Spirit of America Bookstore
Mattel's Barbie™ & Friends
[ launched March 1959 ]
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short history
Original Barbie™
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Since 1959, Barbie has shown girls that they can live their dreams. From an astronaut to a chef to a president, she knows that girls can do anything!
"If a doll can help a child develop empathy, a doll can help change the world."
— Mattel website 2021
"My philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, a girl could be anything she wanted to be."
— Ruth Handler
h i s t o r y
t e x t
h e r e
Barbie's real full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.
Mattel began developing 45 more film projects after Barbie's success, including American Girl Doll, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Polly Pocket, Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots, Thomas & Friends, and Uno.
official Barbie® website
Barbie® entry at Wikipedia
browse books
xxx catalog at Amazon.com
somebody credits [] at Internet Movie Database
Original Barbie™
[ Coming Soon ] **
¨ ¨
Variations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie%27s_careers
Other Characters
boyfriend Ken - launched March 1961
Ken doll entry at Wikipedia
Man Behind The Doll / Keeping Ken website [last update 2013?] based in Iowa
He's A Doll internet club & Kenvention [last update 2016]
Something About The Boy website [est. 2015]
male fashion dolls and clothing from 1961 to 1987, with over 5000 images
Anthony's 400-page "The Original Ken® Book" [2023] available as a .PDF file for $19.99
 | "I ♥ Ken: My Life As The Ultimate Boyfriend" [2011] 'as told to' Jef Beck; Introduction from Barbie herself 50 years worth of advice from Ken®, the undisputed expert when it comes to dating; he tells readers how to be the perfect red-carpet escort, give the most fabulous gifts, and squeeze in some 'me time' at the gym between galas; featuring more than 200 images and celebrating iconic Ken moments in short, lively blocks of narrative Running Press Adult 10x6¼ pb [3/2011] out of print/used Running Press Adult 10x6¼ pb [3/2011] out of print/used |
Ryan Gosling's Ken is inspired by the appearance of Sun Lovin' Malibu Ken from 1979, who also wore turquoise swimwear and had blonde hair with tan skin.
The first African American musician Ken to be released was in 1982 with the Sunsational Malibu Ken doll.
Western Stampin' Ken was released in 1993.
The first Asian Ken doll was released in 2011, with the collector edition Japan Ken (also known as the Samurai Ken).
Barbie has three sisters: Skipper, Stacie, and Chelsea
Allan is Ken's best friend - introduced in 1964.
Works About Barbie™
Barbie' articles archive at TIME Magazine website - back to 2014
 | "The Barbie Doll Years: A Comprehensive Listing & Value Guide of Dolls & Accessories" by Patrick C. Olds & Joyce L. Olds extraordinary guide that examines every Barbie made, from 1959 to the present, with complete listings alphabetically by name, by stock number, and by year 1959-95: 192-page Collector Books 11¼x8¾ pb [1996] out of print/used 2nd Edition: 319-page Collector Books 11¼x8½ pb [1997] out of print/used 3rd Edition: Collector Books 11¼x9 pb [1999] for $48.00 4th Edition: 336-page Collector Books 11¼x8¾ pb [10/2000] out of print/used 5th Edition: 384-page Collector Books 10¼x7¾ pb [7/2022] out of print/used | |
 | TIME Magazine February 2016 cover story about Barbie™ read cover story online at TIME website TIME-LIFE single-issue magazine [2/2016] out of print/used | |
 | "Barbie Forever: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy" [2019] by Robin Gerber
Epic Ink 11¾x9¾ hardcover [9/2019] out of print/used
"Barbie Forever: Inspiración, Historia y Legado" [2020]
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 | "Barbie Collector's Guide" [2022] by Marilyn Easton Packed with countless interesting Barbie-related facts and including a foldout collectible, double-sided poster 96-page Studio Fun Intl pb [8/2022] for $7.54 | |
 | TIME Magazine Special Issue "Barbie's World" [July 2023] 'The Year's Most Surprising Movie Finds Humanity In The Iconic Doll' read cover story online at TIME website 100-page Meredith/TIME-LIFE special-issue magazine [7/2023] for $7.21 100-page Meredith/TIME-LIFE special-issue magazine [7/2023] for $17.99 | |
 | PEOPLE Magazine Special Issue "Barbie" [July 2023]
96-page special-issue magazine [7/2023] for $13.87 |
Fiction About Barbie™
"Murder of A Barbie and Ken" [Scumble River Mysteries series #5 = 11/2003] by Denise Swanson of Illinois
 | "Barbie: A Parody - I Lost My Job, Car, and Dreamhouse! Now, Ken Wants A Divorce?" [2012] by Author & Illustrator Fiona Finn humorous coffee table book that spoofs nursery rhymes, songs, and lots of today's pop culture; a short but sweet comedic take-down of the iconic Barbie doll image, highlighting the contradictions and/or hypocrisies of modern relationship issues 81-page Kindle Edition from CreateSpace [2/2013] for $4.78 79-page CreateSpace 8½x5½ pb [12/2012] for $4.78 |
Movies & Television
Mattel launched its eponymous in-house entertainment division in 2001and began the Barbie film series by adapting pre-existing stories/tales, with CGI animation provided by Canadian studio Mainframe Entertainment. Elise Allen introduced original storylines to the series through screenwriting the main entries of the Barbie: Fairytopia franchise. In between their co-productions, American studio Curious Pictures pitched in by animating The Barbie Diaries (2006).
