variation with the "see-through" layers of skirt later worn by Jeannie's sister. Eventually, Joie Hutchinson became the series' uncredited costume and fashion designer. And her ideas sometimes started to reflect when the series was filmed.

As early as "How Do You Beat Superman?" {November 28, 1966}, Joie created several "mod" outfits for Jeannie to model in a scene before a mirror in her bottle. Unusual, to say the least...and they stood out in an episode that was supposed to be "timeless".

...and then came "The Mod Party" {April 24, 1967}. That was a "topical" episode of sorts, reflecting trendy fashion styles [or a slight exaggeration of them]. Joie's "mod" oufit for Jeannie [the one with the hat, green skirt, and boots] is adorable- and something you wouldn't often see on the street these days (and you wouldn't see Tony and Roger's "mod" clothing, either). And notice the guests at Roger's party- most of them are wearing the beginning of what became the "psychadelic" era of the late '60s.

And then, of course, came the penultimate fashion episode, "Jeannie My Guru" {December 30, 1968}. That was the most "topical" episode of the entire series, for it involved Jeannie and Tony interacting with "hippies", all "groovy" and "way out". Their clothing would never have been seen two or three years before. But times were changing, and as I've mentioned before, some "topicality" was referred to in certain episodes. This is the one most people refer to as the "grooviest" episode ever produced...and the most "dated".

In the final season. Joie Hutchinson began creating more "contemporary" outfits for Barbara/Jeannie to wear. Lots of mini-skirts and boots were seen...and on her they looked......well.......


So, yes, most of the time, the fashions worn over the years didn't date the series that much. But there IS a difference in the "look" between the first two seasons and the last two....