Room 24 - Temporary Exhibits

Gene - a Modern Fashion Doll

October 22, 2003 - January 10, 2004

"Share the Dream" is the motto of Gene Marshall and of Joan Greene, the lady who gave the museum this collection of Gene dolls. Indeed, she has shared the dream with us all by making it possible to see so many dolls and costumes in one display. Adding to the diversity of the exhibit are dolls and costumes loaned by Gene's creator, Mel Odom, as well as many from the new shop Still Plays With Dolls owned by Shirley Devlin and Jean Ann Ovel

Mel Odom has been quoted as saying that if he is the "father" of Gene, then surely Joan Greene is the "mother". Greene started the production of Gene for Ashton-Drake galleries and oversaw the marketing of the dolls from 1994 to 2002. She is very proud of the attention to detail that is the hallmark of Gene's costumes.

The Gene Marshall doll is actually the brainchild of Mel Odom. As a child, Odom watched the movies of the 40's and 50's and developed a love for that era. One day after drawing a particularly beautiful face for an illustration, he began to daydream about a young starlet who turns Hollywood upside down and is launched to mega-stardom in a few short months. He wrote a short novel telling the story of this starlet, whom he called Gene Marshall. He drew plans for a doll to represent the character and in 1994 a modern-day fashion doll was born.

The costumes showcased here represent an episode in Gene's life, or a movie she starred in. She was "discovered" while ushering at a movie premiere by the famous director Eric Von Sternberg. He was immediately taken with the beauty of the 17 year old, and set in motion the events that led to her meteoric rise to stardom. Gene's success posed a threat to long-established star Madra Lord. She did all she could to make things difficult for Gene. Trent Osborne was often Gene's leading man and escort, sparking rumors in the press that the two were an "item." But Trent's playboy ways were not acceptable to Gene who grew up in a small town and carried a strict value system to Hollywood with her.

Let your imagination run wild as you enter the world of Gene Marshall, superstar. Don't miss her leading man, Trent Osborne, her rival Madra Lord, and her friend, jazz singer extraordinaire Violet Waters.

page designed by Roger Berg Jr.

	The Gene Marshall doll is actually the brainchild of Mel Odom. As a child, Odom watched the movies of the 40's and 50's and developed a love for that era. One day after drawing a particularly beautiful face for an illustration, he began to daydream about a young starlet who turns Hollywood upside down and is launched to mega-stardom in a few short months. He wrote a short novel telling the story of this starlet, whom he called Gene Marshall. He drew plans for a doll to represent the character and in 1994 a modern-day fashion doll was born.

The costumes showcased here represent an episode in Gene's life, or a movie she starred in. She was "discovered" while ushering at a movie premiere by the famous director Eric Von Sternberg. He was immediately taken with the beauty of the 17 year old, and set in motion the events that led to her meteoric rise to stardom. Gene's success posed a threat to long-established star Madra Lord. She did all she could to make things difficult for Gene. Trent Osborne was often Gene's leading man and escort, sparking rumors in the press that the two were an "item." But Trent's playboy ways were not acceptable to Gene who grew up in a small town and carried a strict value system to Hollywood with her.

Let your imagination run wild as you enter the world of Gene Marshall, superstar. Don't miss her leading man, Trent Osborne, her rival Madra Lord, and her friend, jazz singer extraordinaire Violet Waters.