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More Pink: Tonner Scarlett wears FM Raintree County

Posted by KentrunK Monday, April 26, 2010 0 comments

"In the great tradition of Civil War Romance" -- is the supposedly tagline to Raintree County. Herein, the young and beautiful Elizabeth Taylor plays a Southern Belle, Susannah Drake. The 1957 film that also stars Montgomery Clift and Eva Marie Saint was, in my opinion, no Gone with the Wind. But heck! GWTW started the Civil War Romance in ways that no other civil war romance could probably achieve after it. And of course, there is the iconic Scarlett O' Hara.

This gown is one of the dresses worn by Susannah in the film. It has a pale pink bodice adorned with lacey type of collar (also on the sleeves). If the mood and tone of this gown is familiar it is only because it too was designed by Walter Plunkett -- who made those iconic dresses from GWTW.

(image from doctormarco.com)

Here we can see a full look of the dress. It should come with a hat and parasol, but when I purchased this I think Franklin Mint only made the dress. It is a rare find too. There was one ebayseller who was selling this for $250 -- thereabouts. What a crime right? Fortunately, I found one that sold it for a more reasonable amount.

Photographed: April 22, 2010

Happy Easter!!

Posted by KentrunK Friday, April 2, 2010 0 comments

I still haven't decided. "Racehorses", What's my lamb gonna wear?" or the "Drapery"?

Meantime, I broke the lull of the holy days by photographing my favorite Scarlett doll by Tonner, UFDC Convention doll "Return to Tara"

Happy Easter everyone! And if you have the chance and time,

let me know which is the next Scarlett to have -- if ever.

UFDC Tonner "Return to Tara" Scarlett Repaint Part 2: Introspection

Posted by KentrunK Tuesday, October 27, 2009 0 comments

While doing this doll, my thoughts went to the doll's name "Return to Tara". Pondering on Scarlett's uncompromising love for land and home. "Land is all that matters, it's the only thing that lasts", Gerald 'O Hara tells his daughter. She would not realize his words until perhaps his demise.
In the Philippines just a few months ago, the land that mattered, on which homes of many stood were devastated by a major flood. Rains for days poured, unrelentingly. No one was spared. People went to their roofs bringing whatever food or clothing and valuables they could. There is no rich or poor in the eyes of mother nature. Pets who were left tied died. Dogs, cats were seen hanging on trees and electric wires after the flood receded. A young couple was killed locked behind closed glass doors of a fastfood restaurant, perhaps thinking that the waters would not rise that high. When I think of Scarlett, I am inspired by her spirit and her want to "do anything to bring Tara back to what it was." But what of the inner Tara inside of her, and beyond that inside us. Can we bring back the splendour of what we were back to what it was? Scarlett had her answer and perhaps we should too. Courage or gumption. Nothing should take our inner Tara away from us "while we got breath left in our bodies". And so, we must conquer the world like Scarlett with her mother's curtains and roosters feathers on our head. This is why Gone with the Wind is immortal to me. Beyond the love story, beyond the beautiful gowns, it is about the iconic and legendary Scarlett O' Hara who will forever be conquer whatever fate brings her way.

This is how we create our own lives. There is no such thing as destiny. Destiny is whatever we make of our own fate. Tomorrow is another day!

Fresh from the box: UFDC Convention Doll - Tonner Scarlett "Return to Tara"

Posted by KentrunK Sunday, October 25, 2009 0 comments

Fresh from the box. With plastic still on her hands. Here she is with and without her bolero-type jacket

If asked why I ordered for this doll, I guess you could call it "impulse". I've been tracking some Franklin Mint GWTW dresses -- the rarer ones, and just end up frustrated because I have to dive into bidding with the rest of humanity for them. I think it's also a need to escape (haha) from work and from the stress that made me get this dress. Beyond that, I love Civil War dresses. And this one is a good example of one using Margaret Mitchell's favorite color: green. This doll doesn't come with the usual Tonner hoop skirt, instead a cloud of tulle and a white underskirt. The doll comes with white pumps, stockings and earrings (I assume they're supposed to simulate emeralds). The buttons on the bodice are sewn beads similar to the earrings).

The white pumps and earrings. The zigzag pattern and stripes all in perfect symmetry.

