
Yes, they abound.
They are most definitely all around town.
Here is a short list, in no way complete.
Just something to think about on a dark and rainy street.
This page is dedicated to famous and infamous umbrellas including those from both the fictional and the real worlds.
MARY POPPINS AND GENE KELLY
The first famous umbrellas that come to mind are often the umbrellas from the two classic movies shown above. That is, the magical parrot umbrella of British nanny Mary Poppins from the 1934 book and 1964 film of the same name and the more practical umbrella of American Gene Kelly in the 1952 romantic comedy, Singin’ in the Rain.
THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG

THE BEATLES

POISON-TIPPED UMBRELLA
In 1978, a poison-tipped umbrella was used to kill Bulgarian journalist Georgi Markov in London, England. This story is somewhat unbelievable since it seems like something we would see in the movies, but apparently it is a true story and the same umbrella was used but failed against another Bulgarian journalist in Paris.
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO

LOST IN TRANSLATION

In Lost in Translation in 2003, Scarlett Johansson walks through Tokyo with a clear umbrella. I haven’t seen this movie but with regard to the purpose of this list, it is said that Johansson wanders the streets in Tokyo with water dripping off of her very simple, clear umbrella.A clear umbrella would definitely allow the streets to show more in the movie than if she had carried a solid colored umbrella.
QUEEN ELIZABETH

Read more interesting information about the Queen’s umbrellas in Town and Country magazine.
RIHANNA
In 2007, Barbadian singer Rihanna released an extremely popular and catchy song called Umbrella. It would go on to be considered one of the top ten songs of that year and the singer would receive several awards and nominations for the song and a lasting connection, in my mind at least, to the small but mighty umbrella.
BRITNEY SPEARS
Also in 2007, the hugely popular American singer, songwriter and dancer Britney Spears deployed her teal umbrella in a fit of rage at the media when she attacked a car. It was not a shining moment for Spears, who could not stand the glare of the media any longer. However, her actions though not deliberate at the time, were successful in gaining her a bit of sympathy and reprieve from the public and the media.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
In 2013, United States President Barack Obama was protected by an umbrella held by a marine in his roll as the Commander in Chief of the Marines. Since male marines were not allowed to carry umbrellas, this event was newsworthy and umbrella duty turned out to be somewhat controversial. You can read the whole story in the Washington Post.
THE KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
In the 2015 spy movie The Kingsman: The Secret Service, a bullet proof umbrella is used by secret agents. Not only is it a shield but it has a built in gun and the handle can be used as a grappling hook. The umbrella was made by Thomas Brigg and the real version of this umbrella that you can buy from the company does feature a chestnut handle and shaft, a gold plated collar and a black nylon canopy but the canopy is not bullet proof.
BLADE RUNNER

THE PENGUIN

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Well, my personal umbrellas aren't famous or particularly infamous, though they have lived a long, hardworking life and they are beloved. There are many other umbrellas that could have been on this list. Can you think of any that you would have added?
See you
under the umbrella!
Brenda
Quick Links:
Discover the Rainbrella Golf Umbrella.
What a fun review!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary Beth!
DeleteWhat an interesting lens through which to look at the humble bumbershoot! Thanks for such a fun read, Brenda!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Margaret! I've come to believe the umbrella is not very humble at all!
DeleteTruly a fun post about umbrellas. I found it quite interesting that the Queen of England has them made to match her outfits. How cool is that! It is a fact that Mary Poppins & Gene Kelly would be the first to come to my mind at the mention of famous umbrellas, but I do find the others very interesting. I had to giggle at the Beatles. I don't think those umbrellas will help them in their yellow submarine :)
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, Cynthia. An umbrella is of no use in a submarine, yellow or otherwise, unless, of course, the sub has sprung a leak...
DeleteLove it! Umbrellas are a fashion must have, although I find myself usually without one when the rain comes down. Bad planning on my part. I love Mary Poppins as she's flying through the air with her brolly.....
ReplyDeleteI expect there might be a few places where an umbrella is not necessary but for most of the people that I know it definitely is!
DeleteSuch a fun and fascinating article about celebrity umbrellas. I have two favorites from this page - the Beatles photo and the one with Queen Elizabeth and the umbrellas that match her outfits. A very clever and interesting article. Thanks, Brenda.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit, Pat. Obviously, I find the topic of the utilitarian umbrella interesting, too!
ReplyDeleteLol, I love this post. Umbrellas really are a marker in a moment in time aren't they - those older photos of movies etc with umbrellas are awesome! You got me thinking about which programs and movies do I think of when I think of umbrellas, well guess what, one of my fave NetFlix series The Umbrella Factory! lol. Of course, Singing in the Rain - now this will be in my head all night :)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to look up The Umbrella Factory, Barbara. Thanks for your visit and your recommendation!
DeleteI love your review on Umbrellas! What a great fun way to look at famous people and films. Mary Poppins and Gene Kelly Singing in the rain always come to mind but you have highlighted other great ones here. Also Steed in The Avengers comes to mind. I shall be looking out for them in films now :) Also reminds me I really must buy a new umbrella this year! Thank you !
ReplyDelete