list of 'Barbie' animated films at Wikipedia
Barbie was going to appear in the first "Toy Story" [1995] film as the love interest of Woody
but Mattel refused to let her appear in the film, so she was replaced by Bo Peep.
"Barbie In The Nutcracker" animated video release
[Mattel/CBS-TV Oct 2001]
 | Barbie/Clara receives a wonderful wooden nutcracker for Christmas from her aunt; that night, she dreams that the nutcracker comes alive and that they battle the evil Mouse King . . . Directed by Owen Hurley; featuring voices of Kelly Sheridan {as Barbie/Clara}, Kirby Morrow, Tim Curry, Peter Kelamis, Christopher Gaze, Ian James Corlett, French Tickner, Kathleen Barr, Cathy Weseluck, Alex Doduk, Chantal Strand, Britt McKillip, Danny McKinnon, Shona Galbraith Universal Studios Home Ent. widescreen color DVD [10/2010] for $6.99 Universal Studios Home Ent. widescreen color DVD [11/2015] for $7.88 full credits at IMDb • movie entry at Wikipedia watch official trailer [8/2013 upload; 2:12] online at YouTube watch full movie [9/2016 upload; 1:16:27] online at YouTube |
"Barbie and The Secret Door" [9/2014]
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LC083ZQ/
http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Secret-Door-Kelly-Sheridan/dp/B00L8QOXS0/
"Barbie: Spy Squad" [3/2016] Directed by Conrad Helten; voices by Erica Lindbeck, Stephanie Sheh
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019GY79UO/
"Barbie: Video Game Hero" [1/2017] Directed by Conrad Helten; voices by Erica Lindbeck, Sienna Bohn
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCB33T2/
http://www.amazon.com/Barbie-Video-Game-Erica-Lindbeck/dp/B01MQN93M6/
"Barbie: The Movie" live-action blockbuster 
[Mattel Films/Warner Bros. Pictures July 2023]
Originally announced in 2009, this project has undergone multiple different iterations and been a property for three different studios. Originally it was a Universal Pictures project, but after five years of development, Sony Pictures took over in 2014. Jenny Bicks was hired as a screenwriter, but replaced by Diablo Cody the following year. In December 2016, Amy Schumer entered negotiations to star in the title role, as well as to rewrite the screenplay alongside Kim Caramele; Schumer exited the project in 2017. The next project announced that Alethea Jones would direct, Olivia Milch would write, and Anne Hathaway would portray the lead role. Sony's option expired in October 2018 and the project transferred to Warner Bros. Pictures, where the project progressed and became a film. Filmed in Univisium 2:1 aspect ratio in Hertfordshire & London, England, UK; plot details were kept secret, although one rumor had there being multiple Kens and multiple Barbies! (5/2022)
The opening three shots of the film use actual untouched footage from Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" [1968], with the fourth digitally altered to replace a skull with a girl's shoe.
"Barbie" raked in a stunning $155 million during its opening weekend (7/21/2023): the biggest North American opening for a movie directed by a woman. "Barbie" is now Warner Bros.’s highest-grossing domestic release ever; it earned more than $537 million in worldwide box-office, edging out Christopher Nolan’s Batman movie "The Dark Knight" for the top spot. By September, "Barbie" surpassed "The Super Mario Bros Movie" and its $1.36 billion in worldwide ticket sales to become this year's biggest blockbuster.
