Bombshells to Blasters, An Auction You Can't Refuse Pt. 1

First Time To Auction

Paramount, 1972. Vintage (3) piece black tuxedo ensemble including 1-single-breasted wool jacket with peaked lapels, 2-hip slash pockets and retaining internal Brooks Van Horn & Son bias label on interior left breast pocket typed, "Godfather Tuxedo / Marlon Brando", and retaining Sy Devore bias label on interior right breast pocket, with 1-matching vest with shawl collar, 2-faux hip slash pockets, black silk back with cinch, and satin button front closure, and 1-pair matching tuxedo pants with 2-hip slash pockets and 2-rear slash pockets, with zipper front closure. Highly visible as worn by Brando in the film's opening sequence that features various characters seeking an audience with "Don Corleone" (Brando), asking for favors on the day of his daughter's wedding. In this one opening sequence, the dynamics of the family and their power is established. This tuxedo ensemble has also become an integral look of the cinematic masterpiece's marketing campaign over the years featuring the character decked out in the formal outfit. This iconic costume began as Brando's personal tux. The star refused to be fitted for a new one. Sy Devore was his personal tailor. After Brando shot the scenes in his tuxedo, the costumer on the film mistakenly sent the tux back with costumes made by Brooks to Brooks. When Brooks got the tux back, they affixed their labels and intended to put the tux into inventory for use in subsequent films. Brando's assistant (Alice Marchak) quickly found out and made sure Brando got his tux back. There is a letter confirming this from Marchak and also from the costumer and Arthur Gerold, President of Brooks' company. The suit is presented on a professionally made display mannequin of Brando as the infamous "Don" with silicone head (pulled from legendary Godfather FX makeup artist Dick Smith's Brando production castings) featuring hand-punched hair, prosthetic grade false eyes, and silicone hands all assembled on a soft sculpture body with internal poseable armature. The shirt, shoes, socks, bow tie and lapel rose have been added for display. An incredible piece of motion picture history, worn by one of the most recognizable and complex characters ever filmed, as portrayed by one of the greatest modern actors to have graced the stage or screen. Exhibiting production use and handling. In vintage very good to fine condition.