Popular Entertainment

Elvis Presley Record

This Museum's popular entertainment collections hold some of the Smithsonian's most beloved artifacts. The ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz reside here, along with the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, and props from popular television series such as M*A*S*H and All in the Family. But as in many of the Museum's collections, the best-known objects are a small part of the story.

The collection also encompasses many other artifacts of 19th- and 20th-century commercial theater, film, radio, and TV—some 50,000 sound recordings dating back to 1903; posters, publicity stills, and programs from films and performances; puppets; numerous items from World's Fairs from 1851 to 1992; and audiovisual materials on Groucho Marx, to name only a few.

Topic: Television

Jacket worn by David Newell as Mr. McFeely in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Suit jacket worn by David Newell in the role of Mr. McFeely on the television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The blue cloth jacket is single breasted with peaked lapels and flap pockets.
Description (Brief)
Suit jacket worn by David Newell in the role of Mr. McFeely on the television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The blue cloth jacket is single breasted with peaked lapels and flap pockets. The jacket, made by Nino Petrocelli's Custom Tailors of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, has gold-colored metal buttons stamped with a decorative "M" and features a black cloth patch embroidered with "SPEEDY DELIVERY" at its left breast. One of the neighbors who made frequent appearances on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Mr. McFeely makes mail deliveries for the Speedy Delivery service. With his signature mustache, eyeglasses, bow tie, and old fashioned blue deliveryman uniform and cap, Mr. McFeely was a memorable character who often brought important packages and guests to Mr. Rogers’ house. His hurried, purposeful, business-like demeanor was an intentional counterpoint to Mr. Rogers’ calm and deliberative style. In some of their most memorable interactions, Mr. McFeely and Mr. Rogers watched films about “How People Make Things,” learning how common household goods are manufactured and who makes them.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was produced by WQED-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and aired on public television across the nation from 1968 to 2001. Host Fred Rogers began each episode by changing into a sweater and tennis shoes and singing, "Won't you be my neighbor?" An ordained Presbyterian minister and student of children's development and education, Rogers dedicated his television career to promoting children's emotional and moral well-being. His show, with its friendly conversational style and trips to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, encouraged young viewers to feel loved, respected, and special.
date made
around 1968
Associated Name
Newell, David
ID Number
2019.0101.04.05
catalog number
2019.0101.04.05
accession number
2019.0101

Boots worn by Buddy Ebsen as Jed Clampett in The Beverly Hillbillies

Pair of boots worn by Buddy Ebsen in the role of Jed Clampett in the television series The Beverly Hillbillies. The brown suede boots have nine pairs of eyelets but no laces. Instead, they have velcro fasteners on both sides of the tongue.
Description
Pair of boots worn by Buddy Ebsen in the role of Jed Clampett in the television series The Beverly Hillbillies. The brown suede boots have nine pairs of eyelets but no laces. Instead, they have velcro fasteners on both sides of the tongue. The boots were intentionally dirtied and worn out in order to look ragged and unrefined, and bear maker's marks for Seiberling and PANCO on the heel cap and sole, respectively. The shoes have foam inserts with vented lining.
The Beverly Hillbillies was created by Paul Henning and produced by Filmways Television for CBS, where it aired from 1962-1971. The show told the story of the Clampett family, led by patriarch Jed (Buddy Ebsen), a poor mountaineer who barely kept his family fed, as recounted in the theme song “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” originally performed by bluegrass artists Flatt and Scruggs. Upon discovering that his homestead is sitting on a rich oil deposit, Jed manages to sell the property to an oil company for a fortune and decides to move with his family to the wealthy community of Beverly Hills, California. The series mined for comedy the naivety and personal foibles of the Clampett clan, as well as their interactions with their scheming and condescending neighbors. The series ranked among the top twenty most watched programs on television for eight of its nine seasons, twice ranking as the number one series of the year. A number of episodes remain among the most watched American television episodes of all time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1962
wearer
Ebsen, Buddy
ID Number
2019.0152.01.05
accession number
2019.0152
catalog number
2019.0152.01.05

