The Wizard of Oz is reported to have been seen by more people than any other movie ever made. The film is synonymous with Judy Garland and her role as the title player, Dorothy Gale. Garland won her only oscar, an honorary Juvenile Award for her depiction of the little girl from Kansas.
Judy was 16 when she was cast as Dorothy, and even at that young age was considered one of MGM's hottest pieces of property. The studios put her on diet pills so she could maintain her weight, stuffed rings in her nostrils to turn her nose up, fed her chicken broth consistently at lunch time, and bound her breasts everyday as to appear more childlike.
As is common practice, in an effort to allow stars time to rest, Garland was given two actresses that would support her during the Oz project. Caren Marsh-Doll would serve as Judy's Stand-in and Bobbie Koshay as the Double. Each actress was given a replica gingham dress, blouse, and pair of Ruby Slippers.
Bobbie Koshay spent more time on set than Caren Marsh-Doll. Her job included standing under hot lights until camera was ready and performing stunts that were considered too dangerous for a star. In fact Bobbie Koshay performed some of the most memorable moments within The Wizard of Oz. It is Koshay that falls into the pig pen while Dorothy's balancing on a wooden fence. Koshay opens the door and steps out of frame while Judy Garland walks into a technicolor Munchkinland. And it is Koshay that taps her heels together three times at the end of the movie that brings her back home safely to Kansas.
When I was presented with the opportunity of owning Bobbie Koshay's blouse, I knew I had to have it. I love the history of film, and while a Bobbie Koshay Dorothy blouse may not be as revered as a Judy Garland Dorothy blouse, the costume piece is just as special to me. I also worked with Warner Bros. Studios in the film Saving Shiloh as Jason Dolley's Double. So Double work has a special place in my heart as does this costume.
A few interesting facts about this piece... 1. The bottom of the blouse is equipped with a "hollow" pocket, just underneath the seam, that allows for a cord or string to be piped through. The cord would be tightened in the back. This helped prevent the blouse from rising during production. 2. Time has faded the blue rick rack to a baby blue. 3. The Blouse is marked Bobbie Koshay - Double
