Maureen O'Hara's Lady Godiva of Coventry gown on display...

Now here's a bit of cinematic history that really stands the test of time. This striking Anglo-Saxon era costume is from 1955's Lady Godiva of Coventry which was directed by Arthur Lubin and starred Maureen O'Hara as the titular 'Lady Godiva' and George Nader as her husband, Saxon 'Lord Leofric'.

Original costume worn by Maureen O'Hara 

in Lady Godiva of Coventry

Edward Stevenson was Costume Designer on this film set in 11th century England, which is based on the legend on Lady Godiva who infamously rode naked horseback through the streets of Coventry to protest her husband's taxes on the Saxon people.

Lady Godiva of Coventry movie poster

I'm not sure how historically accurate the gown is, but it certainly looks great for being almost sixty years old (those archivists at Universal Studios obviously know how to do their jobs well). This classic movie costume was photographed on display at the NBC Universal Experience exhibit on July 30, 2013, alongside a wide variety of vintage and modern costumes and props from the small and big screen.

Lady Godiva of Coventry treaty negotiations costume 

on display at Universal Studios Hollywood

If you like this wonderful costume, you may also like to take a look at these other period movie costumes, from the Roman Empire to Medieval Times and Revolutionary France, the 19th century Russian aristocracy to the Roaring Twenties, and more besides here at Hollywood Movie Costumes and Props.