Tonner's Return to Tara doll can either be a frustration or a work on positivizing (coined) what you have. I was dismayed by the organza but the cut and the fit of the dress is wonderful on the doll. The zigzagging pattern is something to behold too. There is also a jacket the tassels of which do not fall gently on the doll's shoulders as the real dress does (sigh). The green is faithful to the film dress, however I am not too keen on the ribbon-y type of material used. It's too shiny, reminding me of ribbons used for gifts. Nevertheless, over-all, it is a GWTW dress and something which I think is faithful to Civil War dressing. The hairstyle is faithful to the film and with a little tug here and there, one can ease the tightness of the style, loosen it a bit, and make it a little becoming to the face of the doll -- tug I did, until at least I could see Vivien Leigh there -- somehow. It is a complicated hairstyle and I must commend Tonner hairstylist -- with this at least -- for able to simulate the hairstyle that Vivien wore in the film and a civil war hairstyle that can fit any of the clothing I've found for the doll. The hairstyle is amazing actually and I can only imagine how long it took to perfect such a tight style such as this. Over-all 2 rolls are found on each side. So when the doll faces front the rolls frame the face IMHO, beautifully.

The hairstyle: Looking at it, I can only surmise how difficult a job it was to make this one.

It is strange that the values added to the doll are nowhere near what we see on screen: A silver comb and mirror with a powder case, powder puff topped with a white rose and ribbon; a miniature GWTW book (capturing the cover of its initial release). I thought the book would have the text in it. No, only the cover and the opening page -- fine by me.

The miniature GWTW book (in proportion to doll size) has the opening text of GWTW written on the back and front cover pages. It also comes with a title page.

I think it was a charming addition.

The accesories: Silver comb, hand mirror and silver powder case with powder puff adorned with rose and ribbon.

I think she's wondering if she needs a repaint. I think she's pretty as she is -- this one. At least good enough for anyone to "return to Tara".

In the "yahoo groups" where I find so much information, Scarlett Vinyl Yahoo Group, one member (thank you Helen) found information on material of the actual dress. Here is her message

Hi Boots,

Don't mean to butt in but this is from my book "Gone with the Wind on Film A

Complete Reference" by Cynthia Marylee Molt. I hope it helps your dilemma.

Scarlett #58: "Return to Tara"- #2 Dress: Fitted, except for semi-full skirt.
Medium green muslin. Fitted bodice with self- fabric buttons and loops that go
to the waist. Sweetheart neckline is edged at the top of the bosom with heavy
white cotton eyelet. Sleeves are semi fitted with large, rolled back cuffs.
Hair: parted in the middle. Falls at the back in sausage curls. Accessories:
Hat-Same as Scarlett, #21. Ring - wears the ring worn with changes Scarlett,
#39 - #56. Scenes: Return to Tara - #2. Facts: Since green happened to be
Margaret Mitchell's favorite color, the final return to Tara dress was
fashioned in this hue and shown only in silhouette. It is also an adaption of
the medium green original barbecue dress used in tests.

The thing I don't like about this book is it's reaaly not too clear on some
subjects and no pictures.

Sincerely,
Helen

Do I intend to repaint her? Perhaps. I'll think about that tomorrow.

After all, tomorrow is another day.
But here's a first, I couldn't help but photoshop the doll's face. It's a guide for a repaint.

Tribute to Eric Caron's Amazing GWTW miniatures

Posted by KentrunK Wednesday, September 2, 2009 0 comments

Among the dearest friends I've found online who has shared his passion for GWTW and crafts is Eric Caron. Sorry Eric! Pardonne moi. I am taking the liberty so share with the rest of the world what you have shared with me. Herewith are fabulous, and amazing miniatures that Eric did when he was still in his younger years (note Eric, "younger years", which means I still consider you young). It is amazing how that at a young age his eye for proportion, symmetry, and scale are at a level that can be considered "expert". Yes Eric, you are an expert at it. Instinct in talent is a rare thing too. A look at these miniatures and you can see, aside from the symmetry, the tone and mood that captures Gone with the Wind. They capture the color of the dress as well as the shrubbery and greenery of Tara.

