On Screen & Beyond

HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS COLLECTION, ASSEMBLED & PRESERVED
FOR NEARLY SEVEN DECADES, GOES UP FOR SALE

Trove of Authentic Costumes & Memorabilia from a Century of Hollywood Films
Will Benefit Two Charities, The Giving Back Fund and Americana Dance Theatre

HLC’s John LeBold with Judy Garland “Wizard of Oz”
and Marilyn Monroe “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” Costumes

Los Angeles , CA (November 21, 2011) – Bette Davis called it “a sumptuous treat...a glorious collection...so vast and so very complete.”  Joan Crawford found it to be a “totally impressive collection of movie treasures... Thank God someone had the sense to save all these wonderful memories.”  The Hollywood Legends Collection , assembled over nearly seven decades and painstakingly preserved by former costume professional John LeBold, today went up for sale to buyers both private and institutional.

Valued at more than $10 million and containing some of the most rare and iconic costumes and memorabilia from the Silent and Golden Eras of Hollywood, the Hollywood Legends Collection is one of the world’s largest private collections of American cinematic history.  The decision to sell the collection was made in light of the age and health of Mr. LeBold, who wishes it to remain together and accessible, for the benefit of history and public viewing for generations to come.  Its sale will benefit two organizations, The Giving Back Fund and Americana Dance Theatre.

A portion of the collection is now on exhibit at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and some of its costumes and props may be perused on the website, www.HollywoodLegendsCollection.org , where a complete inventory can be provided upon request.

A convention center would be required to exhibit the full breadth of the collection, which includes 887 costumes; more than 6300 lobby cards; over 115,000 photos including oversized portraits, 8x10s, keybook photographs and movie stills; negatives; scripts; press books; magazines; programs; song sheets; scrapbooks and other memorabilia.  It also includes components of the 1987 DeMille Dynasty Exhibition, designed by Oscar-winning art director Eugenio Zanetti.

For three decades John LeBold and his collection have traveled to every continent of the world, most notably in exhibitions for Emperor Hirohito of Japan , for Princess Alexandra Borghese of Rome , and in a seven-year tour of Russia .  It has also been displayed throughout the U.S. at museums, malls and other venues including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Science and Industry,  the Motion Picture Academy, Planet Hollywood and the 50 ^th anniversary of Bloomingdale’s.  The collection has been used to raise money for a variety of causes and charities, including the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Hollywood couture is at the heart of the Hollywood Legends Collection, featuring the best-known, best-loved apparel in the history of American cinema, with the original studio label on 99% of the pieces verifying their authenticity.   Among the most iconic costumes and performers:  

• Vivien Leigh’s green velvet “drapery dress” and Clark Gable’s green cape from Gone With the Wind
• Judy Garland’s blue checkered pinafore and white blouse from The Wizard of Oz
• Marilyn Monroe’s gold lamé gown from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
• Elizabeth Taylor’s strapless off-white gown from A Place in the Sun , which L.A. Times Magazine called “the prototype of the perfect debutante dress... the most copied dress of its time,” and Taylor’s ornate falcon headdress and jewelry from Cleopatra
• Ingrid Bergman’s cream evening dress from Casablanca
• Claudette Colbert’s gold velvet lamé embellished voluminous cape from Cleopatra
• Rita Hayworth’s black satin ball gown and long matching gloves from Gilda
• Errol Flynn’s tunic, tights, belt and cape from The Adventures of Don Juan
• Marlene Dietrich’s silk velvet evening gown and feather boa from Shanghai Express
• Humphrey Bogart’s blue pinstripe “Lucky Suit” from The Maltese Falcon
• Bob Hope’s cream and gold wool jacket from Road to Morocco
• Yul Brynner’s red brocade slippers from The King and I
• Gene Kelly’s black and beige satin striped cape from An American in Paris
• James Dean’s jeans and beige work shirt from Giant
• Audrey Hepburn’s white chiffon gown from Sabrina
• Peter Sellers’ gold silk smoking jacket from Prisoner of Zenda
• Madeline Kahn’s lavender crepe turban from Young Frankenstein
• Julie Andrews’ black & white crepe flapper dress from Thoroughly Modern Millie
• Arnold Schwarzenegger’s leather jacket, pants, t-shirt, belt and boots from Terminator 2. 

