The Wizard of Oz Bert Lahr as The Cowardly Lion 20" Doll Franklin Heirloom NEW
The box has some edge wear, creasing and scuffing. The shipper box has wear, staining and has been written on. The doll does not appear to have been removed from the box. Includes the Certificate of Authenticity.
To his role as The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz Bert Lahr brought 29 years of performing experience in vaudeville and on Broadway. He relished his part and played it with an enthusiasm and joy that made The Cowardly Lion one of the movie's most unforgettable characters.
Lahr was only 15 years of age when he left his home in New York City in search of a career in vaudeville. He joined a touring troupe of child performers and for three years traveled around the country, appearing on stage and learning the techniques of older vaudeville comedians. He learned his lessons well, and by the time he got his big break on Broadway in 1928, he was a top- paid vaudevillian.
His break came when he was offered a comic role as a prize fighter in the hit Broadway show 'Hold Everything.' After the show's debut, Lahr was hailed as a 'new comedy king,' and starring roles were offered to him regularly thereafter. In 1939, for example, he costarred with Ethel Mer- man in 'Du Barry was a Lady' and later earned rave reviews for his performance in multiple roles in 'Two on the Aisle.'
Lahr capitalized on his Broadway acclaim by traveling to Hollywood and taking comedy roles in numerous films. No other actor was even considered for the role of The Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, and Lahr was delighted with the part. He drew on all the expertise acquired from his years on the vaudeville and Broadway stage, and expanded his part with unique comic touches and a whimsical kind of pathos.
While he was making the film, Lahr reported to the set at 6:30 each morning for make-up and costume preparations. His 'lion' nose and mouth were glued to his face, and he wore a huge fur wig and a fur beard. His cumbersome padded suit was made from an actual lion skin. The bulky suit with its long tail, used all too frequently by the Lion for wiping away tears, was perfect for the character. It gave Lahr the look of a lion whose courage had deserted him and who could only pretend to be the fearsome 'king of the forest.'
Lahr continued to star on Broadway and on television after the making of The Wizard of Oz. Despite his success, however, his journey down the Yellow Brick Road as The Cowardly Lion is his most memorable role.
20" tall.
Franklin Heirloom exclusive 1989!
Intricately detailed! A beautiful piece!
Includes doll stand.
For the adult collector, age 14 and over.
Notice ~ The box (if one is included) for this item will have some shelf wear or creasing. If this is a multiple quantity inventory listing, the listing photos are representative of the condition of the item, however the condition of each box will vary slightly. Please zoom in on photos to see more condition details.
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| MPN | N/A |
| Brand | The Wizard of Oz |
| Type | Doll |