At Home for the Holidays

One of my faves, this outfit just drips of Lana Turner. It is correctly pinpointed to 1957, and was designed by Tim Kennedy in 1999. From the storycard:

Last year’s holiday special (and Gene’s television debut) came to you in compatible color from NBS studios in New York; this holiday, travel to sunny California as Gene Marshall invites the country to join her “At Home for the Holidays”! If you can’t be with your family over the holidays, why not have the next best thing? The cast and crew from NBS’s “Holiday Magic” became a second family to Gene during the creation of last year’s special. Now, most of them have been flown to the West Coast to work on what may become an annual Gene Marshall holiday event.



To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Picnic in the Country

It is July 1946, and Gene is unwinding with a little picnic in the country while wearing her Lynne Day outfit released in 1999. Gene and her friend enjoy this spontaneous feast after stopping by a farmer's fresh fruit stand in the California hills.

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Poolside

The attention to detail in these publicity shots is truly impressive; the sense of scale is perfection, and the props are well chosen. In this cute outfit, it is highly doubtful that Gene made it anywhere near the water! This circa 1954 outfit designed by Vince Nowell for Gene’s movie “Love for Sail” was released in 1999. The girls are gossiping by the pool about the handsome captain of the cruise ship.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

More Bridge Club

One more shot of Gene in Bridge Club, sitting in her chair awaiting the next hand to be dealt.

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Bridge Club

It’s 1954, and Gene Marshall is wearing this Vince Nowell outfit, released in 1999. According to the story card, Gene is starring in a romantic comedy of mistaken identity and matchmaking mothers. She holds the Queen of Hearts and the empty chair at her Mother's Bridge Club, where she finds love. In this clean and crisp vintage outfit, Gene looks like she means business and has no intention of losing.

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Even more Avant Garde

Could this be the frame mentioned in the previous posting?

The final part of this particular tale from the story card:

“Perfect!” said the reporter. “That’s what I really call the “Best in Show”—and, as Gene blushed prettily, the round of applause that rose from the crowd echoed the reporter’s on the spot “review!”

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More Avant Garde

Even dolls have profiles; Gene turns her head sideways and from this angle, she almost looks like a young teen with her round features.

More from the story card:

And speaking of framed—what was this? It was a large empty frame fixed against the wall. Next to it was a sign that read, “Best in Show.” Apparently, this was where the prize winning entry in the exhibition would soon be displayed. As Gene awaited the revealing of this sure-to-be-impressive work of art, she heard someone say, “Over here, Miss Marshall!” She turned, framed in the framed, just as the reporter’s flash went off.

To be continued tomorrow…

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Avant Garde

José Ferrand is the talented designer behind this circa 1956 deep pink creation released in 1999. Whenever I hear the term “Avant Garde” I think back to one of my early font favorites as a young designer. But I digress...

From the story card:

The Avant Garde Gallery was crammed with the elite of the art world for the opening night of their new exhibit. However, among the tuxedoed men and gowned ladies, no one could deny that Gene’s choice of attire was a work of art in itself. The sleeves that floated above her elbows seemed to defy gravity, carefully hung like the framed artwork that adorned the walls. Gene sipped a glass of champagne. Since she painted as a hobby, the works of art that surrounded her made her eager to leave the party and get back to her own easel. She could imagine her first show, seeing her landscapes and still lifes framed and hanging on the gallery walls…

This outfit could have been “plussed” if it had included a miniature piece of art from the exhibit. But just a minor suggestion, as the outfit itself has no problem standing alone. To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Sunday Afternoon

Abigail Haskell created this circa 1953 ensemble, released in 1999. The design of this outfit is thoroughly vintage. My gripe? It would be much better if the scale pattern of the dots were just a little smaller. This is probably one of the most difficult thing about doing dolls that are smaller than 18"-20" in height; the scale. As you'll note though, it didn’t stop me from purchasing it! From the story card:

“Rain Song” had wrapped for the weekend—and Gene was taking advantage of the Sunday afternoon off to take a stroll by the New England seaside. Her thoughts travelled back to family vacations when the Marshalls left Cos Cob for their cottage on the coast.

Walking along the wharf in her casual Sunday best, she stoped at a small stand that sold souvenirs. The grizzled salt who ran the stand was deftly assembling a ship-in-a-bottle when Gene walked in. He looked up, and his tired eyes grew brighter as he squinted at her.

“Scuse me, miss—but don’t I know you?” he said.

Gene blushed prettily. “I don’t think so, captain. My name is Katie—I’m from Cos Cob…”

“Been a lot of places, but I never been there,” the captain said. He thought for a minute, then snapped his fingers. “Of course—you look just like that pretty movie star, Miss Gene Marshall. She’s one of my favorites.”

Katie sure is having fun being incognito! To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Honeymoon, Pt. 2

One last shot of this beautiful Gene Marshall creation, with a little more from the story card:

This dazzling peignoir set would be just perfect for the moment. Waiting for the Assistant Director to call her to the set, her thoughts turned to her parents and the pajamas they dressed her in for bed: footies on to keep her toes warm and back flap securely buttoned, they would giver her her teddy and scoot her off to bed with a kiss.