The collection also includes costumes worn by such film stars as Tallulah Bankhead, John Barrymore, Clara Bow, Richard Burton, Sean Connery, Joan Crawford, Tom Cruise, Tony Curtis, Bette Davis, Doris Day, Farrah Fawcett, Henry Fonda, Greta Garbo, Cary Grant, Jean Harlow, Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Ryan O’Neal, Jack Palance, Vincent Price, Ginger Rogers, Jane Russell, Lana Turner, Rudolph Valentino and Mae West, among many others.

Along with a half-dozen Mary Pickford dresses, gowns and other apparel personally given to John LeBold, a number of iconic props also populate the collection, including Charlie Chaplin’s bamboo cane used in many of his films, the jewel box and two tablets carried by Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments , the Maltese Falcon statue from that film, and the golden idol from Raiders of the Lost Ark .  There are also extensive mini-collections of personal effects from the estates of Cecil B. DeMille, Harold Lloyd, Agnes Moorehead and Tyrone Power.  

None of the costumes in the collection would exist without the vision and skill of their designers, which include the most original and award-winning talents in Hollywood history: among them, Adrian, Travis Banton, Donald Brooks, Edith Head, Rene Hubert, Dorothy Jeakins, Mitchell Leisen, Moss Mabry, Orry-Kelly, Walter Plunkett, Helen Rose, Irene Sharaff, Jean Louis, Travilla, Miles White and Elsa Zamparelli.

The Hollywood Legends Collection also features rare costume sketches; a formidable number of well-preserved title and lobby cards from the earliest years of Hollywood onward; oversized portraits and photographs, including vintage silver gelatin, double weight, matte finish and glossy photos; 8x10 portraits, most bearing the stamp or mark of the photographer; posters, whose early lithography is intense and spellbinding; press books and exhibitor campaign manuals; an extensive collection of movie magazines; a comprehensive film and theatre program inventory from the 1920s-70s; negatives; scripts; song sheets and other memorabilia.

By his own admission, John LeBold was “addicted” to films.  Childhood illnesses kept him indoors, and much of his time was spent in the theatres of New York City .  Managers knew him by name.  They were more than happy to give him the posters and lobby cards that he desired.  “I was hooked,” LeBold said as he described a purchase at a second-hand store.  It was a dress worn by Marlene Dietrich in the 1942 film Pittsburgh .  He was just thirteen years old.  In a trip to the store the next day he uncovered a suit worn by John Wayne in the same movie.  

When LeBold moved to Hollywood , his passion for films became a vocation.  He became a dresser and worked with eight-time Academy Award-winning costume designer Edith Head ( All About Eve , A Place in the Sun , The Sting ) on countless Hollywood productions.  He personally knew Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis, Tallulah Bankhead, Jeanette MacDonald and many others.  He had access to studio auctions and inventory sales.  LeBold also became responsible for “rescuing” many costumes and preserving them for collectors to come.

 

 

'tis the Season! ION Television Premieres Six New Original
           Holiday Movies, Beginning Sunday, November 27

ION's 2011 Holiday Films Include "12 Wishes of Christmas,"

"Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas," "Holiday Heist,"

"A Golden Christmas 2," "Christmas Mail" and "A Christmas Kiss"

NEW YORK, Nov. 7, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Television kicks off the
2011 holiday season with six all new original movies, starting Sunday,
November 27. ION Television will premiere the new holiday movies along
with returning favorites on Sundays throughout the season. New titles
for ION this year include "12 Wishes of Christmas," "Mandie and the
Forgotten Christmas," "Holiday Heist," "A Golden Christmas 2,"
"Christmas Mail," and "A Christmas Kiss."

"What better way for ION to usher in the season than with a variety of
new, festive movies," says Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks.
"This new collection of holiday movies exemplifies ION's commitment to
deliver entertaining original programming for our broad-based
audience."

ION Television's 2011 holiday schedule includes (*all times listed are
ET):

NEW - "12 Wishes of Christmas"

Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 9pm

CAST: Elisa Donovan, Gabrielle Carteris, Sarah Thompson, Fred Willard

Willing to try anything to transform her life, Laura follows her best
friend's suggestion and sets up a session with a life coach, who tells
Laura to make 12 wishes for a positive change in her life. But before
long, Laura realizes that her wishes are sparking unforeseen
circumstances and she must act quickly to get her life back and her dog
before Christmas. Produced by Hybrid.

