Her name was actually Katie Marshall. It was only after she was discovered by a famous Hollywood producer that she adopted her beloved grandfather's name, Gene - because he had always urged her to follow her dream to Hollywood stardom.

The movies were Gene's passion, even as a young girl. Inspired by the world's great movie actresses, she developed her acting skills by winning the leads in every school play. She quickly won the hearts and admiration of everyone who saw these early performances...for even then, Gene was surely touched with stardom.

Gene was a typical, gawky young woman...but the movies taught her grace, and passion, and made her heart sing with their glamour and drama!

Because Gene was single-minded about pursuing her dream, she managed to find her way to New York City. She became an "USHERETTE" at a fashionable movie theatre frequented by celebrities.

On a night that changed her life forever, Gene led a tall, distinguished man to his seat in the darkened theatre. Her flashlight fleetingly revealed her lovely face to him. Astonished at her beauty and poise, this noted producer declared her his latest discovery, took her to hollywood, and helped make Gene the star she always deserved to be.

To the rest of the world, she looks the part: a newly-discovered starlet, about to depart for Hollywood. But only Gene...and the kindly producer, knows how she really feels. Happy - but wistful, excited - but a little nervous. Gene is at the train station, where family, friends, and the press have come to see her off. And she’ll certainly be going in style...because she’s wearing the most beautifully tailored suit even sophisticated New York has seen! "GOOD-BYE NEW YORK." The fur hat and muff are an unexpected, gift from the producer, but the most touching gift of all is the teddy bear, brought to the station by Gene’s father to remind her forever of her family’s love.

In her very first Hollywood film, a small role as a hat-check girl, Gene wants to establish a screen personality that makes her stand out, an image that people will carry with them long after they leave the theater! One fabulous way to do just that is to appear in man-tailored clothing "BLOND LACE.", which has an uncanny way of making a beautiful woman appear even more feminine and elegant. Gene has only a few lines...but her radiant beauty make an unforgettable impression. As the credits scroll up at the end of the film, people strain to read the small print, looking for the name of the "unknown" starlet who played that stunning hat-check girl...and Gene is on her way to becoming a full-fledged star!

Just imagine...the whole town of Hollywood is watching and the spotlight is on you. You’re no longer the little girl waiting in the ticket line at the theatre...or the helpful usherette, quietly leading people to their seats. Instead, your image has been carved in light on celluloid, shining larger than life on the silver screen. The world has declared you a rising star. And now you’re ready to attend your first Premiere, "GENE IN PREMIERE", dressed in a gown that’s the stuff dreams are made of, for this...your introduction into Hollywood royalty.

In this moving film, "LOVE’S GHOST", Gene captures the allure of a shy young victorian governess. When hired to care for two small children living in a mansion, she was totally unaware that she was destined to fall in love with a restless spirit who is haunting their home. Gene's costume is the essence of Victorian elegance. The blouse is of white lawn with a deeply-ruffled neckline and lace edging, it fastens with hooks and eyes down the front. The matching skirt has a separate net slip. A flowered cummerbund and matching straw hat add color. Also included are hose, white shoes, "pearl" earrings, and hair ribbon. Circa 1946, and was designed exclusively for Gene by Doug James.

Gene wears this gown one week to an important film premiere. Seeing the reaction of public and press alike...she decides to wear it the following week for a series of publicity photos. It becomes a special favorite of hers. "BLUE EVENING." Perfect for making an "entrance." It is a twilight-blue satin strapless gown with accents of deep rose at the draped bosom, and its own separate deep rose pink net slip. Includes rhinestone pin, "pearl" earrings, pink chiffon stole, beaded choker, hose and matching blue shoes. Circa 1953, and was designed exclusively for Gene by Timothy Alberts.

Monaco was a sweet, romantic Cinderella story where Gene played a girl of common birth who rises to a life of untold wealth when a handsome prince falls in love with her and they are ultimately married. In their climactic wedding day scene, Gene takes her character down the aisle in true princess style "GENE IN MONACO" and into the arms of her waiting prince. Gene's gown is so extraordinary that young brides throughout America begin to wear copies of it at their weddings.

"PINK LIGHTNING" Part of Gene's personal wardrobe, she attends a glamorous Hollywood press party wearing this knock-out dress. It is made of midnight-blue taffeta with a portrait neckline, set off by shocking pink organdy draped at the bosom and around the shoulders. A flash of pink and silver lame’ defines the unique staggered hemline. With matching shoes and clutch handbag. Circa 1956, and was designed exclusively for Gene by Tim Kennedy.

For an on-screen romance, Gene slips into something perfect for the part - "THE KISS" A marabou-trimmed pink satin peignoir lined in shimmering silver lame’. Also included is a matching gown with "diamond" pin, earrings, and high-heeled mules. Circa 1946, and was designed exclusively for Gene by Tim Kennedy.