Catwoman Costume Necklace worn by Julie Newmar

Part of a costume worn by actress Julie Newmar in her role as the criminal minded Catwoman on the television program Batman (1966-1968).
Description
Part of a costume worn by actress Julie Newmar in her role as the criminal minded Catwoman on the television program Batman (1966-1968). Based on the titular DC Comics superhero, the show was known for a campy, self-satirizing nature and graphic, pop-art visual style that appealed to both children and adults.
Smart, sassy and strong, Catwoman was first introduced in 1940 by Batman's creators, writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane. With origins as a villain, the character evolved into a more complex figure and into a staple of the DC Comics universe, headlining her own comic series and being featured in various properties including television, movies and video games.
wearer
Newmar, Julie
ID Number
2008.0028.01.04
catalog number
2008.0028.01.04
accession number
2008.0028

Jacket worn by Michelle Yeoh in the role of Emperor Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery

Empress costume jacket worn by Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery.In the streaming Star Trek series Discovery, Sonequa Martin-Green assumes the lead role as parallel universe-hopping Michael Burnham, while Michelle Yeoh plays Philippa Georgiou, a powerful
Description
Empress costume jacket worn by Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery.
In the streaming Star Trek series Discovery, Sonequa Martin-Green assumes the lead role as parallel universe-hopping Michael Burnham, while Michelle Yeoh plays Philippa Georgiou, a powerful empress in a mirror universe. Discovery's richly diverse cast epitomizes the franchise's long-held vision of a post-racial society, while its advocacy for gender equity boldly goes where earlier series had not.
ID Number
2021.0045.01.03
accession number
2021.0045
catalog number
2021.0045.01.03

Advertising Button, Logitech

This circular button has red and black text on a white background that reads: Foolproof Desktop Tools From Logitech. It includes a black and white picture of the Three Stooges holding various Logitech products.
Description
This circular button has red and black text on a white background that reads: Foolproof Desktop Tools From Logitech. It includes a black and white picture of the Three Stooges holding various Logitech products. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex 6/90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.085
catalog number
2009.3071.085
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Suit jacket worn by Smothers Brothers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Smothers Brothers
Smothers, Richard R.
Smothers, Thomas B.
ID Number
2017.0333.03
accession number
2017.0333
catalog number
2017.0333.03

Joe Garagiola

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1969-06
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.204
catalog number
2014.0112.204
accession number
2014.0112

Joe Garagiola

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1969-06
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.203
catalog number
2014.0112.203
accession number
2014.0112

Bowtie worn by David Newell as Mr. McFeely in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Bowtie worn by David Newell in the role of Mr. McFeely on the television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The clip-on bowtie is made of black twill cloth with a silver metal clip affixed at its back.
Description (Brief)
Bowtie worn by David Newell in the role of Mr. McFeely on the television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The clip-on bowtie is made of black twill cloth with a silver metal clip affixed at its back. One of the neighbors who made frequent appearances on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Mr. McFeely makes mail deliveries for the Speedy Delivery service. With his signature mustache, eyeglasses, bow tie, and old fashioned blue deliveryman uniform and cap, Mr. McFeely was a memorable character who often brought important packages and guests to Mr. Rogers’ house. His hurried, purposeful, business-like demeanor was an intentional counterpoint to Mr. Rogers’ calm and deliberative style. In some of their most memorable interactions, Mr. McFeely and Mr. Rogers watched films about “How People Make Things,” learning how common household goods are manufactured and who makes them.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was produced by WQED-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and aired on public television across the nation from 1968 to 2001. Host Fred Rogers began each episode by changing into a sweater and tennis shoes and singing, "Won't you be my neighbor?" An ordained Presbyterian minister and student of children's development and education, Rogers dedicated his television career to promoting children's emotional and moral well-being. His show, with its friendly conversational style and trips to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, encouraged young viewers to feel loved, respected, and special.
date made
around 1968
Associated Name
Newell, David
ID Number
2019.0101.04.04
catalog number
2019.0101.04.04
accession number
2019.0101

Hairpiece worn by Michelle Yeoh in the role of Emperor Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery

