From the well-kept collection of a meticulous Doll collector: Miss Gene Marshall and Mr Elvis Presley in "Vegas Baby!". Miss Marshall wears her "Ransom In Red" ensemble which was released in 1998 as a retailer's exclusive. Mr Presley wears his signature white jumpsuit and concho belt. These dolls and the entire lot is extremely rare to find together, and in such good condition!
DISCLAIMER: THIS GENE MARSHALL DOLL BY ASHTON DRAKE/MEL ODOM HAS BEEN RESTYLED AND REIMAGINED INTO A LIMITED EDITION ORIGINAL WORK OF ART. HER HAIRSTYLE, MAKEUP, ENSEMBLE, AND ACCESSORIES HAVE ALL BEEN ENHANCED AND OR CHANGED. THIS RECREATION INCLUDES BOTH ITS ORIGINAL COA AND A NOTARIZED NEW COA BY THE ARTIST.
Miss Gene Marshall in "Vegas Baby! (Ransom In Red)" has been professionally styled specifically for this ensemble, and performance. She wears her shiny, blonde hair in a style that is classy and sexy. It was blown out, curled and set in soft layers falling to just below her shoulders. She is styled to sing and dance as the opening act for Mr Elvis Presley at his concert show in Las Vegas. Miss Marshall wears her "Ransom In Red" ensemble, by Tim Kennedy. This is a fiery red peplum sheath dress with an unconventional design certain to attract the crowds undivided attention. It was worn originally by Gene in a perfume advertisement, but has been reworked with gold damask accents added to the peplum, train, and straps of the gown. The halter bodice extends into an unusual split train that unfurls like poinsettia petals a full 13 in down from the nipped waist. The svelte skirt has a single slit up the back to the knee. Gene is wearing a king's ransom in jewels, including a "Ruby and Pearl" bracelet and three-tiered "diamond" earrings. Her red opera length gloves, nude hosiery, and red grosgrain ribbons strap shoes finish her look. The ensemble was steam pressed for her right out of its brand new box prior to updating and then dressing. Miss Marshall is also brand new and was only removed from her box for styling and "publicity photos."
Mr Elvis Presley in "The King of Las Vegas" is also by Ashton Drake Galleries. This is an historic original issue in the Elvis: Lifetime of a Legend porcelain doll collection officially authorized and fully endorsed by The Estate of Elvis Presley, and is an exclusive edition.
The original design for this handcrafted, hand-painted porcelain doll was created by artist Lia Di Leo in an edition that ended forever on December 31, 1994, at which time molds for this doll were broken and no more were made. Elvis was made in 1992. No other entertainer could touch the lives of his fans like Elvis Presley. Throughout his career, when The King made an appearance on stage, on TV, in films and on records he moved us all. But there was far, far more to this entertainment legend than the appeal of his music alone. There was the vulnerability and sensitivity of the young man who asked in song, "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" The humility and reverence of the small-town boy who put his very soul into Gospel hymns like "How Great Thou Art." And the seductive, dark-eyed masculinity of the movie hero- adored by women, envied by men. In the end, the music - no matter how great, and great it was! has never been enough for his fans. We wanted to know every thing possible about Elvis the movie star, Elvis the young soldier, Elvis the father, Elvis the man. Today, we are left with fabulous memories of The King, some public, some private... The Ashton-Drake Galleries is proud to place its respected hallmark on this historic doll collection.
It is the early 1970s The King rules supreme in Vegas In the sold out main room of the International Elvis holds his huge Las Vegas audience spellbound He is ruggedly handsome full of charm and Vitality In his dramatic white jumpsuit, dazzling under the stage lights Elvis seems to radiate light As he moves on stage, the silvery conchos and fringes of his macrame belt glitter and whirl. It's a stunning, unforgettable performance!
"Elvis The King of Las Vegas" recaptures the great warmth. masculine power, and legendary stage presence of The King giving you the feeling that you are in a front-row seat among that lucky audience. As part of the Elvis Lifetime of a Legend collection. "Elvis The King of Las Vegas" takes its place in your doll collection as a treasured reminder of the King's legendary years as Las Vegas most tamous headliner
Only the porcelain doll medium can recreate the feeling of seeing Elvis from all angles, as if you are part of that lucky audience. Sculptor Lia Di Leo has designed this "Elvis"to thrill fans of the King, and doll collectors everywhere.
Miss Marshall and Mr Presley are pictured in a memorable scenario, described below. It is the continuation of a story that began with his 1968 comeback special.
NEW STORY:
Here is the story of: "Vegas Baby!"
The question Elvis had had for Gene had stunned her! She couldn't believe it! He asked her if she would like to open any of the shows coming up on his tour!!!
"Gosh, Elvis... You must know how flattering it is for you to ask me! I mean, I haven't really performed for a live crowd since the USO tour I did during World War II. I mean, of course I have sung a song or two by request in private clubs... But nothing like the crowd you would draw. May I have a few days to think it over?"
"Of course Gene, dear... But you should know that I wouldn't ask you if I didn't think you were up to it!"
And as he said that, he took her in his arms and swirled
her around the room, making her laugh just as he always
had.
"I'll have my attorney and financial advisor send the contracts to your agent tomorrow. Look them over... And then say yes," he said.
And after that, the room suddenly swarmed with people, and the celebration of Elvis's return to the stage was the best party she'd attended in a long time....
Of course, she would never turn down this opportunity. She was up for the challenge. And she began rehearsing with her dance and voice coach immediately.
"Besides," she thought, "I have taken some time off after wrapping my last film, and if Elvis can do it, so can I!"
She wouldn't be opening all of the shows on his tour, but she would at least do the ones on the West Coast... starting with Las Vegas.
As soon as he heard, Elvis picked up the phone and called Gene. After talking over some of the songs she thought she might like to perform, he ended the call with, "See you in Vegas, Baby!"
Gene worked hard to get herself back up to crowd performance shape, and when she did arrive in Vegas, she and Elvis rehearsed a little the day before the show. He had nothing but wonderful things to say to her, and that put a smile on her face that lasted for months!
The show was a wonderful success! Gene sang some of her favorite songs... "L-O-V-E," "Be my Baby," "Tonight You Belong to Me," and ended her set with, "Fever"... And the crowd loved it! And they seem to love it even more when Elvis joined her on stage prior to beginning his own show.
Gene felt alive again! She had not realized how much she missed the rush of performing in front of a live audience. "Yes.." she thought, "I've still got it....!!!" And she had looked wonderful in the long red gown she had had reworked with gold accents for the performance....
Gene and all her accessories come in her original White Ashton Drake box. Gene's doll stand is included. Elvis and all his accessories, including his microphone, come in his original Ashton-Drake box. All that is pictured comes with each doll including all story cards, accompanying original paperwork, and certificates of authenticity (for both Gene and Elvis).
Bonus: as an added delight, a Gene-sized signed poster of Gene and Elvis is included in this lot!!!!!