Picking up that same teddy bear—the one her father had handed her as she boarded the train for Hollywood—she tried to imagine little Katie toddling up to bed in Cos Cob wearing blue lace and silk.

Giggling at the thought, she fell back on the chaise, kicking her legs.

Sounds like little Katie has grown up! To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Honeymoon

Jose Ferrand designed this circa 1950 creation in 1999. Doncha’ dig her faux fur-trimmed “mules”, even if they are molded plastic?

From the story card:

Gene Marshall studied herself in the dressing room mirror. In a few minutes, she would be under the hot lights filming the final scene of “Monaco”—acting as if the “night air” of Monte Carlo was causing her to shiver as she reflected on her good fortune. Rubbing her arms and drawing the diaphanous folds of lace around her, she would step off the balcony and back into the honeymoon suite—just in time for the Prince (her new husband and true love) to hand her a bubbly glass of champagne.A toast, a passionate kiss, and then…Fade Out.

Fade out is right...today, this film probably would have kept griding for another salacious 20 minutes. Sometimes, imagination is a good thing. This is why Gene is so loved; she stirs the imagination.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Somewhere Summer, Pt. 2

A beautiful outfit like this deserves a closeup, don‘t you think?

More from the story card:

As his arms encircle her and he draws her close, she smiles through her tears. For it is then she realizes that, no matter what the weather is outside, when you find true love, the place that’s “Somewhere Summer” is always in your heart.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Somewhere Summer

This 1999 Tim Kennedy design is another favorite; simple, yet so true to its vintage heritage. Circa 1952, Gene is wearing a crisp white dress of dotted organza, layered over cool-white taffeta. The sleeves (known as “lantern” sleeves) are fantastic, creating a v-shape that is particularly flattering, similar to padded shoulders.

From the story card:

The weather outside the theatre is frightful: cold, wet—winter at its worst. But once inside and the film begins—and the smell of popcorn and weather-dampened coats is overpowered by the imagined scent of sweet summer blossoms for a couple of glorious hours. Gene’s latest hit, “Somerwhere Summer,” is nearing its end. There, on screen, is Gene, standing in a beautiful rose garden. A soft breeze ruffles her dotted dress as she waits. Will he be there to keep his promise to sweep her away where it’s somewhere summer?

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Secret Sleuth

Released in 1998, this Tim Kennedy design takes us back to 1948. Gene’s starring role is in the movie “Montage” and she plays (what else) a budding detective searching for her father’s murderer. Not surprisingly, Gene’s ensemble was based on an authentic 1950's design presented courtesy of Valentino's in Hollywood. Statue not included.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Usherette

It’s 1941 and Gene’s life is about to change; for her, it isn’t Schwabb’s drugstore, but rather a movie theater in New York. This 1995 Tim Kennedy outfit is a brightly colored homage to the outfits worn by actual ushers and usherettes during the golden age of Hollywood. From the storycard:

When you have a dream to pursue, sacrifice seems like nothing. So you give your comfortable, small-town life and move to New York City. You look for a job that will get you noticed by people in the ovie industry…a job as an Usherette, in a movie theatre frequented by celebrities. For Gene, no job could be better! When not helping people to their seats, she can stand at the rear of the darkened theatre, watching the films she loves and learning from them.

And learn she does. Did I mention that the flashlight is included?

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Hi-Fi

This outfit caught my attention not because of its intricacies or exquisite fabrics or even its innovations. I had to have it because it seemed so right for the era that it was set in. You can just imagine a young lady dressed casually, about to listen to her favorite album. Not CD; not itune; an album. A black lacquered record with her favorite musicians, recorded in glorious High Fidelity (aka Hi-Fi for you youngsters!). This circa 1954 outfit was designed by Doug James and released in 1998. From the storycard:

It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon in September, and Gene is enjoying a moment of these few precious weeks at home between films. She is cozily curled up on the soft rug before the coffeeetable, going through the neat stacks of correspondence, letters from fans, and script proposals awaiting her attention. Delicious scents drift from the kitchen and fill the house as Gene’s favorite homemade stew simmers in the slow cooker. Her dogs, Dashiell and Dottie, are happily drowsing before the fireplace. And best of all, ‘Blue Evening,’ that moddy, bluesy hit record by Gene’s dear friend, Ina Stafford, is on the hi-fi, filling the room with Ina’s rich velvety voice.

Hi-Fi also comes with a miniature record; how cool is that? Die-hard Gene fans who read the storycard will want to have Dashiell and Dottie to complete their collection; naturally they are sold separately. Pure marketing genius—sell the story and you sell the accessories.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Black Ribbon

This 1942 outfit had me hooked from the first time I saw it. Designed by Tim Kennedy in 1999, Gene’s outfit is for a movie of the same name. Playing a widow, Gene is decked out in a black charmeuse sheath. From the storycard:

Playing the part of Gilda Webster in ‘The Black Ribbon,’ a young widow who suddenly learns her beloved husband Paul has left her penniless, was a breakthrough for Gene. Portraying a slightly older woman in a role that called for her to run the gamut of emotions proved to fans—and critics—that she had what it took to be among the most revered stars of the silver screen.

