Lovely In Lace Cape Set

Lovely In Lace also had a Cape Set, which is featured here. It's a bit awkward to photograph, as the fur on the cape has a tendency to obscure Gene's face. Still, it is a nice addition to Lovely In Lace, which was released in 2001 and designed to be a circa 1941 outfit by Tim Kennedy.

The 2nd photo in today's post shows Gene & Trent at Disneyland, posing outside the Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

From the story card:

It was the end of a journey. A journey that had begun in Cos Cob, Connecticut, in the dreams of a small-town girl with hope in her heart and talent that just wouldn't quit.

She had taken those dreams, hope, and talent to New York City. There, a good fortune took her by the arm and led her along the path toward stardom.

Model. Usherette. Bright-eyed star-to-be. Discovered.



Suddenly, she was whisked away on a cross-country magic carpet ride. From New York City to Chicago and then…Hollywood itself.

There she found herself in Pictures with a Capital P, just as she'd dreamed. And just as she was getting used to the bright lights and glamour, fate stepped in and there she was, stepping in for a star and meanwhile becoming a star in her own right.

Did the preview audience realize, as they crowded into the theaters and settled into their seats, that they were viewing a little bit of Hollywood history happening as the lights dimmed--and there she was, bright on the silver screen and right where she was always meant to be. Lovely in lace and making her way into the hearts of everyone who saw her.

Gene Marshall—Girl Star!



See more Gene Marshall photos on my Gene Marshall web page.

Cameo

With a few spare moments yesterday, I went through one of Gene's trunks and found Cameo, a Kate Johnson designed outfit, circa 1951, released by Ashton Drake in 1998. One of the many outfits I hadn't had the time yet to photograph. It also seemed to go well with Gene's mirror, one of the few props I haven't used yet in my photos.

From the story card:

The world knows her as Gene Marshall, the glamorous Hollywood movie star. But to the folks of Cos Cob, Connecticut, she's just Katie Marshall, who won the local talent show when she was eight. Gene came home to celebrate her 28th birthday with family and long-time friends. She joked with her father, opened her presents, sneaked a fingerful of frosting from Mom's homemade cake, and scooped up butter pecan ice cream for everybody.

Just as Gene was finishing the last crumbs of birthday cake, Mrs. Marshall gave her famous daughter a tiny velvet box with an exquisite cameo nestled within. "It's been passed down from mother to daughter for generations," said her mom. "It's part of our family's legacy. And now it's your turn, Katie, to carry on the tradition."



Gene and her mom hugged and wept a few happy tears, then left to attend the Ladies Fine Arts Society meeting. Mrs. Marshall was so proud her daughter was going with her…and so touched that Gene wore the heirloom cameo on her lapel.

At the meeting, Gene's third-grade teacher, her old babysitter, and many other familiar faces warmly greeted her as "Katie, dear." "It's so hard for us to believe you're a famous movie star," said Mrs Marshall. Gene put an arm around her mom and, lightly touching the cameo, replied, "I know, Mom. And I like it that way."



See more Gene Marshall photos on my Gene Marshall web page.

At Home For The Holidays

This circa 1957 outfit by Tim Kennedy looks like it came out of Lana Turner's closet. LOVE IT!

From the story card:

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' "Holiday Magic" became a second family to Gene during the creation of last year's special. Now, most of them have flown to the West Coast to work on what may become an annual Gene Marshall holiday event.

Once again, colorful costumes make this television spectacular a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Gene's finale costume alone should spark a boost in color television scales across the land.



As cameras, lights, and sound equipment fill her home, Gene plans a few surprises to make this holiday one that will always be remembered. Always thoughtful, Gene has taken special care to put up the fashionable white flocked Christmas tree given to her by the producer and the crew the year before. And as the final notes of the final song fade over the airwaves, Gene steps away from the tree—revealing hand-picked, hand-wrapped presents for each member of the cast and crew.

Every day's a holiday when you're a friend of Gene Marshall's!



See more Gene Marshall photos on my Gene Marshall web page.

Derby Dreams: Suited to be a Colonel

For the 2003 Derby Dreams Gene Marshall Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, this circa 1948 outfit, titled "Suited to be a Colonel," was given out at the Friday breakfast.



My platinum haired Gene Marshall from the Derby Dreams Convention is the model.



From the story card:

"Howdy, Colonel!"
At first Gene didn't turn around, but when she felt a light tap on her shoulder, she realized that the refined voice was speaking to her. She laughed.

"I'm sorry—I'm still not used to being a true Kentucky Colonel. Howdy, back!"

The gentleman in the white suit smiled at her. "Colonel Marshall, this morning you have been given your official commission as one of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, so from now on, you'd better get used to being referred to as one of the finest group of folks that ever sipped a julep."



"I know," Gene replied, blushing slightly. "When I saw the list of other Colonels, my heart skipped a beat. So many of my Hollywood friends are already Colonels—Bing, Irene, Mae, and Fred—and so many other important people. I'm just so touched at being asked."

"Well, as one Colonel to another," said her escort as he leaned closer to Gene in a conspiratorial manner, "you are one of the prettiest Colonels we've had in quite a while!"

He offered her his arm, bowing slightly, and Gene took it, clutching her commission certificate to her heart as they made their way through the crowd of well-wishers…



See more Gene Marshall photos on my Gene Marshall web page.