Barbie Goes Hollywood

Posted by Kimberly Lindbergs on July 21, 2011

I have a confession to make. I like dolls. A lot. I’ve been a casual collector for years and I’ve also written about dolls for a few publications. I usually keep my fascination with classic films and dolls separate but it’s not easy trying to compartmentalize your interests. The film fans I’ve met often find dolls childish, trivial or just plain creepy. And the doll fans I’ve met rarely seem to enjoy the same kind of movies that I do. But occasionally these two interests collide. And thanks to Mattel, they’ve been colliding a lot in 2011!

It all started with Mattel announcing their PILLOW TALK gift set featuring Doris Day and Rock Hudson as Barbie and Ken from Michael Gordon’s classic romantic comedy. I’ve become really fond of Doris Day in recent years and I’ve always liked Rock Hudson so I was delighted by the idea of these two actors being turned into fashion dolls. After seeing photos of the dolls it looks like Mattel did a great job of capturing their likenesses and the colorful retro style packaging of the PILLOW TALK gift set should definitely appeal to fans of the 1959 film. According to an interview at the Doris Day Tribute site with Mattel Marketing Director, Liz Grampp, Doris Day has been one of the company’s most requested celebrity dolls. Doris Day was a style icon during the early ‘60s so it’s not a surprise that classic movie memorabilia collectors as well as doll collectors have been clamoring for a Doris Day doll. She comes dressed in a miniature version of the white gown she’s seen wearing in the film, which was originally designed by the Oscar winning costume designer, Jean Louis (A Star is Born; 1954, The Solid Gold Cadillac; 1956, Bell Book and Candle; 1958). In a smart marketing move, Mattel decided to pair Doris with her longtime friend and acting companion, Rock Hudson and the PILLOW TALK gift set was born. Doris Day shared her own thoughts about being turned into a Barbie doll on her personal website recently; “I just loved Jan Morrow (her character in PILLOW TALK). She was so spunky and stylish. And working with Rock was always a joy. He was an honest-to-goodness doll!”

For more than 50 years Mattel has been making pop culture history and their celebrity Barbie dolls have become highly collectible. It all started in 1967 when Mattel decided to create a Twiggy Barbie based on the famous British model and actress. Since then Mattel has gone on to create many celebrity Barbie dolls based on classic film and television personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Vivien Lee, Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand, Diahnn Caroll, Lucille Ball, Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.

One of my favorite recent Mattel creations was their Alfred Hitchcock’s THE BIRDS Barbie modeled after the film’s star, Tippi Hedren. The doll came dressed in a miniature version of the green suit dress that Tippi Hedren wore during the movie that was designed by the renowned Oscar winning costume designer, Edith Head (Roman Holiday; 1953, The Trouble with Harry; 1955 and Vertigo; 1958). The packaging looked like a set design and the Hedren doll was posed with one arm above her head fending off the small plastic toy birds that were attacking her. It was an ingenious creation and definitely not made for kids but as a Hitchcock fan who happens to think that THE BIRDS (1963) is one of the director’s best films, naturally I had to have one. Not surprisingly, THE BIRDS Barbie went on to win the Rondo Hatten Classic Horror Award for the Best Toy, Model or Collectable in 2009.

Mattel just found inspiration in another classic Alfred Hitchcock film and last month they released a TO CATCH A THEIF Barbie doll modeled after the Princess of Monaco herself, Grace Kelly. The lovely doll looks a lot like Kelly and is wearing the blue gown that Edith Head designed for her in the 1955 film. Like THE BIRDS Barbie, the TO CATCH A THEIF Barbie also comes in an especially designed box that looks like the Hotel Carlton in Cannes where Hitchcock’s film was shot. And if that isn’t enough, Grace Kelly fans can look forward to two Silkstone Collection Barbie dolls based on Kelly that will be released in August and October later this year. The first is called the Grace Kelly Bride Doll and she’s dressed in a miniature version of the world famous wedding gown she wore when she married Prince Rainer of Monaco. Another Oscar winning costume designer by the name of Helen Rose (The Merry Widow; 1952, I’ll Cry Tomorrow; 1955 and The Bad and the Beautiful; 1952) designed Kelly’s original wedding dress. And finally Mattel will be releasing the Grace Kelly Romance Doll that features Kelly dressed in the outfit she wore at the Canes Film Festival in 1955 when she met Prince Rainer. But this dress had much more humble beginnings. It was simply an “Easy to Sew” dress based on a McCall pattern that Grace Kelly had modeled for McCall Magazine.