NEW -- "Mandie and The Forgotten Christmas"

Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 3pm

CAST: Kelly Washington, Amanda Waters, Glennellen Anderson

Thrust into the chaotic and unfamiliar world of a boarding school at
Christmas, Mandie falls into trouble. While visiting the school's
forbidden attic, Mandie stumbles upon a mystery from which she is
warned to flee. Seeking the truth will require Mandie to lie, but it
just might provide the key that unlocks the memories of a long
forgotten Christmas. Produced by Lost World Productions.

NEW -- "Holiday Heist"

Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 1pm

CAST: Lacey Chabert, Rick Malambri, Vivica Fox, Chris Kattan

Jennifer is an art student who takes a Christmas break internship at
the local art museum. Along with a group of college students also
working the exhibit, they unexpectedly stumble into a trio of thieves
planning a holiday heist of the exhibit. As the students are held
hostage, they are forced to learn about themselves, each other and the
spirit of Christmas, all while getting the courage to work together to
thwart the thieves. Produced by LDG Film and Production.

NEW -- "A Golden Christmas 2"

Premieres Sunday, December 4 at 9pm

CAST: Julie Gonzalo, Bruce Davison, Kelly Stables, Alley Mills

When golden retriever owner, Lisa, takes her dog Jake and her
neighbors' dogs for a walk one day, she interrupts a wedding proposal
involving none other than her ex, David. Now, with David's wedding
approaching, Lisa and he must decide whether to leave their love in the
past, or to give it another chance. With a little help of three lovable
pups, it's sure to be a Christmas to remember. Produced by MarVista
Entertainment.

NEW -- "Christmas Mail"

Premieres Sunday, December 4 at 11pm

Cast: Ashley Scott, A.J. Buckley, Piper Harris

A Post Office boss becomes suspicious of his new official "Santa
Writer," Kristi, prompting him to enlist reluctant Postman Matt to spy
on her. Before long, Matt and Kristi fall for each other, only to
realize all is not what it seems this Christmas season. Produced by
MarVista Entertainment.

NEW -- "A Christmas Kiss"

Premieres Sunday, December 11 at 1pm

Cast: Elisabeth Rohm, Brendan Fehr and Laura Breckenridge

Wendy is an aspiring designer and assistant to her callous boss
Priscilla. Unfortunately, Wendy's dreams of impressing her boss get
complicated when she realizes that the mysterious man she kissed in a
falling elevator is Priscilla's boyfriend, Adam. As the holidays
approach and Adam and Wendy's friendship grows, Priscilla is forced to
take drastic measures to make sure her engagement goes forward as
planned. Will Wendy and Adam connect before it's too late? Produced by
MarVista Entertainment.

"Golden Christmas"

Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 5pm

Cast: Andrea Roth, Nicholas Brendon, Elisa Donovan, Bruce Davison,
Alley Mills, Jason London

Recently widowed, Jessica, decides to start over and move back home
with her son. However, her plan goes awry when she discovers that her
family home has been sold to the very same person she spent a magical
summer with years ago. While Jessica and Michael vie for ownership of
the house, sparks begin to fly. But with the help of her family, some
luck and a very special dog, Jessica realizes the blessings in a plan
gone wrong. Produced by MarVista Entertainment.

"The Christmas Clause"

Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 7pm

Cast: Lea Thompson, Andrew Airlie, Rachel Hayward

With the pressures of a working mom, Sophie asks Santa for a different
life. Freedom has its price as she realizes the sweet life is not so
sweet. Now she must race against time to find the true meaning of
family and love before Christmas Day. Produced by Cinamour
Entertainment LLC.

"Christmas Town"

Premieres Sunday, November 27 at 11pm

Cast: Nicole de Boer, Patrick Muldoon, Gig Morton

Liza is a cynical, single mom working hard to move up the corporate
ladder. All of this changes when she decides to visit her father, who
has moved to a small town known as "America's Christmas Town." Liza
reunites with her father and unexpectedly meets Kevin, a handsome, laid
back local cafe owner who believes in the magic of Christmas. In the
end, Liza learns how to believe again -- not just in Christmas, but in
the possibility of love. Produced by Allumination Film Works.