February 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2014
Joan Crawford's hero dress from her magnum opus, "Mildred Pierce". Joan Crawford currently ranks in the American Film Institute's top ten actresses in the history of cinema. Polka-dot dress is worn by Crawford in the film's promotional posters, in a still captured from the scene in the beginning of the film when she goes on a date, set at the Malibu beach house of her scheming beau Monte Beragon. Rayon dress, originally white, has since been dyed to a flesh tone color, with polka dots in a darker nude shade. Design features a slightly A-line cut shirt, long sleeves, pleated bodice and square neckline flanked by a simple bow on either side. A Warner Bros. Pictures label is sewn into the placket and has a hand note, "B - 2nd Dress / 18905-638". Written inside the top in black felt tip is the note, "TBS / 209". Dress fastens up the back and at the waistline with alternating snaps and hook-and-eye closures, also found at the cuffs. Discreet side zipper is placed over the hip. Likely altered for use in a later Warner Brothers film, dress measures 17.75" from underarm to underarm, with 21" sleeve and a petite 11" across the waist. Original self-belt is absent; dress is accompanied by later grosgrain belt in brown with a cream stripe through the center. Scattered pinholes and stray threads, else near fine. A stunning piece worn by Crawford in her triumphant comeback role, where she delivered what is considered one of the Best Actress performances of all time. Provenance from Warner Brothers.
Joan Crawford's Polka-Dot Hero Dress From ''Mildred Pierce'' -- The Film That Won Her the Academy Award & Considered One of the Greatest Performances by an Actress in the History of Cinema
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