Take note of Scarlett's ruffled dress and the Tarleton Twins behind. The gown seems to even ruffle with the wind. Notice too, peeping from Tara's window, Scarlett's Mammy: "...why didn't you invite those gempmum for supper?"
Take note too of the green Twelve Oaks gown which captures the color and splashes of detail the dress had.
Amazing too is the simulation of Scarlett's hair and shape of ace.

All are my faves, but my best favorite (if there is ever such a line) is the Tara porch with Scarlett's shadow.
Aside from GWTW, Eric also creates miniatures from his favorite TV show, Little House on the Prarie (mine too!)
I wish you all the best in this endeavour Eric. And I wish that time would be gentle and lend us its hands to dabble into what we love even more than we expect. Similarly to Margaret Mitchell's line, I can only parallel your talent to Tara -- it's the only thing that lasts. Do take care of it my friend, Eric.

"Land is the only thing that matters. It's the only thing that lasts" - Gerald O' Hara (from GWTW by Margaret Mitchell

"How could he resist?": Photoshoot with Tonner Scarlett O' Hara doll

Posted by KentrunK Saturday, March 28, 2009 0 comments

How could Ashley resist kissing her? Here are photos from a Saturday afternoon shoot with Tonner Scarlett O' Hara wearing the beautiful Franklin Mint's "Christmas with Ashley" dress. For me this is one of the most beautiful dresses made for this doll.

I forgot to mention that this doll was sold to me by a friend from the US who got it in a garage sale. It seemed to have been played with extensively and was in dire need of T.L.C. The vinyl was not very clean and the hair disheveled. Well, a good bath, and a repaint plus good conditioner on the hair rescued this Scarlett. Now she's ready to entice Ashley again. Tsk, tsk bad girl!

The Scarlett O' Hara Doll War: Franklin Mint vs. Tonner

Posted by KentrunK Saturday, March 7, 2009 0 comments

One doll seems to rise above the Scarlett O' Hara doll wars. Limited Edition: 1 Worldwide!

The amazing Vivien Leigh repainted doll by Noel Cruz (www.ncruz.com)

Tonner doll's "Kissing Ashley Goodbye" outfit only showed the wrong cameo. Doll was not also available separately with the hairstyle shown in the publicity shots.

(www.tonnerdoll.com)

Franklin Mint's "Christmas with Ashley" dressed doll came with a sash, the correct hairstyle, cameo with gold fringes, and a jewelry piece at the back of the head. Hairstyle is film- accurate. Neatly done and very polished.

(www.franklinmint.com)

IS IT ORANGE OR IS IT PEACH?

The publicity shots of Tonner's Mrs. Kennedy Mill dress seemed to show an overlay of two skirts, but the actual dress showed one sewn continuously on another!

Buyers felt cheated. The hairstyle didn't show accuracy and actual dolls released showed a lack of balance on the hair braiding. Despite this, the doll seemed to capture the interest of buyers on ts initial release. (www.tonnerdoll.com)

Franklin Mint's version of the Mill Dress this time in Peach with fringes more faithful to the film dress. Hairstyle seems to be also accurate from its initial publicity shots.

(www.franklinmint.com)

As I write this, I am confused. Out there in doll-land, two of the most popular doll manufacturers seem to be at battle as to who produces the better Scarlett O' Hara.

My opinion is this: The history of adulation for Scarlett reached its apex with one of the most accurate and comprehensive collection depicting the character. Franklin Mint's vinyl version of Scarlett boasts of a likeness that is doll-like and yet unmistakably of Vivien Leigh's. Franklin Mint has an "almost complete" ensemble of dresses found from the film. Some have become hard-to-find (FM's Bridal vinyl Scarlett, and the Battlefield Scarlett are nowhere in ebay).

Yet, at around 2008, the Tonner doll company released its own version of Scarlett. This time its slant: the lost costumes never used in the film GWTW. However in its GWTW line, only 2 releases (Trip to Saratoga in 2008 and Travelling to Savannah with Mother in 2009) fall under this category. The rest are film outfits same as the ones released by Franklin Mint.

In 2009 Tonner released the continuation of this series with a new lost costume. And once again, similar GWTW clothing released by Franklin Mint.

Buyers can be confused which ones to buy. Buyers can be frustrated after buying one from Tonner, here comes another version from Franklin Mint.