And just how revered was that? Revered enough to earn her a Golden Star Award for Best Acress. How do you like them feathers? Almost as pretty as the feathers in her fan!

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Forget-Me-Not

It’s 1954, and Gene is doing a publicity shoot. As you can see from the photos, even dolls can have a little va-va-voom. This Mel Alberts outfit from 1998 is really rare for a doll; a complete set of vintage lingerie that spares none of the details. The attention to detail on this set really is amazing. How many other doll lines could get away with selling an outfit that is merely an undergarment? From the storycard:

Gene hurries into her dressing room to change into the next costume for the publicity photo shoot, her famous blue eyes still dazzled from the flashing bulbs and Klieg lights. ‘Only five minutes to change, Dottie!’ she says to her happy white terrier, stooping to give her a fond pat. Gene steps out of her gown, sighing with relief as she adjusts the too-low bodice of her exqisite longline bra with its French lace of forget-me-not blue. All during the last shoot she worried about revealing more than anyone had intended!

Somehow Gene overcomes a bad case of the fumbles as she gets dressed for the next scene. In this outfit though, it’s easy to forgive her clumsiness!

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Goodbye New York

Many times with Gene, I'll like the outfit, but really be even more excited about some of the cool accessories. Such is the case with “Goodbye New York.” Set in 1941, this Doug James designed outfit from 1995 is what Gene wears on her train trip from New York to Hollywood. From the storycard:

To the rest of the world, you look the part: a newly-discovered starlet, about to depart from Hollywood. But only you…and the kindly producer who has become your friend…know how you really feel. Happy, but wistful about leaving the simple life behind forever. Excited, but a little nervous about what the future holds.

It is no surprise then that this set includes a teddy bear brought to her at the station by her father as a token from her childhood. Little details (in both story, costume, and accessories) are what sets Gene apart from other fashion dolls.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Sunset Celebration

Sunset Celebration is one costume I've been able to resist collecting; stunning in color, something about it seems a little too-dollish, and not quite as authentic vintage looking as the majority of Gene’s ensembles. And besides, I have to draw the line somewhere! The backstory for this 1999 Vince Nowell creation is that of Gene’s April 17, 1955 studio birthday celebration.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

On The Veranda, Pt. 2

A few more shots of this beautiful peach-color outfit to tide you over until Monday.



To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

On The Veranda, Pt. 1

Of course I couldn’t prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt, but this outfit surely seems to have been inspired by the dress & hat Grace Kelly wore at her wedding to Bing Crosby’s character in “High Society” (1956). The date that Odom gave this particular doll (1955) doesn’t rule out the possibility, either. Designed by Lynne Day in 1999, this particular story is about a famous Italian director hosting a party in Italy to charm Gene into doing his next film. Instead, she convinces him to direct her film, “Bitter Snow.” What a vixen. And what an outfit.

Compare and contrast with Ms. Kelly:





From the storycard:

Gene is the guest of honor at an afternoon fête hosted by an internationally renowned Italian director. The lavish hors d’oeuvres, champagne, music, dancing, and the breathtaking view of the fabulous gardens from the veranda, are all part of his elaborate Machiavellian plot to woo the talented American movie actress into staying in Italy and starring in his next film. He had seen a number of her pictures, and was highly impressed by her talent. His intuition—that innate sense that made him such a brilliant director—whispered to him that their collaboration would be electrifying, all but ensuring the movie’s success.

Once he met her though, the best-laid plans all went to dust. Thus were the charms of Miss Gene Marshall. To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.

Embassy Luncheon

Let me set the scene: it’s 1951, and our gal Gene is in Buenos Aires, Argentina filming the movie “Tango.” She wears this outfit in the Embassy Luncheon scene; her character in “Tango” is an ambassador's daughter in love with an Argentine painter. Designed by Laura Meisner, this 1998 ensemble also looks like it belongs in the classic TV movie, “The Two Mrs. Grenvilles.” In fact, much of what Gene wears looks as if it could have been from that movie starring Ann Margret and Claudette Colbert, which had Donald Brooks and Sue Yelland as costume designers. From the storycard:

In the summer of ’51, one word was on everybody’s lips—Tango, the sizzling date movie of the year. Filmed on location in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Gene and her leading man set hearts afire with their rapturous portrayals of Adell and Raoul, a strong-willed diplomat’s daughter and her dark-eyed, artist paramour.

As with the previous outfits that I have posted here, they are classic. Simple, elegant, tasteful, and classy. Here’s the description of what Gene wears: a sleek black sheath of wool crepe. The high standing collar is hand embellished with black beads. Entire dress is fully lined. Accessorized with a matching belt, silver faux fox fur stole, lined in deep red, petal hat, gloves with black bead work, drop earrings, nylons, suede sling back heels and beaded clutch purse. Ironically, these little fashion doll outfits probably cost more than the REAL outfits cost back in 1951. Wowee kazowee.

To see more Gene Marshall photos, visit my regular website.