Barbie isn’t without her critics and I can only imagine what they might have to say about a fashion doll based on a Hollywood Princess that lived a charmed life but died much too young. I’ll leave the analysis and debate to someone else. In the meantime I’ll be saving up my pennies for a TO CATCH A THEIF Barbie. I’ll also be keeping my eye out for other Barbie dolls inspired by the “Master of Suspense.” Maybe we can look forward to a VERTIGO Barbie modeled after Kim Novak in the future? Or a SPELLBOUND Barbie modeled on Ingrid Bergman and packaged in a Salvador Dali inspired box? You can bet that they’d be on my Christmas wish list!

Further reading:
- Barbie Collector
- The Doris Day Tribute Site
- The Official Doris Day site
- The Princess Grace Foundation

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21 Responses Barbie Goes Hollywood

Posted By dukeroberts : July 21, 2011 12:58 pm

That Tippi Hedren doll is awesome. And, if I had a way of bringing a doll to life, I would buy one of those Grace Kelly dolls so I could have a Grace Kelly of my very own. She’s my ideal woman. But, alas…

Posted By Patricia Nolan-Hall : July 21, 2011 1:56 pm

Wow! I don’t know much about dolls, but those are pretty special.

Posted By Tom S : July 21, 2011 2:09 pm

And yet, poor James Mason doesn’t get a doll. Yet another place where that guy just can’t catch a break.

Posted By Medusa Morlock : July 21, 2011 2:41 pm

You beat me to this post about Barbie and Hollywood! I had done some research especially on some of the older releases they did — some awesome ones! Never got it together, but so glad to see this wonderful post! Those Grace Kelly dolls are truly gorgeous — I don’t buy dolls anymore but boy, she’s tempting!

I really like the faces on these dolls — great job, Mattel!

Posted By C. Jerry : July 21, 2011 4:04 pm

I am a proud owner of the Hedren/Birds doll and would be sorely tempted by the Novak/Vertigo and Bergman/Spellbound dolls you propose, particularly if based on the Dali dream sequence.

Posted By Karen H. : July 21, 2011 4:11 pm

What an interesting article! I collect Barbies, and I want them all! I will have to start saving my pennies.

Posted By Vincent : July 21, 2011 4:50 pm

Produce a Carole Lombard doll wearing her wonderfully form-fitting gown from “To Be Or Not To Be,” and I’d buy it.

Posted By suzidoll : July 21, 2011 5:31 pm

Okay, given my last name, I have to comment, of course.

I think doll versions of movie stars is a terrific idea; no actress today could carry it off unless they were an action figure in a comic-book movie.

And, this is a timely post. This week at the Facets midnight movie in Chicago, we are showing LOVER COME BACK with Doris, Rock, and Edie Adams. I am hoping for a good turnout as we have never shown a female-driven comedy before. I am going to post a link to this article on FB.

You rock, Kim.

Posted By Greg Ferrara : July 21, 2011 7:36 pm

Tom – If there was a James Mason doll think of the fun you could have with Lolita and Georgy Girl dolls. He could paint Lolita’s doll toes while Georgy emptied his doll wallet.

Kimberly – I’ve been meaning to bring this up but keep forgetting: Last year I visited an awesome doll museum in Vermont and took tons of pictures. I’ll go ahead and put some up on Facebook later on so you can see them. They range from a few decades old to hundreds of years old.

