Collection Guide
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Marjorie Best papers
24
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Table of contents
Abstract: The collection consists primarily of script material; wardrobe plots, many with fabric swatches attached; and costume design
drawings.
Collector:
Best, Marjorie
Dates: 1934-1965
Dates: 1947-1965
Collection number: 24
Collection Size:
3.8 linear ft. of papers
329 item(s) of artworks
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Available by appointment only.
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are responsible for obtaining all
necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies or individuals before quoting from or publishing
materials obtained from the library.
Marjorie Best papers, Margaret Herrick Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Gift of Marjorie Best, 1987; and bequest of the Marjorie Best estate, 1997
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Marjorie Best papers span the years 1934-1965 (bulk 1947-1965) and encompass 3.8 linear feet. The collection consists
primarily of script material, wardrobe plots, and costume sketches. Eight of the scripts, including GIANT, are signed by the
cast and several are annotated. Wardrobe plots, many with cloth swatches attached, document Best's work on more than 30 films.
The collection contains more than 40 costume sketches, including signed sketches for LOOK FOR THE SILVER LINING (1948), and
oversize costume sketches for 32 films from 1938 to 1965, including THE ADVENTURES OF DON JUAN (1949), THE ADVENTURES OF MARCO
POLO (1938), GIANT (1956), THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (1965), RIO BRAVO (1959), SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO (1960), THAT HAMILTON
WOMAN! (1941), and THE TIME, THE PLACE AND THE GIRL (1947). There are nearly two dozen sketches from the 1930s and 1940s that
are unidentified. Rounding out the collection are sketches by two other designers: a Bob Mackie signed sketch for THE JUDY
GARLAND SHOW, an unidentified sketch by Irene, Best's Academy Award statuette for THE ADVENTURES OF DON JUAN, and her certificates
of nomination. Of special interest is a list compiled by Best that includes the film title, studio, date, and number of sketches
she provided for nearly 90 films while employed by United Costumers.
Marjorie Best (1903-1997) was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, and later moved to Bloomington, Illinois. After graduating from
high school in nearby Normal, Best moved to Los Angeles to attend the Chouinard Art Institute. Her first job as a designer
was with the Western Costume Company, circa 1926, followed in the 1930s by United Costumers, Inc. In 1947, after Warner Bros.
bought out United Costumers, she was offered a job in the wardrobe department and went on to become one of the studio's top
costume designers, specializing in men's costumes and period films. Best won an Academy Award for costume design (color) for
THE ADVENTURES OF DON JUAN (1949). She also received nominations for GIANT (1956), SUNRISE AT CAMPOBELLO (1960), and THE GREATEST
STORY EVER TOLD (1965).
1. Production files, subseries A-B as follows: A. Produced; B. Unproduced; 2. Television files; 3. Subject files
Best, Marjorie
Costume designers