I swear I read somewhere that Gene Hackman creased the hat to fit the character ... just can't find the source right now
It wouldn't surprise me to find out this is true. A lot of actors work with the wardrobe departments to create a specific look for the character they're creating and playing, and often take it upon themselves to enhance whatever they're wearing in one way or another. It's fairly well known that Harrison Ford worked with costume designer Deborah Nadoolman to create the iconic Indiana Jones hat(s) seen in Raiders of the Lost Ark and that he could often be seen "tweaking" the hat(s) on-set. And for his role on M*A*S*H it was Gary Burghoff's idea to have his clothing always be one size too big in order to further emphasize Radar's smaller stature, and it was also his idea to have Radar wear glasses to reinforce the notion that Radar's nearsightedness would somehow enhance his "ESP" hearing.
I just ordered a black Cotton Porkpie hat on Amazon for $14.99. I know it isn't much, but it will be cool during the summer and can be creased in the front. (It isn't going to be my premier "Porkpie" but it will keep my head protected in the rain). I'll buy a better brown Porkpie down the road.
Not a very popular style and colour right now. closest I found was this http://www.villagehatshop.com/produ...on-hats-crushable-wool-felt-pork-pie-hat.html Make of wool. Shame, Village hats used to carry a lot of Fir felt from Jazon hats. Don't seem to carry much anymore. I know I have seen some nice brown ones for Magil Hats under the brand name "Rober Hall Hats" in Canadian stores. But I dont think there are any vendors that carry them online. You can always buy something close enough and modify it as well. Sorry I couldnt be more help. Johnny
I love Pork Pies aka shorter brimmed hats with telescope crowns. Ofcourse I remember "French Connection" and Gene Hackman, but who really got me started was the character Walter White in "Breaking Bad". Here is a private video I produced a few years ago. At that time I only had a budget wool Pork Pie hat; meanwhile I have much nicer ones from Borsalino, Champ, etc. Breaking Steinbockhase - YouTube by Steinbockhase posted Mar 7, 2019 at 10:23 AM
In the 1960's in Jamaica, the "Rude Boy" subculture popularised the Pork Pie hat and brought it back into style in the United Kingdom, thereby influencing it's occasional appearance in the mod and rave subculture. I've still got mine, although I have reshaped it somewhat.
Interesting that I saw this thread this morning, as I had just decided last night to dig out my pork pie for today (I haven't worn it in months).
Got a vintage Porkpie. It's a Dobbs 20. Nice felt. Much less brim than I'm used too. Not sure I can wear it on sunny days. Might be a night hat for clubbing. If I ever go to a club again.