If Tonner leads in articulation, Franklin Mint seems to still have the lead in likeness, in hairstyle and accuracy of the outfit. Prices differ too. Tonner pricing reaches a $200 plus mark with a Limited Edition claims that can make a collector break her piggy bank to grab one of its new dolls. Yet when it comes to hairstyles Tonner suffers with what seems to be inaccurate. And Franklin Mint now has embarked on hairstyling for its GWTW dolls.

Take a look at production photos and you'll see the difference between the dolls from these companies.

Personally, while I am inclined to get a Scarlett from Franklin Mint, my biggest hesitation comes from its lack of articulation. Then what? She stands and that's it? With Tonner the hesitation comes from the lack of likeness and the wrong hairstyles which has to be redone again -- and if one is not brave enough, one may end up with a mess. Franklin Mint's lack of advertising, promotion has seemed to catch the GWTW doll collector with surprise releases ergo, unplanned purchases that can be hard on the pocket these days. But still its doll's price is reasonable for the quality that one can get -- the likeness, the accuracy of clothing -- its biggest minus: articulation.

Which one is better? Which shows more likeness? Which pricing is more favorable? And if I were a GWTW fanatic, how do I wisely invest my hard-earned dollar (or Peso in my case which is 48 to 1 dollar)?

What do I think? I think each doll be it from Franklin Mint or Tonner holds a special charm for the collector. There are non-negotiables: likeness, articulation, dress detail, beauty, price. But more often a charmed doll collector loses reason and soon finds herself pressing that "add to cart" or "purchase" button; and find the seeds of guilt growing in us. This is why I think doll manufacturers out there should think twice, thrice about the propositions they give us consumers. The war doesn't happen between manufacturers, it happens inside the doll collector.

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Meantime one, new Scarlett O' Hara seems to have silently entered the picture and captured the enchantment and adulation of the public : GWTW doll collector or not. Limited Edition to 1 worldwide, this doll is not Scarlett at all but Vivien Leigh, from the amazing, unbelievable, heavenly talent of Noel Cruz. A repaint of Tonner's Scarlett O' Hara. See more of this one-of-a-kind, amazing creation and more at www.ncruz.com.

Tonner Scarlett O' Hara Repaint: "Waiting for Pa" and Tonner's 2009 Gone with the Wind Line

Posted by KentrunK Saturday, February 7, 2009 0 comments

"Don't look back" dress (Tonner 2009 GWTW line)

"Travelling with Mother to Savannah" (Tonner 2009 GWTW line)

"My Mother's Portieres" (Tonner 2009 GWTW line)

My personal portrait of Tonner "Waiting for Pa" doll (repainted)

(Apologies: I'm not all too familiar with editing in the blog so I kinda mixed this topic with my personal portrait of Scarlett)

Portrait of Tonner Scarlett O' Hara "Waiting for Pa". Shot with available light on 10 Megapixel Canon Camera. Light has been enhanced by Photoshop.

Tonner's 2009 Gone with the Wind line

Tonner recently announced its GWTW line for 2009. While there were some interesting additions such as the lost costume "Travelling with Mother to Savannah" (which seems not to capture the attention of Scarlett doll enthusiasts), most of the releases were not all too new in our eyes. "My Mother's Portieres" is a recreation of the overly done versions of the "drapery" dress. I think its because people like seeing an icon like Scarlett continuously refreshed -- just like any strong brand in the market. There is a point when a new version is not exciting anymore, no matter how new the interpretation may be. But personally, I think the cut and the fit seems interesting although not persuasive enough for me to get it. Tonner's Drapery dress seems to boast of a full velvet look, unlike Franklin Mint's which uses shiny silk and IMHO, lacks the fit that GWTW shows on Vivien Leigh. The doll that comes together with the drapery dress seems to have loose curls which seems to be more interesting to some, than the dress itself. "Don't look back" is the blue and white ensemble which is worn briefly on the film and hardly for me a Civil War costume. Plunkett seems to get carried away with his designs often designing with a "hollywood-ish" look than adhering to reality; even if Ms. O'Hara was known for her ostentatious choice of clothing, the styles and choice of color are not reminiscent of the 1800 -- late 1800's era. One would think that Scarlett on film was starring in a musicale. Nevertheless, the "Don't Look Back" ensemble is an elegant piece that makes the doll look stunning.

