DOROTHY LAMOUR THE SARONG GIRL

Dorothy Lamour was an American film actress who is best remembered for her performances in the series of “Road to..” films opposite Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Dorothy Lamour is also remembered for her many films in which she wore the characteristic sarong dress, which was deigned for her by the legendary Edith Head during her years at Paramount pictures. Lamour first appeared in the sarong in the 1936 Paramount film “The Jungle Princess”. In fact she appeared in 11 films thereafter in Sarong. Audiences remember Lamour best for these films.



During the World War II years, Lamour remained amongst the most popular pinup girls including Betty Grable, Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner and Veronica Lake. Lamour was also heavily involved in the creation of war bond tours in which movie stars travelled the country selling U.S. government bonds.

Here is an elegant black satin halter gown worn by Dorothy Lamour in the film Masquerade In Mexico (1945). Costumes designed by Edith Head. The gown features intricate lace design to the bodice and trim to the hem. The film tells the story of an American singer stranded in Mexico who is hired by a banker to distract a Mexican matador who is making a play for the banker's wife. They hatch a scheme whereby she pretends to be a Spanish countess.



The costume appears in many production stills made for the film and for Paramount advertising. The costume also appears on the poster advertising for the film.





A wonderful Edith Head creation for one of Paramount’s biggest box office draws of the 1930’s and 1940’s.

BETTY GRABLE THE GIRL WITH THE MILLION DOLLAR LEGS

Here is a showgirl costume worn by actress and pin-up girl Betty Grable, also known as "The Girl With the Million Dollar Legs." This costume was worn in the 1955 musical "Three for the Show." It was to be Grable's next-to-last film role.

Costumes for Grable were designed by Jean Louis.

The musical tells the story of singing-and-dancing stage star Julie (Betty Grable) who assumes that her husband Marty (Jack Lemmon) is missing in action during WWII and presumed dead. Grable is engaged to new love Vernon (Gower Champion), when Lemmon returns.

The costume was used in the Poster art for the film and is constructed of a leotard covered in thousand of bugle beads and sequins in a harlequin design.



The costume can be seen in the opening scenes during the opening credits and first song. The costume came from the collection of child star and collector Jane Withers.