The Library is open: GENE by Carolyn B. Cook

Gene by Carolyn B. Cook

Illustrated in color and black-and-white, this fascinating book reviews the history and development of the “Gene” doll and how this doll follows the career and wardrobe of that famous actress Gene Marshall. “The Gene story is a tale of success that can be told on two different levels.

The first is an account of the real-life challenges faced by illustrator Mel Odom when he attempted to turn his fantasy into a doll that would reflect the values and fashions of a past era. The second is a story within a story – how young Gene Marshall was discovered by a famous director and became a star of the silver screen from 1941-1962.”

The story of Gene Marshall’s career can be found in her costumes – “each comes with a synopsis of the film plot or event in her life explaining when and where the character wore that particular outfit.” This book covers the dates, the lines (Gene, Madra, Trent, etc.), accessories and secondary prices for Gene dolls and costumes.

Gene by Carolyn Cook Hobby House Press, Inc., MD, 1999.  8.7” x 11.3” color-imprinted hardback. 152 pages.