sharke 

I guess you need to sit that close to the flames when the R-value within the walls and ceilings was basically non-existent in those days!  Also, the rug is most likely 100% asbestos.

sharke 

You can kinda tell that there was no central heating ... the whole floor is covered and the drapes on both windows are "full". In all actuality, the only warmth in that house was the fireplace, I bet!
 
BTW, this is one part in films that really bothers me in the Hollywood tradition, where that detail would not exist, unless the character was outside with 3 coats over each other. In Europe, Brasil and the like, a lot of film, even in the 50's and 60's stayed much cleaner and true to the reality of no heating, and sometimes, not even wood to do a fire with.