For this film, Gene looks outside of her own personality and turns in one of the most memorable and challenging performances of her life. Impressing the critics with the dramatic edge she brings to this suspense film, she portrays the provocative Morgan O'Day - the headstrong mistress of a notorious mobster. "GENE IN RED VENUS". Fans everywhere left the theater with the final scene forever in their minds, where Gene struts defiantly to the police van on the arms of two awestruck men of the law. Now the darling of both her fans and her critics, Gene is ready to join the ranks of the most legendary women of stage and screen.

The morning after Gene enjoys her career triumph, receiving her first industry award - the coveted Golden Star Award for "Best Actress," the Hollywood Gazette features a headline above her picture that reads "Striking Gold." Gene earns this adulation not only for her career achievements, but for the fabulous impression she makes at the podium as she humbly accepts her Golden Star Statuette, with the most lovely glow of radiance on her face as she quietly says "thank you," with genuine gratitude.

Gene's high fashion beachwear...and perfect for a pin-up photo. "CRIMSON SUN" is an ingenious one-piece halter-top knit swimsuit with the look of a two-piece. Ensemble includes floral-print sarong, matching hat, fabric-trimmed beach tote, and golden, ankle-wrap sandals with matching belt...plus golden earrings and a matching bracelet! Circa 1943, and was designed exclusively for Gene by Doug James.

The 1996 Line

As a film star in the 1940s, like everyone else Gene is concerned with the country's war effort, and wants to do what she can to support the troops stationed overseas. Thus, Gene finds herself in front of the cameras in an outfit more daring than any she had yet worn on the screen, posing for a promotional photo to be released by Monolithic Studios to cheer up "the boys" overseas."GENE IN PIN-UP". Within weeks this photo has been distributed by the thousands to troops all over the world...and what a stir it causes on all fronts! Gene's photo became the inspiration for thousands of love letters sent back from overseas.

Gene relaxes at home glancing through a fan magazine with her image on the cover. "AFTERNOON OFF" It is a casual ensemble of a gray twill jacket lined in royal blue, tweed skirt, and a sweater with beaded trim at the neckline. Includes gray shoes, matching hose and a miniature copy of Screen Look, a classic movie fan magazine with a cover illustration of Gene by Mel Odom himself. Fabrics may vary. Circa 1947, and was designed exclusively for Gene by Doug James.

Taking a break from her hectic film schedule, Gene goes to visit parents and friends back home in New York. To commemorate her father's 50th birthday, she decides to treat the family to an evening of dinner and dancing at one of New York's most glittering nightclubs, well-known for its celebrity clientele. "EL MOROCCO" Gene’s cocktail dress extraordinaire is a deep plum taffeta sheath with a separate overskirt of black tulle, jet buttons and a black velvet bow at the waist. Includes a chic matching hat embellished with silk flowers, feathers, hand beading and a small illusion veil. Add a clutch handbag, "diamond" scatter pins, bracelet, hose and shoes. Circa 1955, and was designed exclusively for Gene by Timothy Alberts.

In a touching wartime love story of the same name, Gene performs a scene wearing this elegant recital gown as she plays a young violin virtuoso. "CRESCENDO". A striking gown of deep emerald taffeta with a separate fuchsia underskirt, fuchsia crystal buttons, and a white lace bodice that is hand-beaded. Includes a miniature violin, sheet music, and matching hose, shoes, jewelry and hanky. Circa 1946, and was designed exclusively for Gene by Doug James.

"GENE IN BLUE GODDESS" - In one of her first color films, Gene plays a level-headed banker's daughter who gets caught up in a story of international intrigue. Unwittingly, she becomes the accomplice of a gang of clever jewel thieves who plan to steal the famous and fabulous Blue Goddess Gem. It became clear after the film's premiere to critical acclaim that the name "Blue Goddess" also is meant to apply to Gene, as she appears wearing a gown matching her extraordinary blue eyes. One of her most stunning film costumes ever.

"HOLIDAY MAGIC" Gene's very special Holiday dress. It has a bodice of cobalt blue satin and ballerina style skirt of layered tulle. Four blue bows adorn the skirt and blue satin rosettes accent the bak of the waist. Comes with ling white gloves and a tiny wrapped Christmas present. - Designed by Timothy John Kennedy

"GENE'S WARDROBE TRUNK" Gene's Wardrobe Trunk is crafted for her alone, designed to store and protect her fabulous wardrobe. It's 16" high with a black leatherette surface and a bold, golden "Gene" star logo on the front. The spacious interior is lined with blue Gene signature logo paper, and includes three hangers and a roomy storage drawer for shoes and accessories.

THE GENE MARSHALL® DOLL WAS CREATED BY MEL ODOM AND IS DISTRIBUTED BY THE ASHTON-DRAKE GALLERIES®.