Also, my wife and I have two – TWO – original Barbies, though not in great condition. They’re good enough to go for around 800 bucks or so but not good enough for thousands and thousands so we’re just keeping them. Also, there were reissues (if that’s the word) done later that many people mistake for the originals but there are ways of authenticating. Anyway, like I said, not in great condition but still pretty cool.

Posted By Kimberly Lindbergs : July 21, 2011 7:58 pm

duke – I think Grace is a lot of fellow’s idea of the “ideal woman.” She was lovely and I especially liked her in Hitchcock’s films but I’m partial to her in DIAL M FOR MURDER. Love that film!

Patricia – A lot of care obviously goes into designing them and I really admire that.

Tom – Maybe Mattel will create a NORTH BY NORTHWEST Barbie gift set with Cary Grant & Eva Marie Saint dolls? And then they could make a set of villains too. I’d enjoy seeing James Mason & Martin Landau as Barbie foes!

Medusa – Great Morlock minds think alike obviously! I had hoped to get the post done last month but it took me awhile to get it finished up. I love the new Doris Day & Grace Kelly dolls but the Rock Hudson one really looks like Rock. It’s kind of eerie actually. These new designs are just great!

C. Jerry – You have great taste of course. The Hitchcock Barbie is just amazing. It’s definitely one of my favorite Mattel creations.

Karen H. – Glad you enjoyed it!

Vincent – I love the idea of a Carole Lombard Barbie. Mattel definitely likes funny women like Doris Day & Lucille Ball. I’m sure that a lot of classic film fans would appreciate a Lombard doll.

Suzi- Thanks, Doll! I just love the idea of classic film dolls wearing miniature fashions based on designs created by Oscar winning costume designers. The celebrities, movies and glamor of classic Hollywood is a lot more enticing to me. Modern Hollywood seems so boring in comparison. I hope the Doris Day screening goes well! It’s taken me awhile to warm up to Doris. When I was surely teenager I thought she was just too perky & bubbly for my taste but as I got older and wiser, I had a total change of heart. I really admire her talent as a singer now and enjoy listening to her records. And whenever one of her films is playing on TCM I usually drop everything to watch it. I get such a kick out her now! She’s a really funny lady and she had great style.

Greg – I would love to see those photos of the museum! It sounds amazing. Obviously you’re a closet doll fan at heart. Soon you will be buying Hitchcock Barbies too if you don’t watch out!

Posted By Heidi : July 22, 2011 3:30 pm

Great post. Not a collector anymore, but was when I was younger. My great Aunt used to hand make clothes for my Barbie dolls! I had satin ball gowns, wedding dresses, tuxedos for Ken. CLothes for the office, clothes for the beach, you name it. It was really fantastic. None of my Barbies were collectible-especially after GI Joe failed to rescue a few of them. I think he always saved the beach bunny barbie though! My dad brought me dolls from all the places he could get when he was deployed, so I have those-but they are not Barbies. I would buy the Tippy/Birds doll, that is totally awesome! Will have to look into the Grace Kelly dolls, I love her films, and Dial M is also my favorite!

Posted By dukeroberts : July 22, 2011 6:16 pm

Rear Window is my favorite. I love that slow motion kiss.

Posted By Jenni : July 22, 2011 6:43 pm

I am impressed by the detail of the dolls Mattel is making in commemorating these actors and actresses-the Rock Hudson really looks like Rock Hudson. As I’ve shopped over the years with my 3 daughters, who are moving out of the Barbie doll era, sometimes those dolls made to look like the latest tween Disney Channel star are so awful looking, I have thought the star being honored should sue!! Also, after looking at the poster for Pillow Talk, I think Mattel should have made Tony Randall and Thelma Ritter dolls, too!

Posted By Jenni : July 22, 2011 6:45 pm

One more idea just popped in my head, when is the Acadamy of Motion Pictures going to finally honor Doris Day with a lifetime achievement award?!

Posted By Kimberly Lindbergs : July 22, 2011 9:42 pm

Heidi – Thanks! My mom made a lot of my doll clothing when I was a kid. Nothing too fancy but I loved everything she made me. Nice to know there are more DIAL M FOR MURDER fans out there! It’s one of my favorite Hitchcock films.