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 | Barbie suffers an existential crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence, so she and Ken set out on a journey of self-discovery • Co-produced by & starring Margot Robbie {as Barbie}; co-written & directed by Greta Gerwig; co-written by Noah Baumbach; also starring Ryan Gosling {as Ken}, Emma Mackey, Kate McKinnon, Nicola Coughlan, Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, Michael Cera, America Ferrera, Ncuti Gatwa, Ritu Arya, Alexandra Shipp, Emerald Fennell, Jamie Demetriou, Rhea Perlman, Issa Rae, Hari Nef, Ariana Greenblatt, Connor Swindells, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Scott Evans, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne; rated PG‑13 for suggestive references and brief language
Studio Distribution Services color Blu-ray [PRE-ORDER 7/2023] for $24.96 Studio Distribution Services color 4K Ultra HD format [PRE-ORDER 7/2023] for $29.96 Studio Distribution Services color DVD [PRE-ORDER 7/2023] for $19.96 full credits at IMDb • official movie site not found (6/2022) • movie entry at Wikipedia watch 4/2022 First Look promo: Margot Robbie 'Barbie' Movie [0:57] at YouTube watch 5/2022 SluurpTV Live Action Margot Robbie 'Barbie' Movie Teaser Concept Trailer [1:42] at YouTube watch 8/2022 Margot Robbie 'Barbie' Movie '2001' Trailer [1:14] at YouTube watch 4/2023 'Barbie' Movie teaser trailer #2 [1:44] at YouTube |
 | "Barbie: The Deeper Meanings of The Movie - Let's Explore The Depths of The Barbie Movie Through Interviews With The Director, Stars, Reviewers, and Ruth Handler, The Creator of Barbie" essay [2023] by Tim Tenmin
19-page Kindle Edition from self-publd [8/2023] for $3.00 | |
 | "Barbie: The Original Soundtrack Album" [2023]
Composed by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt; performers include Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice & Aqua, Charli XCX, Karol G, Sam Smith, Tame Impala, Ryan Gosling, Dominic Fike, HAIM, Billie Eilish, The Kid Laroi, Fifty Fifty, Khalid, Pink Pantheress, Gayle, Ava Max Atlantic Records soundtrack CD [5/2023] 16 tracks for $12.97 Atlantic Records pink vinyl soundtrack album [5/2023] 24? tracks for $27.98 W.E.A. Intl import neon pink vinyl soundtrack album [6/2023] 17 tracks for $53.01 Atlantic Records milky white vinyl soundtrack album [7/2023] 16 tracks for $25.22 Barnes & Noble pink vinyl soundtrack album [8/2023] for $63.00 Waxwork Records vinyl soundtrack album [10/2023] 18 tracks for $36.98 |
The 'Barbenheimer' phenomenon of Summer 2023
 | The simultaneous theatrical release of very different potential blockbusters "Barbie" [Warner Bros. Pictures] and "Oppenheimer" [Universal Pictures] on 21 July 2023 caught the attention of internet bloggers who coined the term 'Barbenheimer' and created posters and other merchandise for the combination. Rather than causing a competition, the conversation swirled around seeing both films on the same day (which one first?, etc) and some theater venues even had special dual-ticket pricing. Both films received critical acclaim and exceeded box-office expectations: their joint opening weekend was the fourth-largest ever at the American box office, and both rank among the highest-grossing films of 2023. The films earned a combined 21 nominations at the 96th Academy Awards; both films were nominated for Best Picture, which "Oppenheimer" won. |
Other Media
Video Games
"Barbie" video game [1984]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(1984_video_game)
"Barbie" video game [1991]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(1991_video_game)
"Barbie: Game Girl" video game [1992]
"Barbie: Super Model" video game [1992]
"Barbie: Fashion Designer" video game [1996] Chris Anthony Lansdowne
"Barbie Storymaker" video game [1996] Chris Anthony Lansdowne
"Barbie Cool Looks Fashion Designer" video game [1997] Chris Anthony Lansdowne
"Adventures With Barbie: Ocean Discovery" video game [1997] Lewis Arquette, Fawn
"Talk With Me! Barbie" video game [dec 1997] /tt0160958/
"Detective Barbie: Mystery of The Carnival Caper" video game [1998] Dick Gautier, Barbara Goodson
"Barbie Riding Club" video game [1998] Kimberly Brooks, Chris Anthony Lansdowne /tt22781054/
"Barbie Photo Designer" video game [1998] Chris Anthony Lansdowne /tt0221002/
"Barbie's Ocean Discovery" video game [1999]
"Barbie: Super Sports" video game [1999] Grey Griffin, Kim Mai Guest
"Detective Barbie: Mystery At Lighthouse Cove" video game [1999] Chris Anthony Lansdowne, Nathan Carlson
"Barbie Digital Makeover" video game [1999] Chris Anthony Lansdowne