Empress costume hairpiece worn by Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery.In the streaming Star Trek series Discovery, Sonequa Martin-Green assumes the lead role as parallel universe-hopping Michael Burnham, while Michelle Yeoh plays Philippa Georgiou, a powerf
Description
Empress costume hairpiece worn by Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery.
In the streaming Star Trek series Discovery, Sonequa Martin-Green assumes the lead role as parallel universe-hopping Michael Burnham, while Michelle Yeoh plays Philippa Georgiou, a powerful empress in a mirror universe. Discovery's richly diverse cast epitomizes the franchise's long-held vision of a post-racial society, while its advocacy for gender equity boldly goes where earlier series had not.
ID Number
2021.0045.01.04
accession number
2021.0045
catalog number
2021.0045.01.04

Cel from Spongebob Squarepants with image of Spongebob without pants

Set of attached animation cel and background used in the production of the Nickelodeon television series Spongebob Squarepants. The cel shows Spongebob, without his signature pants, standing atop a ridge with his hands in the air.
Description (Brief)
Set of attached animation cel and background used in the production of the Nickelodeon television series Spongebob Squarepants. The cel shows Spongebob, without his signature pants, standing atop a ridge with his hands in the air.
producer
Nickelodeon
ID Number
2020.0064.21
accession number
2020.0064
catalog number
2020.0064.21

Wristband worn by Michelle Yeoh in the role of Emperor Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery

Empress costume wristband worn by Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery.In the streaming Star Trek series Discovery, Sonequa Martin-Green assumes the lead role as parallel universe-hopping Michael Burnham, while Michelle Yeoh plays Philippa Georgiou, a powerf
Description
Empress costume wristband worn by Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery.
In the streaming Star Trek series Discovery, Sonequa Martin-Green assumes the lead role as parallel universe-hopping Michael Burnham, while Michelle Yeoh plays Philippa Georgiou, a powerful empress in a mirror universe. Discovery's richly diverse cast epitomizes the franchise's long-held vision of a post-racial society, while its advocacy for gender equity boldly goes where earlier series had not.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2021.0045.01.11
accession number
2021.0045
catalog number
2021.0045.01.11

Pearl necklace worn by Rachel Brosnahan in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Double strand pearl necklace worn by Rachel Brosnahan in the Amazon series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The pearls are slightly peach-colored. The clasp is a silver, diamond encrusted bow.The pearl necklace was worn in a scene in the season one finale of The Marvelous Mrs.
Description
Double strand pearl necklace worn by Rachel Brosnahan in the Amazon series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The pearls are slightly peach-colored. The clasp is a silver, diamond encrusted bow.
The pearl necklace was worn in a scene in the season one finale of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in which Midge Maisel performs her first professional comedy set, at New York's Gaslight Cafe. Capping a season of marital problems and struggle to create a life for herself as an individual, Midge experiences a triumphant moment. Midge’s estranged husband Joel finally watches her perform and defends her after men heckle her with sexist remarks. Midge ends the performance by proclaiming “My name is Mrs. Maisel. Thank you and Goodnight!”
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was one of the most acclaimed streaming series of the 2010s, winning numerous Emmy Awards and critical praise for its nuanced portrayal of mid-20th century women’s life, urban Jewish identity, and the 1960s comedy scene. Showrunner and creator Amy Sherman-Palladino was lauded for the series’ exploration of women's lives in mid-20th century America, including marriage and separation, societal expectations, beauty, systemic gender inequality, motherhood, and the struggle to navigate male-dominated workplaces. Sherman-Palladino is one of the most active and celebrated female writers and producers in the entertainment industry today, having also created The Gilmore Girls and becoming the first woman in history to win in the comedy writing and directing categories at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
Mrs. Maisel costume designer Donna Zakowska earned critical acclaim for creating beautiful and historically-accurate clothing that helped to advance and support the series’ narrative. Zakowska, who won an Emmy for her work outfitting Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney in the 2008 HBO miniseries John Adams, also won an Emmy for Outstanding Period Costumes for Maisel’s second season.
Location
Currently not on view
wearer
Brosnahan, Rachel
producer
Sherman-Palladino, Amy
ID Number
2019.0313.01.02
accession number
2019.0313
catalog number
2019.0313.01.02

