Priceless Dress Worn By Marlene Dietrich

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 273, 21 November 1934, Page 5

Priceless Dress Worn By Marlene Dietrich

“THE SCARLET EMPRESS” IS THE LATEST MOVIE TRIUMPH (Regent, Screening Saturday.) Priceless in its historical and sentimental value, a handmade rosepoint lace dress that was worn by the Romanoff Czarina Alexandra, last Empress of Russia, lends authenticity to Marlene Dietrich’s portrayal of Catherine II in her next and greatest Paramount picture,“The Scarlet Empress.” Made with tho rarest and most expensive material, the dress was worn by the Czarina at an imperial function given by President Raymond Poincare of France to the ruling heads of Europe in 1914. It was to have been the last time the Czarina wore the gown. War, coming soon after the ball, caused Alexandra to dispose of the costume at a high figure in order to aid the suffering refugees; of Belgium. Paramount came into possession of the rare garb through a Hollywood resident who purchased it in Paris soon after the war’s outbreak, at a private sale. She had it • insured for 2,000 francs. Upon hearing of Miss Dietrich’s next picture, which portrays tho romantic exploits of Catherine, this person communicated with Travis Banton, head of Paramount's wardrobo department, and to-day the dress is studio property. Banton estimates that tho dress, made entirely by hand represents a year’s work for one person. Now it will bo altered to conform to the bouffant fashion that flared from the hips in tho hoop-skirt ora of Catherine 11. In stature and general measurements, however, Miss Dietrich and Czarina Alexandra were indcntical, Banton said.

This Paramount show spectacle was direct by Josef von Sternberg and features in support of Marlene Dietrich, John Lodge, Sam Jaffo and Louise Dresser.

There are so many who jostle and crowd to see the screen personalities when they appear in public, even in Hollywood, that many of tho personalities adopt measures to ensure their not being recognised, and it is assumed that this is why Marlene was not recognised at the preview. Apart from the usual sightseers, tho autograph hunters, thero are those who make a business of pestering the stars with their wares and thus Marlene Dietrich hid her beauty when going to get tho first glimse of her latest dramatic production.

Production of outdoor pictures will be resumed by Paramount during the 1934-35 season. First will be “Wagon Wheels,” in which will be incorporated a song hit of the same name. Randolph Scott will probably bo featured in this picture. Three will be made, but the titles of the second and third have not yet been decided.