George W. Trippon — The Film

Sometime last year my friend Arne introduced me to the late George W. Trippon (1916–2010) and pointed out some videos on YouTube of Trippon's program "Sew Whats New"; the episodes I saw were from the early 1970s although we're told the program ran from 1972 until 1994.

George W. Trippon–who is, surprisingly, apparently not famous enough to merit a mention in Wikipedia yet–started his Hollywood career as a dancer but didn't see a long future in dancing on screen and apprenticed as a costume designer, which became the career he could live with. He ran a school for a number of years, and it was teaching design that led him to making the television programs about sewing and fashion and whatnot. He also was a World War II Veteran, serving as a Corporal in the Quartermaster Corps of the U.S. Army from 1942-1944 before being given an honorable discharge for health reasons.

This is a 30-minute documentary about Trippon by Shawn Quinlan; it's delightful and enlightening. Trippon is quoted as saying "I was born gay", by which I take it he meant he was fabulous and guilt-free right out of the womb and, as the YouTube notes mention, we get a fascinating glimpse into Hollywood gay life in the 1930s from hearing his story. Also featured is his military life and how, as he was about to leave his military hospital he ended up teaching physical therapy courses in millinery that proved extremely popular with the army boys! In the midst of all that we get the touching story of how he met, in 1942, James W. Price, the man he would spend 64 years with.

Someplace I read that Trippon is known to some as "The Liberace of the Sewing Machine". Well, after you see the clips from "Sew Whats New" in this film, you'll know why, and he was a hoot. He also was a creative and lively teacher; several of the "Sew Whats New" episodes will show up on YouTube after an easy search.

I expected this film to be, at the least, light and amusing. It is certainly that but it also tells a very compelling story worth hearing.

"Trippon", by Shawn Quinlan, Part 1 of 3

[YouTube link for those who don't see the embedded player.]

"Trippon", by Shawn Quinlan, Part 2 of 3

[YouTube link for those who don't see the embedded player.]

"Trippon", by Shawn Quinlan, Part 3 of 3

[YouTube link for those who don't see the embedded player.]

[via Sissydude]

Posted on January 20, 2011 at 23.06 by jns · Permalink
In: All, Faaabulosity

3 Responses

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  1. Written by RJW Holdsworth
    on Monday, 20 February 2012 at 15.27
    Permalink

    THANK you so much for this production. I thoroughly enjoyed it and only wish I could see the TV sews again. I learned a great deal about basic sewing technique when they were originally broadcast and feel lucky that I got to see them. It was a light-hearted show, but you learned a great deal in the course of the various garment constructions.

    I am so glad to know that he had a happy, long life.

    RJW (mother of two, grandmother of twins)

  2. Written by scott prendergast
    on Saturday, 5 April 2014 at 13.58
    Permalink

    I remember as a.young boy.in brooklyn, surrounded by a.neighborhood.of.uneducated racist.morons.and.homophobes never knowing where the.next.scuffle.would.come.from.as.I.tried.to.live my life.Mr trippons.show.brought a.well.needed.respite.from this.place till.I was.able.to.leave.and.live among real.people.later. the.laughs.me.and.my.brother had watching.this.STAR…AND.the.added.mystery.of.never.knowing on.what.channel.or.when his.show would.come.on made.it.even more.of.an experience.and.reward!.may.the.lord.keep.this.flower.of.a.human.being by his.side.and.busy with the latest.angelic.fashions!

  3. Written by scott prendergast
    on Saturday, 5 April 2014 at 14.02
    Permalink

    god.bless.you.TRIPP! u are.missed-
    I.am.happy that for.the.first time.in 30.yrs I.can.revisit.you.on.u.tube…

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