Shirt worn by David Newell as Mr. McFeely in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Blue shirt worn by David Newell in the role of Mr. McFeely on the television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. One of the neighbors who made frequent appearances on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Mr. McFeely makes mail deliveries for the Speedy Delivery service.
Description (Brief)
Blue shirt worn by David Newell in the role of Mr. McFeely on the television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. One of the neighbors who made frequent appearances on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Mr. McFeely makes mail deliveries for the Speedy Delivery service. With his signature mustache, eyeglasses, bow tie, and old fashioned blue deliveryman uniform and cap, Mr. McFeely was a memorable character who often brought important packages and guests to Mr. Rogers’ house. His hurried, purposeful, business-like demeanor was an intentional counterpoint to Mr. Rogers’ calm and deliberative style. In some of their most memorable interactions, Mr. McFeely and Mr. Rogers watched films about “How People Make Things,” learning how common household goods are manufactured and who makes them.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was produced by WQED-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and aired on public television across the nation from 1968 to 2001. Host Fred Rogers began each episode by changing into a sweater and tennis shoes and singing, "Won't you be my neighbor?" An ordained Presbyterian minister and student of children's development and education, Rogers dedicated his television career to promoting children's emotional and moral well-being. His show, with its friendly conversational style and trips to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, encouraged young viewers to feel loved, respected, and special.
Associated Name
Newell, David
ID Number
2019.0101.04.07
catalog number
2019.0101.04.07
accession number
2019.0101

Academy of Television Arts and Sciences plaque awarded to Imogene Coca

Ceremonial plaque awarded to Imogene Coca by the Board of Directors of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences March 31, 1979.
Description (Brief)
Ceremonial plaque awarded to Imogene Coca by the Board of Directors of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences March 31, 1979. The Lucite plaque features the name of the academy arcing above a representation of the Emmy award statuette and a metal plate engraved with "TO/IMOGENE COCA/WHOSE RARE ARTISTRY,/CHARM, AND ENDEARING WISTFULNESS/HAVE ENTERTAINED UNTOLD MILLIONS/AND LEFT AN INDELIBLE/IMPRINT ON ALL OF TELEVISION./THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS/MARCH 31,1979".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979
used date
March 31, 1979
referenced
Coca, Imogene
ID Number
2019.0102.05
accession number
2019.0102
catalog number
2019.0102.05

All in the Family record

A copy of the record All in the Family previously owned by actress Jean Stapleton.
Description
A copy of the record All in the Family previously owned by actress Jean Stapleton. This album features recordings of dialogue from the popular television program, featuring the voices of cast including Caroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, and Rob Reiner.
All in the Family was a CBS television series created and produced by Norman Lear. The sitcom was popular throughout its 1971-1979 run and was lauded for its exploration of social and political issues of the 1970s, what Lear called “real people dealing with real issues.” The show told the story of the Bunker family, a white working-class family from Queens, New York. Archie, the stubborn and socially-conservative patriarch, often clashed with his wife, the sweet, naïve Edith, his feminist daughter Gloria, and her liberal husband Michael. Archie’s living room chair became the family’s meeting place for heated debates about a plethora of issues dividing America – women’s rights, racism, homosexuality, the Vietnam War, and the generational divide between Baby Boomers and the World War II generation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1971
maker
Atlantic Recording Group
ID Number
2017.0150.36
accession number
2017.0150
catalog number
2017.0150.36