What shocked the GWTW doll collectors was the price of each doll/dress going over $200!! An inconsiderate move in face of a dark economic scenario, and way over the budget of a doll collector. There were points raised -- valid i.e., to sell the dress separately which could lower the cost. Actually, both doll and dress come in a large box which increases shipping costs.The Basic Mrs. Butler could actually work for "Don't Look Back", and "Travelling with Mother to Savannah"; the Basic Scarlett on the other hand can work for the new Tonner version of the Drapery dress. Why they didn't sell it separately as Franklin Mint did is beyond me. I think it should have been a consideration in the Tonner meetings about pricing. Should we all wait in ebay for these collections to be sold separately? And bid incessantly, be at the mercy of some sellers? Should we even get a dress even if we already have a similar one from Franklin Mint? Who knows what one can do when one is infected with "Scarlett fever".

In 2008 Tonner released 6 Scarlett costumes with a surprise convention doll: "Receiving Guests with Melanie". Does this mean we're in for 3 more? My guess --

Either:

Rhett's Return from London -- the Paisley Robe

Mrs. Kennedy pretends to cry -- the beautiful Red ensemble dress

Honeymoon in New Orleans -- a recreation of the Black and White shopping dress

Walking with Rhett and Bonnie -- Franklin Mint's Peachtree Street

Or the unseen costume worn by Scarlett in the unseen ending.

*images of the new GWTW 2009 line are from tonner.com site

Trip to Saratoga Scarlett O' Hara doll by Robert Tonner

Posted by KentrunK Friday, January 23, 2009 0 comments

Walter Plunkett illustration of the "Saratoga" outfit.

Image from Tonner doll website.

Robert Tonner's Trip to Saratoga dress is an interpretation of one of Walter Plunkett's designs for Gone with the Wind. The dress was never made for the film. It is supposedly for a scene wherein Scarlett comes from or goes to Saratoga. There was no such point in the Gone with Wind plot and only a mention: "When I was in Saratoga, I never saw any Yankee girls taking naps", says Scarlett refuting Mammy's admonition of her to take an afternoon nap at Twelve Oaks. Of course, she had other plans that afternoon than to take a nap, rather make a reality of her dream to declare her love for Ashley.

Tonner's Saratoga dress is a wonderful Civil War piece with rich ruffles on the bodice and sleeves. The coat is made of pale silk pink (if I am correct). Its twill skirt is rather heavy and lined with black and pink lines to make the square/block designs. The outfit comes with a hat topped with lace ruffles similar to the sleeves and bodice (parasol has been added via photoshop). The shoes of this doll are little delightful pieces -- in period with a buckle (I lost one buckle though in the process of its shipment). The doll also holds a little handkerchief bordered with lace. I am, however told that this dress was originally a design for Emmy Slattery (a character in Gone With the Wind).

Here is my portrait of Robert Tonner's Mrs. Kennedy doll and the "Waiting for Pa" doll wearing the "Trip to Saratoga" outfit. I've rendered one to look like a charcoal illustration against a Victorian background.

Scarlett O' Hara: Blue Velvet Portrait Gown

Posted by KentrunK Thursday, January 22, 2009 0 comments

The mysterious blue portrait gown in Rhett Butler's room.

It makes a cameo in Gone with the Wind, where Rhett throws a glass at the portrait.

One of the gowns done by Franklin Mint, which is briefly seen in the movie - and not even worn by the actress, only in a painting in Rhett Butler's room. The blue velvet done is rich and soft. I love the way this dress drapes when photographed; also the way it reflects light. It is not made to fit the Tonner Scarlett doll but since the doll is articulated it gives life to this beautiful dress. The sleeves are filled with soft sponge-y material to give it that puffed up look. It comes with blue shoes and a pearl tiara which the doll is not wearing here. Franklin Mint also gave this ensemble a shawl which is faithful to the way the shawl looks on the painting. It is however, very, very fragile. One tug and you can destroy this little accessory. The Franklin Mint Blue Velvet gown is very rare. I was lucky to have found it securely tagged in Ebay -- and bidded for it till the wee hours of the morning. I hope you enjoy the portraits as much as I did making them. Here it is worn by my most cooperative subject, my repainted Tonner Scarlett O' Hara doll.