"Barbie Sticker Designer" video game [1999] Chris Anthony Lansdowne
"Working Woman Barbie" video game [1999]
"Barbie Princess Bride" video game [2000] Chris Anthony Lansdowne
"Barbie Fashion Pack Games" video game [2000]
"Barbie: Explorer" video game [2001] Chris Anthony Lansdowne
"Barbie: Pet Rescue" video game [2001]
"Secret Agent Barbie" video game [2001] Tom Keegan, Chris Anthony Lansdowne
"Secret Agent Barbie: Royal Jewels Mission" video game [2002]
"Barbie: Horse Adventures - Mystery Ride" video game [2003] Anndi McAfee, Grey Griffin
"Barbie of Swan Lake" video game [2003] Anndi McAfee, Diane Michelle
"Barbie Beauty Boutique" video game [2003] Grey Griffin, Anndi McAfee
"Barbie: Mermaid Adventure" video game [Vivendi Universal 2004] Anndi McAfee, Nicole Greenwood /tt0819869/
"Barbie: Princess and the Pauper" video game [2004] S. Scott Bullock, Cam Clarke
"The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery" video game [2006]
"Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses" video game [2006]
"Barbie as The Island Princess" video game [2007] Kat Cressida, Patricia Drake
"Barbie Seahorse Adventures" video game [2007]
"Barbie Horse Adventures: Riding Camp" video game [2008] David Robert Moore
"Barbie and The Three Musketeers" video game [2009] Kathleen Barr, Dorla Bell
"Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups" video game [2010] Kate Higgins
"Barbie: Dreamhouse Party" video game [2013] Charlie Bodin, Nakia Burrise
"Barbie and Her Sisters: Puppy Rescue" video game [2015] Kelly Sheridan, Kazumi Evans
 | "Barbie™: You Can Be Anything Game! Speak To Barbie™" [ages 6 & up; 2020] from Sony Entertainment Enable for free; requires Barbie™ Plus subscription to experience additional features; requires parental consent for access to Alexa download the basic game to your smart device 'free to enable' basic game on Amazon |
Merchandise
http://www.amazon.com/stores/Barbie/Barbie/
http://shop.mattel.com/pages/barbie
 | "Barbie 5-Minute Stories: The Sister Collection" [ages 3-7; 2016] from Mattel/Random House Random House BFYR 10¾x8 hardcover [8/2016] out of print/used | |
 | "1956 Corvette from Barbie The Movie" [2023] from Mattel/Hot Wheels
1:64-scale 3½x1½x1½ die-cast metal toy car [8/2023] for $8.48 "2014 Corvette Stingray - Barbie paintjob" [2019] from Mattel/Hot Wheels
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 | "Hot Wheels RC Barbie Corvette Battery-Operated Remote-Control Toy Car" [2023] from Mattel/Hot Wheels RC Doll-sized remote control car fits two dolls in front seat, gear in the trunk; controller operates on 2.4Ghz; car & controller require 7 AA batteries scale 16¾L x 7¼W x 4¾H RC toy car [6/2023] at third party sellers for $80.00 & up |
Image Gallery
The ladies’ room at Drusie & Darr in Nashville. The newly remodeled space went full Barbie before Barbie was even a thing, incorporating various hues of pink marble, pink fixtures, and rose gold-framed mirrors for a worthy rival to the restaurant’s famous Art Deco-inspired men’s bathroom.—NF
Mattel president/COO Richard Dickson (), hired by Gap 7/2023
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz
 | "Toy Monster: The Big, Bad World of Mattel" [2009] by Jerry Oppenheimer
Scrupulously-reported, unauthorized portrait of the brutal toy business that shows you why today's toy business isn't always fun and games Kindle Edition from Wiley [2/2009] for $11.99 Wiley 8¾x5½ pb [2/2010] for $14.59 Wiley hardcover [2/2009] for $24.95 | |
 | "Mattel: 70 Years of Innovation and Play" [2015] Compiled by Assouline Publishing archival & new photographs, with explanatory text Assouline Publng 15x11¾ hardcover [11/2015] for $113.72 {sic} Assouline Publng 15x11¾ hardcover [11/2015] out of print/used | |
 | "You Don't Own Me: How Mattel v. M.G.A. Entertainment Exposed Barbie's Dark Side" [2017] by law professor Orly Lobel Carter Bryant began designing what would become the billion-dollar line of Bratz dolls while he was taking time off from his job at Mattel, where he designed outfits for Barbie; later, back at Mattel, he sold his concept for Bratz to smaller rival company M.G.A.; California law professor author reveals the colorful story behind the ensuing decade-long court battle Kindle Edition from W.W. Norton & Co. [11/2017] for $9.99 W.W. Norton & Co. 8¼x5½ pb [4/2019] for $17.95 W.W. Norton & Co. 9½x6½ hardcover [11/2017] for $19.15 |
Mattel Films
Robbie Brenner, executive producer & division head (hired 2018)
Mattel Inc. announced September 2018 the re-launch of a new film division that will make movies based on brands within the toy company.