TV Guide with Chico and the Man illustration on cover

Issue of TV Guide dated March 1, 1975, featuring an Al Hirschfeld illustration of the lead characters in the television series Chico and the Man as portrayed by Freddie Prinze and Jack Albertson.
Description (Brief)
Issue of TV Guide dated March 1, 1975, featuring an Al Hirschfeld illustration of the lead characters in the television series Chico and the Man as portrayed by Freddie Prinze and Jack Albertson. In the colorful illustration, Albertson is depicted wearing a black hat, plaid shirt, and purple sweater standing before Prinze, wearing a yellow undershirt and blue jacket with a "Chicano Power" patch, and a gold necklace.
Chico and the Man was a television situation comedy series that aired from 1974-1978, and was notable as the first American television series set in a Mexican-American neighborhood. The series starred Jack Albertson as Ed Brown, the elderly owner of a garage in East Los Angeles, and Freddie Prinze as Chico Rodriguez, a young Mexican-American who begins working for the prejudiced and cantankerous Brown. Over time, Chico begins to soften Brown’s misanthropy and bigotry, becoming a surrogate son to the still-grieving widower. The series was created by veteran producer James Komack and based on his observation of the humor of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, popular comedians who turned down his offer to appear in the show. Komack Company Inc. and Wolper Productions produced the 30-minute show for NBC. Jose Feliciano wrote and performed the theme song for the series. It became a moderate ratings success, and earned an Emmy Award for Jack Albertson as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1976) and a nomination for Jose Feliciano as well as Golden Globe nominations for Best Musical/Comedy Series and Best Television Actor, for Prinze. When Prinze committed suicide in 1977, the producers considered cancellation, but instead decided instead to revamp the series with new characters, a 12-year old boy named Raul (Gabriel Melgar) and his attractive and overprotective Aunt Charo (Charo). Facing declining ratings, the show was canceled the next season.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1975
Associated Name
Prinze, Freddie
Albertson, Jack
Hirschfeld, Al
maker
TV Guide Magazine Group, Inc.
ID Number
2023.0083.01
accession number
2023.0083
catalog number
2023.0083.01

Chest Armor worn by Michelle Yeoh in the role of Emperor Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery

Empress costume chest armor worn by Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery.In the streaming Star Trek series Discovery, Sonequa Martin-Green assumes the lead role as parallel universe-hopping Michael Burnham, while Michelle Yeoh plays Philippa Georgiou, a powe
Description
Empress costume chest armor worn by Michelle Yeoh as Philippa Georgiou on Star Trek: Discovery.
In the streaming Star Trek series Discovery, Sonequa Martin-Green assumes the lead role as parallel universe-hopping Michael Burnham, while Michelle Yeoh plays Philippa Georgiou, a powerful empress in a mirror universe. Discovery's richly diverse cast epitomizes the franchise's long-held vision of a post-racial society, while its advocacy for gender equity boldly goes where earlier series had not.
ID Number
2021.0045.01.02
accession number
2021.0045
catalog number
2021.0045.01.02

Fly Ezekiel; They Call the Wind Maria

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1962
Associated Name
Smothers Brothers
Smothers, Richard R.
Smothers, Thomas B.
maker
Mercury
artist
Smothers Brothers
ID Number
2017.0333.24
accession number
2017.0333
catalog number
2017.0333.24

Catwoman Costume Headband worn by Julie Newmar

Part of a costume worn by actress Julie Newmar in her role as the criminal minded Catwoman on the television program Batman (1966-1968).
Description
Part of a costume worn by actress Julie Newmar in her role as the criminal minded Catwoman on the television program Batman (1966-1968). Based on the titular DC Comics superhero, the show was known for a campy, self-satirizing nature and graphic, pop-art visual style that appealed to both children and adults.
Smart, sassy and strong, Catwoman was first introduced in 1940 by Batman's creators, writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane. With origins as a villain, the character evolved into a more complex figure and into a staple of the DC Comics universe, headlining her own comic series and being featured in various properties including television, movies and video games.
wearer
Newmar, Julie
ID Number
2008.0028.01.05
catalog number
2008.0028.01.05
accession number
2008.0028

Ventriloquist Figure, Bob Campbell

The ventriloquist figure known as “Bob Campbell” was created by puppeteer Jay Johnson for the TV comedy series, Soap. The character of Bob was used often as an uninhibited alter ego for Chuck, spouting outrageous observations about various situations and characters.
Description (Brief)
The ventriloquist figure known as “Bob Campbell” was created by puppeteer Jay Johnson for the TV comedy series, Soap. The character of Bob was used often as an uninhibited alter ego for Chuck, spouting outrageous observations about various situations and characters. The series, which aired on the ABC network from 1977 to 1981, was a prime-time weekly, half-hour satire of daytime television soap operas. As devised by writer-producer, Susan Harris, the show was highly controversial for its time, dealing openly with such topics as race, religion, sexuality and organized crime.
Jay Johnson (born 1949) best known for his roles on the television show Soap and the Broadway show, Jay Johnson: the Two and Only!, is a writer, comedian, ventriloquist, cartoonist, magician, and puppeteer. The character of Bob is the most recognized of his many ventriloquist figures. Dressed in a vivid “mod” orange T-shirt and jeans, Bob appears to be the quintessence of the 1970s, the decade of his birth. A wooden control, accessed through an opening in the back, which triggers the movement of the head, eyes, and mouth.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1977
ID Number
2007.0079.01
accession number
2007.0079
catalog number
2007.0079.01

