Hollywood Dolls

David O. Selznick called her "inadequate...too young to have a grasp of the role". For a then young Lana Turner, perhaps this was true given the demands of the role. But not all dreams are foretold by a loss.  In fact, while  it would seem that Julia Jean Mildred Frances Turner's life, nicknamed Judy,   (born Feb 8, 1921) would be uneventful, her eyes were set on bigger things than what had been pre-destined.

It was a sip of Coke in sunny California (where she journeyed with her mother to look for greater job opportunities) that would seal the deal on her career.   Success  perhaps quenched that thirst for a bigger role in life.  It was there in the small cafe, whilst sipping the Cola, that she was spotted by the publisher of Hollywood Reporter who referred her to Director Mervyn LeRoy. The rest is history.

"I made my first movie without ever considering my walk-on would be anything more than a one-time job. If I could have foreseen everything that was going to happen to me, all the headlines my life woul make, all the people would pas through my days. I wouldn't have believed a syllable of it!", Lana said.


Fashion Royalty dolls were not ones I would consider buying -- then. I guess it was just too hip, too modern and too flashy for my traditional taste in dolls. But when they came out with the Lana Turner Fashion Royalty Collection I knew it was a must-have. Thanks to Rudi Truel who gave me that chance. More than that he introduced me also to a doll collectors from the Philippines. It was my first time to see a Gene doll, and thought Mel Odom did really brilliant work with that doll (it is really unfortunate that Gene will retire soon according to reports).
At any rate, I did a little repaint on this doll to tame her original eyebrows and lipstick: softened the brows to be less like the "evil queen", and pink lipstick almost nude. She doesn't look like Lana, but certainly exudes the Turner glam aura.



"Stunning" seems insufficient a word to describe this doll.  Embellished with crystals on her neck and dressed in a glorious, glorious glorious gown with rich applique of black embroidery all over the skirt, she is a sight to behold. Fashion Royalty's doll figures are made with articulation that gives you immense possibilities in posing. Face is given prominent cheekbones and a model pout. She also has little eyelashes that accent the slant of the eyes. Her hair is tightly done with spray and covers the back of her head with 3 large sausage curls -- very Grace Kelly, in my opinion.  The gown is definitely immortal and while I could not find the scene in which Lana Turner wore this, I  think it can still be worn by hollywood royalty on the red carpet  today (I am reminded of Audrey's white gown in "Sabrina" -- hint, hint Tonner). No wonder Jason Wu, the designer is making waves now and made a spot in Vogue Magazine.



The box is designed with a velcro attachment that seals the doll very well. When you open the box, at the bottom is a small drawer, when pulled contains the stockings and other paraphernalia that comes with the doll. The back of the box is designed with a beautiful Lana Turner portrait (trivia: She is said to have shaved her eyebrows one time and it didn't grow back; henceforth, it was always drawn). She comes with an acrylic stand with the signature of Lana Turner (a beautiful detail ). The entire package comes with a mini-booklet on Lana's biography, warranty and COA. 


The doll  is befittingly called "Love Story". I agree,  for its over-all design is something you will definitely fall in love with.

More pics of this doll, coming soon.

*Notes on Lana Turner bio from FR mini bio booklet.