Ginger Gene for The New Year

This circa 1951 creation was released in 2003. Like "The Kiss," this one also makes me think of Jean Harlow, which puts it closer to the 1930's. Either way, J'Adore is gorgeous with her ginger hair and green satin gown. She is ready for New Year's Eve! I decided to "plus" the jewelry (Facets by Marcia) and shoes (Jamieshow) from what Ashton-Drake offered with the original outfit.



From the Story Card:

"Who's double crossing who? Or is it 'whom'? Crosser or crossee, you'll never know whodunnit 'til the end!"

So went the ad campaign for Criss Crossed, Gene Marshall's 1951 mystery thriller.

Gene had already made Tango and Daughter of the Nile that same year—and this foray into an atmospheric "dark old house" melodrama was a welcome change.



The tale of the reunion of thirteen casual former school chums at a gloomy and forbidding beach house had audiences on the edges of their seats. Gasps and nervous laughter filled the theater at every showing (along with appreciative whistles whenever Gene as the glamorous Christina Cross appeared in a new gown).

Shadowy hallways, dark passages, and a chilling chase crossing the craggy coast for the climax confounded moviegoers as to who the killer was—right up until the last few minutes of the film. And many an office watercooler jockey was told off after revealing the surprise ending to coworkers who hadn't seen the movie yet!



Gene loved her role so much in Criss Crossed that she jumped at the chance to spread the word about the film—even appearing in a one-hour radio version that recreated the film…right up to the final revelation! The day after the broadcast, theaters across the country bulged with eager fans dying to know exactly WHODUNNIT!!!

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The Kiss

After doing a photo shoot with this outfit, I can't believe it took me so long. Released during year one, 1995, "The Kiss" is a Tim Kennedy design listed as circa 1946, but it seems much more appropriate for a 1930's Jean Harlow era (as the story card references). An Integrity Gene with hair expertly restyled by Kathy Johnson is the model. Trent Osborn, sporting his "After Hours" smoking jacket and monogrammed slippers, makes a guest appearance in Gene's photos.



I'll remember the end of this film as long as I live. There was Gene Marshall "slipping into something more comfortable" before sharing a romantic moment with her onscreen husband as the two held each other in their arms, looking out over the twinkling lights of the Manhattan skyline. And then he kissed her, tenderly, yet so passionately…and the credits started to roll as the scene faded to black. It was the end of the movie, but not for me. That perfect kiss went on and on, even as I walked out of the theater in perfect bliss.



The Kiss invites romance with a marabou-trimmed pink satin peignoir lined in shimmering silver lamé. Also included is a matching gown with "diamond" pin, earrings, and high-heeled mules. Circa 1946.



You remember how you used to be thrilled by the languid love scenes played by your favorite stars. And now it's you on the set, waiting to play that scene with a leading man the world's women would die for, could they but see him at a distance. Soon, you'll be in his arms, in front of the cameras! And at the end of the scene…the kiss!



In Hollywood's golden age, there's a love story the public never tires of. After an evening on the town, the couple returns to Gene's penthouse apartment. He puts a record on the phonograph. She slips into something "more comfortable." For Gene at this moment, everything must be perfectly romantic: her dramatic entrance back into the scene from the bedroom, her stunning costume, even the sparkling "diamond" brooch worn provocatively at her bustline.



Gene's pink satin gown and peignoir, lavishly trimmed in dazzling white marabou feathers, are of legendary design, harkening back to the slinkiness of Jean Harlow, and looking forward to the buoyant sexiness of Marilyn Monroe. Gene captures the scene with smoldering looks, the toss of her head, the touch of her hand on his. As the credits roll, Gene receives "the kiss"…and we can only guess what happens next!



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Merry Christmas, 2013!

Here's wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday Season. J'Adore Gene is wearing "A Touch of Hospitality" as she hangs the first ornament on her tree.

With hat and purse completing her Wayne Nilson ensemble, Gene is ready to step out on the town to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.



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Little Blessings

Released in 2001, this circa 1951 maternity outfit was designed by Vince Nowell. If you've ever read Carolyn Cook's fantastic book about Gene, then you'll know that Vince's creation changed a bit once his sketch left the drafting board.

"It was a shock when I saw this as a maternity outfit! It was originally designed to be a companion piece to Meet Me In Paris and was to be a vacation outfit. The scoop-necked sheath dress is sexy and tight fitting — collectors can take the coat off if they don't want Gene to look pregnant! The top was not originally that boxy — it was to be a dusty pink which a soft drape - the French trapeze that Saint Laurent made popular."

Vince is definitely right; the polka dot sheath that he designed is va-va-voom on White Orchid!





Here's the story that goes along with the outfit that was released:

The film Little Blessings told of a young couple separated by the Korean conflict. Following them from their first chance meeting through their emotion-charged reunion, crowds responded with tears and cheers to a story that hit as close to home as yesterday's headlines.

Gene shone in a part that seemed perfectly tailored to her talents. Breathlessly innocent and beautiful in her opening scenes, she captured the audience's hearts right at the start. Then she captured their funny bones as the young bride shares an off-base home with another army wife when their husbands are stationed in the South. Gene's sense of comedy was at an all-time high during her battle with a pot of grits.



But the key moment comes as Gene reads a loving letter from her husband, who has been sent to the front. She folds the letter and gives it a little kiss. Just then, a knock. In a tight close-up, a look of concern comes over Gene's face. Still in close-up, she goes to the door and opens it. Standing there is an officer, hat in hand. "Ma'am," he says, "I'm afraid I have bad news. Your husband has been reported missing." Gene gasps—and the audience gasps even louder as the camera pulls back to reveal her impending motherhood for the first time...

But all ends happily, and the family is reunited just in time for the new father to witness his little one's first steps—just one more of the "little blessings" that true love can bring!

Cinched in with a belt, the outfit becomes completely different. Which do you prefer?



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"Too much of a good thing...

can be wonderful." - Mae West

I just got an email from George at Jamieshow/Angelic Dreamz last night. Can you believe he had the NERVE to introduce another cool vintage wig cap?!? This time, it's The Betty, inspired by famous retro 1950s pinup Bettie Page. Available in black, brown, lite blonde, and auburn (see photo below).



Pre-order now to receive The Betty in January.

Visit the Jamieshow website to order your favorite wig cap.

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Jamieshow for Christmas

Not sure what to ask for when it comes to the Holidays? I'd say that Gene collectors need to look no further than Jamieshow for some amazing items that are now available for pre-order. First up is this deco-style wig cap called Scheherazade, available in Black, Platinum, Dark Red, and Brown.



Tired of fussing with gloves...attempting to get them over the fingers and the snagging? What about the ones that are supposed to be gloves but look more like children's gloves? Jamieshow now has you covered with these lovely red, black, and white gloved hands, each appropriately accented with a matching bow.



If you're bored with Gene's old outfits, how about this stunning new firey red ensemble called Scheherzade? Yes, it is meant to coordinate with the new wig cap previously mentioned. Act fast though; it's being released in a limited edition of only 30.



Last but not least, they are also releasing a new dressed doll named Natalie. Violet who?



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