Duke – My favorite moment in RARE WINDOW is when Kelly is in the other apartment being watched by Stewart and he can’t do anything to help her. Very suspenseful!

Jenni – The Rock Hudson “Ken” doll is pretty amazing and it really does look just like him. I love your idea for Tony Randall and Thelma Ritter dolls. They’d make great Barbie pals for Doris & Rock. And I couldn’t agree with you more about Doris Day being deserving of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures but i did read somewhere that she turned down an Honorary Oscar at some point so maybe she’s not interested in getting an Oscar? She does have a new album (her first in 2 decades!) coming out this September and if the cover picture is any indication, she looks absolutely amazing at age 82. I think it’s terrific that she’s still doing what she loves. I wish TCM could convince her to appear on air in an interview with Robert Osbourne. That’s something I’d love to see!

Posted By medusamorlock : July 22, 2011 9:57 pm

Kimberly, I think Doris is actually 87 rather than 82, which is even more impressive! One of my friends just stayed at her hotel in Carmel and said it was lovely, btw.

Actually, Barbie’s old friend Midge was kind of like a young Thelma Ritter…!

I think it’s great that these new dolls look more like the real actors than just Barbie and Ken dressed up in movie costumes. Very impressive!

How nice to see so many Barbie-lovers out there! I just finished moving my collection from Canada down here to Florida — those dolls have been around! Can’t let them go, though!

Posted By dukeroberts : July 22, 2011 10:01 pm

O yeah, that scene has a palpable sense of dread. You can feel the helplessness he feels. It reminds me of that scene in Jaws when the little Kitner boy gets eaten. Brody looks totally helpless due to his fear of the water. Brody, Hooper and Quint dolls, along with a shark (Bruce) toy would be awesome too.

Posted By Kimberly Lindbergs : July 22, 2011 10:32 pm

Medusa – Thanks for correcting my bad math. I saw her birthday was in 1924 when I visited her website so I did some bad calculating in my head and came up with the number 82. I should never try doing math without a calculator! But you’re right and at age 87 she looks incredible! And I’d love to see a picture of your doll collection. I’m still unpacking mine after my move to Napa and it’s been more than a year. Moving is always a nightmare! I hate living out of boxes.

Duke – Stewart can make me believe anything. He was so great in everything and I never doubted any of his characters. He really did seem flustered and helpless in that scene. And I like idea of a JAWS playset complete with a mini shark. I would have loved that when I was a kid but I don’t think I could have convinced my mom to buy it for me.

Posted By Fantomex : July 24, 2011 4:32 am

Suzidoll-Mattel has made dolls based on current movie properties:

Star Trek 2009-Barbie & Ken as Uhura, Spock and Kirk

The X-Files: Fight The Future-Barbie & Ken as Scully & Mulder

Speed Racer-Ken & Barbie & Speed & Trixie

Lord Of The Rings-Ken & Barbie as Aragorn & Arwren

Superman Returns-Ken & Barbie as Superman & Lois Lane

Twilight-Ken & Barbie as Edward & Bella

There have been several other current movies that Mattel made Barbie & Ken sets of, but they escape me for the moment.

Posted By Juana Maria : July 29, 2011 2:33 pm

I have a small collectio of Barbie dolls, most are the ones my sister and I played with when we were little. However, over the yrs. I have bought some of the Collectible ones: THE X-FILES, India, Native American, Pioneer, Puerto Rican, but none of the movie stars shown here. They are quite excisite. Oh I just love classic films and the timeless stars back then.

Posted By muriel schwenck : September 2, 2011 6:15 pm

Some people don’t translate into dolls as well as others. It’s not just the doll artist. Tonner made a Joan Crawford doll which is very pretty but not enough like Crawford IMO. Grace Kelly and Liz Taylor make beautiful dolls.
I would so love a James Mason doll! With a Captain Nemo outfit and beard on the side.
How about a Sean Connery “Zardoz” action figure?

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