The Gracie Allen Murder Case (Paramount, 1939), Pair of Gracie Allen Costume Sketches by Edith Head.

Description

The Gracie Allen Murder Case (Paramount, 1939), Pair of Gracie Allen Costume Sketches by Edith Head. Vintage original pair of sketches by Edith Head for 1939's The Gracie Allen Murder Case accomplished in gouache, watercolor, and pencil on 14.25" x 22.75" artist's board. Both sketches contain detailed pencil markings on both recto and verso, indicating general specifications for the outfits, i.e. "Lighter color material / 3 piece suit" on one and "Blue crepe dress" on the other, with the verso containing cost runs for each outfit and which sequences the outfits were intended for, as well as production sign-offs, stamps and dates from early January 1939. Though permutations of both ensembles do appear in the film, interestingly the scene in the movie originally identified for the 3-piece suit actually shows Allen in a variation of the outfit with the dotted veil, when Allen returns to the Diamond Slipper Café before going to visit the Fingerprint Division. Regardless, the outfits sketched here and seen throughout the film have the distinctive flair of Edith Head's work, including elaborate and whimsical headwear paired with elegant and understated blouses, skirts, and women's suits, as well as ever-chic evening wear. Both sketches signed prominently in pencil in Head's hand on lower left center, with notations clear and legible on both sides. Adapted for the screen from a novel in the Philo Vance detective series by S.S. Van Dine, the film follows a version of Allen playing herself as a ditzy murder witness who attempts to help Detective Vance (Warren William) solve the crime. Items exhibit age and production handling, including minor bumped edges, light toning, with 1- pinhole and signs of prior mounting residue visible. Comes with a COA from Heritage Auctions.

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