Anne Baxter was an American actress who has appeared in very memorable and much loved films including All About Eve in 1950 and The Ten Commandments in 1956.
I have three wonderful costumes worn by this film great. All are period pieces and all very different.
Firstly is a period gown worn by Anne Baxter in the 1945 Fox film "A Royal Scandal". In the film, Baxter starred opposite Tallulah Bankhead, Charles Coburn and Vincent Price. Costumes for the film were designed by Rene Hubert. The gown is worn over a very large hoop.
"A Royal Scandal" was directed by the legendary Ernst Lubitsch and then Otto Premigner who took over for him when he became ill. The film is a comedy and is quite entertaining.
The following photo shows Baxter on set in costume between takes. Notice the cigarette in her hand!
Tallulah Bankhead portrays Catherine the Great, and tells the story of her lovers. In the film, Catherine the Great takes a fancy to the fiancée of Countess Anna who is played by Baxter.
Below Anne gets a final check of hair before her next scene.
The costume can be seen in this clip from the movie and comes in at 3:41
Anne Baxter was only 22 when she made this film and she is very good in it.
The second costume piece is a period two-piece gray wool suit worn Baxter in Fox film "The Walls of Jericho" released in 1948. The film also starred Cornel Wilde, Linda Darnell and Kirk Douglas. Costumes for the film were designed by Kay Nelson.
Below is a costume test from the film showing Baxter in the costume. The costume has been altered from its original appearance with black velvet added to the sleeves and pockets. The costume has been used for a later production.
The film tells the story of Julia, played by Baxter who returns to her home town of Jericho, with a law degree and her up and down romance with Dave played by Cornel Wilde. They fall in love. She leaves town when she feels she stands in the way of his career in politics and returns to work with him on a trial. The court scenes in the film in which Baxter appears are very good and it is great to witness the very talented Baxter as Counsel.
The third costume piece is a black silk dress with spaghetti straps and floral detail to the bodice, worn by Baxter in the film "The Spoilers".
The film was made in 1955 by Columbia studios. Baxter starred opposite Jeff Chandler and Rory Calhoun. The gowns for the film were designed by Bill Thomas.
This was the fourth and so far, final version of the story which has been made in Hollywood. Baxter’s role having been played by Marlene Dietrich in 1942 prior to this. The film was made in 1932 and originally 1913.
The film tells the story of a lawless western town, claim jumping with a little love in between. The film has some great gun fight scenes and is very funny at times. Baxter as Cherry Malotte is entertaining and looks great in her period western gear. The film ends with a great saloon Fistfight.
Baxter was the niece of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Baxter was raised in New York City and started her acting career at a very young age.
You can see her in early screen tests for the Hitchcock classic "Rebecca". The role went to Joan Fontaine. Baxter was 16 at the time.
Baxter will be remembered for other memorable roles including that of Eve Harrington in "All About Eve" (1950) and opposite Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney in 1946's "The Razor's Edge", for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Baxter will also be remembered for her starring opposite Yul Brynner, in the Demille classic "The Ten Commandments". In the film Baxter played the Egyptian Queen Nefretiri opposite Charlton Heston's portrayal of Moses.
In later years Baxter went again to Broadway to star in the musical "Applause". This was the musical version of the film All About Eve. This time however she played the Margo Channing role.
She is also remembered for her television roles including "Columbo" and the television series "Hotel". Baxter also played guest villains on the original "Batman" series.
Baxter was married to at time to actor John Hodiak.
Baxter suffered a brain aneurysm on December 4, 1985 in New York City.
She died 8 days later on December 12, aged 62.