Pair of sneakers worn by Fred Rogers on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Pair of sneakers worn by Fred Rogers on the children's television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
Description (Brief)
Pair of sneakers worn by Fred Rogers on the children's television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The blue low top Sperry Top-Sider sneakers have white rubber soles and canvas upper, with flat cloth laces.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood was produced by WQED-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and aired on public television across the nation from 1968 to 2001. Rogers began each episode by changing into a sweater and tennis shoes and singing, "Won't you be my neighbor?" An ordained Presbyterian minister and student of children's development and education, Rogers dedicated his television career to promoting children's emotional and moral well-being. His show, with its friendly conversational style and trips to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, encouraged young viewers to feel loved, respected, and special.
date made
1960s
wearer
Rogers, Fred M.
maker
Sperry
ID Number
2019.0101.02
catalog number
2019.0101.02
accession number
2019.0101

Blue nightgown worn by Rachel Brosnahan in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Blue peignoir nightgown worn by Rachel Brosnahan in the Amazon series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The nightgown was designed by Donna Zakowska and has three layers, the first two transparent powder blue tulle and the bottom layer white satin.
Description
Blue peignoir nightgown worn by Rachel Brosnahan in the Amazon series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The nightgown was designed by Donna Zakowska and has three layers, the first two transparent powder blue tulle and the bottom layer white satin. The deep v-neckline is lined in white lace and the nightgown is fitted at the bodice waist with a satin band which hangs below the nightgown when not tied. Inside are two tags, one reading "The Marvelous Ms. Masiel" in pink thread, and the other, "Eric Winterling, Inc. New York. Ms" in black thread.
This nightgown was worn in the pilot episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel in a scene in which Midge Maisel performs her first comedy set. In the episode, after learning that her husband intends to leave her for his secretary, Midge gets drunk and leaves her apartment in a nightgown and coat to give an impromptu performance at The Gaslight Cafe, a comedy and folk club in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was one of the most acclaimed streaming series of the 2010s, winning numerous Emmy Awards and critical praise for its nuanced portrayal of mid-20th century women’s life, urban Jewish identity, and the 1960s comedy scene. Showrunner and creator Amy Sherman-Palladino was lauded for the series’ exploration of women's lives in mid-20th century America, including marriage and separation, societal expectations, beauty, systemic gender inequality, motherhood, and the struggle to navigate male-dominated workplaces. Sherman-Palladino is one of the most active and celebrated female writers and producers in the entertainment industry today, having also created The Gilmore Girls and becoming the first woman in history to win in the comedy writing and directing categories at the Primetime Emmy Awards.
Mrs. Maisel costume designer Donna Zakowska received critical acclaim for creating beautiful and historically-accurate clothing that helped to advance and support the series’ narrative. Zakowska, who won an Emmy for her work outfitting Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney in the 2008 HBO miniseries John Adams, also won an Emmy for Outstanding Period Costumes for Maisel’s second season. As Zakowska said in an interview, ‘the clothes help her through a journey and that was really the beginning moment for Midge. It’s sort of before everything slightly falls apart and it just made sense there.’” Maisel, who is shown in previous scenes meticulously minding her appearance for her husband’s sake (even reapplying makeup early in the morning to look perfect when he rises), is now seizing agency and femininity in a new way, delivering a raunchy set while dressed in negligee in a nod to Phyllis Diller’s parody of expectations placed on American women.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
around 2016
wearer
Brosnahan, Rachel
producer
Sherman-Palladino, Amy
maker
Eric Winterling, Inc.
designer
Zakowska, Donna
ID Number
2019.0313.02.02
catalog number
2019.0313.02.02
accession number
2019.0313

Roone Arledge

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
photographer
Regan, Ken
ID Number
2014.0112.245
catalog number
2014.0112.245
accession number
2014.0112

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