Lot 289
GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES: Original Costume Test Photos Jane Russell Archive. Also Including Gwen Verdon and Marilyn Monroe. GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953) One of the all-time great musical comedies directed by Howard Hawks and starring Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe and Norma Vaden. Equally remembered are the dazzling costumes designed by Travilla which proved sexy and stylish. Offered is a rare collection of costume test photos for the film, primarily for the lead, Jane Russell. There are 19 vintage original test photos with accompanying script/scene pages of Ms. Russell as Dorothy Shaw and one 8 x 10" negative. Yes, there is a costume test photo of Marilyn Monroe, a restrike from the 8 x 10" negative that is also included of her ship-board suit with leopard print cape and hat. Most intriguing, there are two costume test photos for a sexy dance number that was to feature the great Gwen Verdon. But Gwen Verdon is not listed in the cast so the number must have been cut. But fans of this film know that Verdon helped Monroe the choreography of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" which images exist on the internet. Finally, there are costume test photos of Norma Varden as Lady Beekman, wife of the diamond tycoon whose wealth (and access to diamonds!) had Monroe's character purring, as well as test photos for costumes of back-up dancers. Total archive of 30 photos all in excellent condition with screen/script pages for most. Estimate Value $600 - UP
|
| |
| Realized $300 |
