THE PATRIOT (1928)
Countess Ostermann (Madge Titheradge)
Orange Silk Empire Gown
Item # D0155
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SOLD
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This full length trained Empire-waist orange silk charmeuse gown with gathered silver tissue at the bodice, short slashed sleeves and silver-lined glass bead embroidery above the hem was worn by the famous turn of the century theatre star Madge Titheradge as BARONESS OSTERMANN in the 1928 Broadway production of THE PATRIOT at the Majestic Theatre in New York, designed by design icon Norman Bel Geddes and starring Sir John Gielgud in his Broadway debut.
An original costume rendering of the piece exists with Titheradge's character name OSTERMANN clearly visible. The Broadway program states “Miss Titheradge's ... costumes by Simmons of London”. High-resolution scans of both of these rare pieces of theatrical provenance are available upon request.
The gown comes with the original BJ Simmons Theatrical & Court Costumers (London) label with MISS TITHERADGE clearly written in black ink, and is in truly excellent condition considering it’s age, with only minor evidence of wear to the sleeves. The gown came directly from Paramount Studios, which made a film of THE PATRIOT in the same year, after the Broadway production closed.
Paramount had an office in New York at the time, and it was common practice to acquire wardrobe directly from Broadway shows to use in the film version of a play. Although it is highly likely the gown was used in the film, only a three-minute trailer, and a single reel in the Portuguese Film Archives still exist. THE PATRIOT is one of the most famous "lost films" as it was the last silent film to win an Oscar (in 1930 for Best Writing. It was also nominated for Best Actor, Best Art Direction, Best Director and Best Picture).
This museum quality piece would be a beautiful and highly displayable addition to any collection of historical or Broadway memorabilia. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the costume house.
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