Gene: It’s A Cinch

At first I resisted what was supposed to be the last Gene Marshall doll, entitled “It’s A Cinch.” As I’ve stated many times before, the design of the Jason Wu/Integrity Gene Marshalls doesn’t hold as much interest for me as the original Ashton Drake version. I believe they deviate too far from the Mel Odom stylized Deco drawings that first inspired her creation. After seeing some actual photos of this doll and through the miracle of ebay, I was able to purchase a complete outfit for a very reasonable price without the doll. Perfect! Oddly enough, I was watching “I Love Lucy” the other night and saw Vivian Vance's character, Ethel Mertz, wearing a similar outfit (one that Lucy called "tacky"!). However, Ethel didn’t have the green felt hat, bracelet, or gorgeous emerald earrings to accessorize with. Here she is for your viewing pleasure, modeled by a Love Paris doll. Excerpt from "Gene Marshall: May The Love Never End" by Mel Odom:

The maitre d’ at the podium was all agog. The little eatery/drinkery was used to a modest clientele—but when a star of Gene’s ranking dropped by, it was an EVENT!

"Miss Marshall! What an honor and a privilege. When the ladies of the Children’s Hospital Committee told me that I would know when their guest arrived, I never expected…"

"Now you just stop!" Gene’s gentle voice had just a tinge of underlying mirth. "After all, I’m JUST one of the girls! Now, if you could show me where the REST of the girls have set up camp…"

Gene was escorted to a quiet corner past the bar, where the ladies of the Children’s Hospital Committee met monthly over a friendly cocktail.

"Miss Marshall!" the chairwoman said in a quiet voice, so as not to call attention to their special guest. "How splendid of you to join us today!"

"Please, we’re all friends here, working for a good cause. I’m Gene." she said removing her hat.



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

Gene: The End of the Line

By now, I am sure that most Gene fans have heard the news that Mel & Gene are “pulling a Garbo.” Yes, Gene is retiring at the top of her game (or pretty darn close) next year, and will no longer have any new outfits or hairdos for us to purchase. It’s a mixed reaction; on one hand, my wallet is very happy. On the other, it’s always been great to have something new to look forward. Still, I believe it was a very wise decision for Mel, who obviously has many other fish that he wants to fry. I can only imagine what this will do to the price of Gene; now that it’s official that she won’t be made anymore, I predict there will be a flurry of activity from people who will want to grab her up as fast as possible. This announcement will probably hike up prices on the secondary market—ouch!

Meanwhile, photos of the new Gene to be released next Spring have been released. Her title is “It’s A Cinch.”

“Gene wears a sophisticated black satin dress with puffed bell sleeves and a tiny belted waist, atop the trim skirt. The dress has a pussycat bow at the throat, stylish kitty's ears in emerald green felt atop the hat, and a handbag of stenciled leopard. Meow. Other accessories include wrapped ankle ties on the black, sling-back pumps, matching elbow-length gloves, and earrings of "emeralds" set in "gold". Gene's honey blond hairstyle is a tight, braided bun in the back and a sculpted roll from the crown to the forehead. She comes with pale grey brows and eye shadow and a vivid red mouth. It doesn't get any more glamorous than this!”

Although I believe I can pass on this outfit (it looks more Madra than Gene to me), I am very much looking forward to seeing what the final creations for Gene will be at the Convention. I am sure she will go out with a “bang”!




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