Gone with the Wednesday: Hat’s Off to Debbie Reynolds’ Final Auction

Debbie Reynolds is holding the final auction of her unmatched collection of classic film memorabilia May 17-May18 in Los Angeles. It saddens me greatly that her dream of opening a movie museum was never realized and that these precious items are now scattered around the globe.  Debbie’s dedication for keeping classic film history alive is extraordinary and it’s such a shame that so few in Hollywood share her passion for it.

Well, since it is all to be scattered to the wind… Gone with the Wind fans, if you want to open your wallets and own a piece of film history, here is what is for sale:

Delicate black lace wire frame hat with long black chiffon train. No label. Created by Walter Plunkett for Vivien Leigh as “Scarlett O’Hara” in Gone With the Wind but not in the final version of the film. Obtained by Debbie Reynolds directly from the Selznick family. (est. $4,000 – $6,000)

Petite black straw hat accented with black feathers and golden yellow silk velvet ribbon. Selznick Int. Picture Inc. label handwritten, SCARLETT 20-108-WW-503. Two feathers are bent and attached by wire to a piece of black material for stability. Designed by Walter Plunkett. Worn by Vivien Leigh as “Scarlett” when she takes a buggy ride through Shanty Town and is attacked and Big Sam rescues her in Gone With the Wind. Obtained by Debbie Reynolds directly from the Selznick family. (est. $20,000 – $30,000) (I have always thought this hat was ugly in that scene…)

Petite very pale peach hat with ivory chiffon overlay, grey metal hat pin accented with large faux pearls and ivory chiffon tie. Selznick Int. Pictures Inc. label handwritten, SCARLETT 20-108-WW-426. Designed by Walter Plunkett. Worn by Vivien Leigh as “Scarlett O’Hara” when she visits Ashley (Leslie Howard) at the mill with her “New Bonnet” in Gone With the Wind. Obtained by Debbie Reynolds directly from the Selznick family.(est. $20,000 – $30,000)

Delicate ivory floral lace hat with ivory silk velvet long tie. Selznick Int. Pictures Inc. label handwritten, SCARLETT 20-108-WW-412. Exhibits a faint brown stain. Designed by Walter Plunkett. Hat is seen in a hatbox as part of her shopping spree in New Orleans in Gone With the Wind. Obtained by Debbie Reynolds directly from the Selznick family. (est.$8,000 – $12,000)

Brown fur hat with shades of orange and brown feathers along the top with a bird head image on side with glass eye and black beak. Selznick Int. Pictures Inc. label handwritten, SCARLETT 28-108-WW 208. Four of the feathers in back have been reattached with a wire and two tips are bent. Created by Walter Plunkett for Vivien Leigh as “Scarlett O’Hara” in Gone With the Wind but not in the final version of the film. Obtained by Debbie Reynolds directly from the Selznick family. (est. $4,000 – $6,000) (Okay, I take back what I said about the Shanty Town hat…THIS hat is ugly!!)

Black velvet tall hat with long aqua velvet ribbon and a group of ermine tails accenting the top peak. Selznick Int. Pictures Inc. label handwritten,SCARLETT 28-108-WW 205. Created by Walter Plunkett for Vivien Leigh as “Scarlett O’Hara” in Gone With the Wind but not in the final version of the film. Obtained by Debbie Reynolds directly from the Selznick family.(est.$4,000 – $6,000)

Large brimmed green straw hat with long dark green silk velvet ribbon. Selznick Int. Pictures Inc. label handwritten,SCARLETT 20-108-WW 534. Exhibits light fading overall. Created by Walter Plunkett for Vivien Leigh as “Scarlett O’Hara” in Gone With the Wind but not in the final version of the film. Obtained by Debbie Reynolds directly from the Selznick family. (est.$4,000 – $6,000)

Interested in something Clark Gable but non-GWTW? There are a few items…

Original linen-backed 3-sheet poster of Mogambo, mint condition. (est. $400-$600)

Some original studio portraits, included in lots of 30-50 other pictures of classic stars (lots est. $200-$300)

Clark’s taupe raincoat from an unidentified MGM production, circa 1950. (I’m guessing Key to the City since his favorite trench–the one from Comrade X, was sold at auction in 1996) Taupe and wool double-breasted six button raincoat with belt partially lined in dark peach textured silk. Logan Costume Co label in coat and on belt. Handwritten inside, “CLARK GABLE, MGM.”  Imprint of inside loop and two vent buttons can be seen through the material 5 in. separation on back side of one wrist. Worn by Clark Gable in an unidentified MGM production. (est. $800-$1,200)

Genuine Springfield Musket from Mutiny on the Bounty and other MGM films. (ca. 1840) Authentic Springfield .45/70 musket, cartridge converted to look like percussion, as used in numerous MGM period films, including both versions of Mutiny on the Bounty. Some elements have been modified or updated, but stock, barrel, and primary firing mechanism all appear original. Bears the following discernible markings: full American eagle next to “SPRINGFIELD;” smaller eagle side-view; serial #434795; and “VPPA.” Well-worn with some pitting from nearly 175 years of use, but basically sound, intact, and thoroughly displayable. Very good. Shipping arrangements via  a federal licensed firearms dealer will apply. (est. $400-$600.)

The catalog is absolutely astounding. There are original costumes worn by Mary Pickford, Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Loretta Young, Luise Rainier, Helen Hayes, Susan Hayward, Elizabeth Taylor, Ginger Rogers, Vera Ellen, Mae West, Gilbert Roland, and Harold Lloyd (even a set of his glasses and his prosthetic fingers!!)…the list goes on and on. It’s mind boggling.  A lot of these gorgeous and elaborate costumes are listed as being from  unidentified productions. I hope some classic film sleuths figure it out!

Not interested in costumes? How about a massive collection of original lobby cards? Or Fred MacMurray’s golf clubs? Or extensive amounts of MGM props that were used in countless productions–chairs, armoires, chests, mirrors, candelabras, weapons? Or MGM studio lights, cameras and sound equipment? Or sewing machines used  in the costume department? Or Buster Keaton’s personal 35mm movie camera? How about a Neumann U47 tube microphone that was used by Frank Sinatra and the Beatles?

The most expensive items include the long mink coat from Citizen Kane ($50,000-$60,000), a collection of five tuxedos worn by the Rat Pack ($20,000-$30,000)  and the replica ruby red slippers from The Wizard Of Oz (est. $30,000-$50,000).

Bidding is in person, over the phone or via internet. Anyone want to go in with me for Clark’s raincoat?? Anyone?? Must. Win. Powerball. Before. Auction.

You can view the 420 page auction catalog here.