‘She’ll coax the blues right out of your heart’ was the tagline used in promotion of the 1974 motion picture MAME starring, Lucille Ball. In addition to posters, hanging mobiles, and even a fashion line, this rare pin button help advertise the Warner Bros. film. Worn by theater works and ushers the badge measures roughly three inches across and features the seated Lucy Mame drawing with her one roller skate, fur trimmed coat and gloves.
Tag: Warner Brothers
MAME Ashtray Gift from Lucille Ball
Friends, some press as well as cast and crew of the 1974 motion picture MAME received this off-white porcelain ashtray from its star, Lucille Ball. The circular, gold rimmed ashtray features the film’s title in the center and Lucy’s signature Love Lucy below. This particular piece was never used and still included the original box when it was aquired. Two versions of ashtrays were made, possibly for different years. The other is a square style that has a felt bottom.
Lucille Ball’s Rhinestone Ring Worn to MAME Premiere
Auntie Mame returned to the big screen in 1974 with Lucille Ball starring as Mame Dennis in her last theatrical performance. Directed by Gene Saks (originally George Cukor) the technicolor musical was slated to begin production in early 1972 but was postponed a year after Lucy broke her leg in a skiing accident.
Finally on March 26th the film was released with a lavish Hollywood premiere at the Cinerama Dome on Sunset Blvd. Lucy wore a white ensemble, the same costume she would also wear in the movie, as well as this rhinestone encrusted ring. Featuring clusters of jewels balled together in a mound with an elastic band, it can be seen on her left index finger. Lucille celebrated and danced the night away along side her family, cast, crew and celebrities with the picture at last coming to fruition.
Lucille Ball’s MAME Costume by Theadora Van Runkle
On March 7, 1974 Lucille Ball brought “Mame Dennis” to the big screen for her final feature film, MAME. She wore an unprecedented number of costumes in the movie, all of which were designed by Theodora Van Runkle.
One of the gowns was this three piece ensemble consisting of a silver lamè sleeveless, floor length gown with high collar, silver lamè turban with black lace lining, and a black wool and satin jacket with silver lamè lapels and cuffs with large covered buttons. The labels have large ornate deco-style diamond pins attached.
Lucy wears the costume for roughly ten seconds in the film during Robert Preston’s serenade of “Loving You” but dawns it more often for the press luncheon at the start of filming, publicity photoshoots as well as other events.
Original 1954 fashion sketch of Lucille Ball by Elois Jenssen
An original 1954 fashion sketch of Lucille Ball by designer, Elois Jenssen. This vibrant illustration depicts a white, sweetheart bodice, chiffon evening gown draped in tulle, complete with kelly green necklace and earrings.
The costume sketch was produced for Lucy’s appearance at the Hollywood premiere of Judy Garland’s brilliant film, A Star is Born, that took place on October 16, 1954. Desi and Lucy were an astounding looking couple that night!
As one who held onto many things in her life, years later, Lucy wore the same jewelry set on a few episodes of Here’s Lucy.