Franken-dolly Shirley

Years ago, The Danbury Mint released this Shirley Temple doll called "Shirley Takes Five," featuring a head sculpt by Jeanne Singer. Although it's a very cute Shirley, it just does not capture the famous tot as well as the many sculpts by Elke Hutchens. Not being content to leave well enough alone, I did a little work on this one. Most porcelain dolls are meant to be on display, and thus come with very little articulation. This particular Shirley, dressed in an outfit from "Our Little Girl," was given a body that perfectly sits in her chair, whereas most Danbury Mint Shirley dolls stand. I couldn't just take off the outfit and put it on another Shirley doll and still utilize the chair. Nope...I would have to perform a Franken-dolly and switch out the heads. I also switched out the awful synthetic wig and gave her a golden mohair one. Here's the result:



I was pleased with the result, but I do caution that this is not an easy process. Finding the right sized doll to do a head swap takes a little time.



In attaching the right head to the cloth body also takes some patience with a needle and thread.



See more Shirley Temple doll photos at my main website.

Follow my Gene Marshall, Madra Lord, Zita Charles, Violet Waters, Trent Osborn, Poppy Parker, and other classic movie star doll updates on Twitter.

Green Eyes

Released in 2007, Green Eyes was inspired by a 1951 design from Hollywood costume designer William Travilla. Known simply as Travilla, he was the mastermind behind the Subway Dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in "The Seven Year Itch." Gene Tierney was the actress who wore the original inspiration in a film titled "On the Riviera."



This limited edition of 500 came with the following description:

There must be some place – some time – some occasion – beautiful enough to wear this gown: perhaps in a garden with the moonlight reflecting in Green Eyes. A fitted bodice of silver satin is spangled with translucent sequins beneath a sweetheart neckline ringed with matching silver ribbon and tied with a sumptuous bow in the back. The full layered-tulle skirt is a rainbow of pastel hues, combined to resemble nothing so much as the fragile surface of a child’s soap bubble. Long silver blue gloves and embroidered shoes are the details of this ensemble, as “diamonds” at the ears and a “diamond” bracelet are the jewelry. This dream of a dress brings the spotlight with you and makes the moon your balloon wherever you go. Green eyes, silver moon, perfection.



This is one of my favorite Integrity dolls; not so much for the outfit, but for the face paint and hair.

See more Gene Marshall photos at my website.

Follow my Gene Marshall, Madra Lord, Zita Charles, Violet Waters, Trent Osborn, Poppy Parker, and other classic movie star doll updates on Twitter.

Temple Tuesday: Captain January Compo

The years are not always kind to 1930s Shirley Temple composition dolls. Most get cracks, worn/broken toes and fingers, messy mohair wigs, and crazed eyes. There are many who feel an original composition Shirley Temple doll should be left untouched in its original condition. There are also some who go to great lengths to repaint, re-wig, and replace those cloudy cracked eyes. When I saw this restored 18" Captain January compo up for sale, it just jumped out at me.



The restoration work is very good; sometimes the repainting is overdone and makes Shirley look like she belongs in the Red Light District. This one seemed just right. The eyes looked natural without being too pristine and bright. The restyled wig would probably be my one complaint; it's a bit big and poofy, but I can live with it.



Sporting her original outfit, shoes, and socks, this one is a gem who looks like she just got hand-picked from the toy store shelf.



See more Shirley Temple doll photos at my main website.

Who Wears it Better?

Cleo was a character in the film "The Big Broadcast of 1938" portrayed by Shirley Ross. Although most today have probably never heard of the film, dollmaker Robert Tonner created a porcelain doll honoring Cleo as part of his Edith Head collection.



I thought Gene Marshall would look darn good in this outfit, too, so I decided to let her try it on including the wig.



As you can see, it fits just right! The earring posts are a bit big for a resin Gene, so they would need to be filed down. I let Photoshop fix it for now!



One thing from the movie that many people DO remember is the song "Thanks for the Memory" which became Bob Hope's theme song.

See more Gene Marshall photos at my website.

Follow my Gene Marshall, Madra Lord, Zita Charles, Violet Waters, Trent Osborn, Poppy Parker, and other classic movie star doll updates on Twitter.

Coral Deluxe

This variation of the Deluxe doll was made for the Lone Star Soiree Convention in 2006 and titled Coral Deluxe.



I would have to say that I prefer this peach colored concoction over the original! Kiss, kiss!



Even a girl as pretty as Gene gets pensive at times.



See more Gene Marshall photos at my website.