The toy manufacturer said Thursday that Mattel Films will focus on producing movies centered around the company’s iconic franchises. Academy Award-nominated producer Robbie Brenner will run the project as executive producer and report to Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz. The toymaker has some production experience and has recently produced web series with brands such as Barbie, Monster High, and Polly Pocket. It hopes to increase its profits by creating motion pictures surrounding the toy company's well-known trademarks/franchises including Hot Wheels, American Girl, Fisher-Price, and MEGA.
After the huge success of the "Barbie" movie, Mattel Films began developing 45 more film projects including American Girl Doll, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Masters of The Universe, Matchbox, Polly Pocket, Rock'em Sock'em Robots, "Thomas & Friends", and the card game Uno.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattel_Films
Ruth Handler
Ruth Handler said in the movie that she was arrested for tax evasion. This is actually true. In the 70s investigation of productions fraudulent financial reports were done which caused that Handler resigned as president of Mattel in 1974 and leaving the company in 1975. After the investigations she was charged with fraud and false reporting to the U.S. Security organizations and Exchange commissions and was fined with $57,000,- and 2,500 hours of community service. According to a statement she blamed her breast cancer illness that she was unfocused on her business.
 | "They Made America: From The Steam Engine To The Search Engine - Two Centuries of Innovators" [2004] by Sir Harold Evans, with Gail Buckland & David Lefer Innovators covered include Samuel P. Colt, John Fitch, Robert Fulton, Amadeo Giannini (Bank of America), Ruth Handler {Barbie®), Samuel Insull, Ida Rosenthal (Maidenform®), Russell Simmons, Lewis Tappan, Juan Trippe, and Ted Turner Kindle Edition from Back Bay/Hachette [3/2009] for $12.99 Back Bay Books 9x6 pb [5/2006] for $12.79 Little, Brown 11¼x9¼ hardcover [10/2004] for $50.00 | |
 | "Barbie and Ruth: The Story of The World's Most Famous Doll and The Woman Who Created Her, Illustrated" [2009] by Robin Gerber The entwined tale of two exceptional women: One was a voluptuous eleven-inch-tall beauty who debuted at the 1959 Toy Fair in New York City and quickly became the treasure of 9 out of 10 American girls and their counterparts in 150 countries. The other was Ruth Handler, the tenth child of Polish Jewish immigrants. Kindle Edition from HarperCollins e-books [3/2009] for $12.99 Harper Business 8x5¼ pb [2/2010] for $12.74 Harper Business 9x6 hardcover [2/2009] out of print/used | |
 | "The Story of Barbie and The Woman Who Created Her" picture book [ages 4-8; 2017] by Cindy Eagan, Illustrated by Amy June Bates 40-page Kindle Edition from Mattel+Europa BV [9/2017] for $10.99 40-page Random House BFYR 11¼x8¾ hardcover [6/2023] for $15.99 40-page Random House BFYR 11¼x8¾ hardcover [9/2017] out of print/used |
L i n k s
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(media_franchise)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbie_(film)
here on the Mattel's Barbie™ Page at Spirit of America Bookstore
top of page • short history • original Barbie™ • variations • other characters • works about Barbie™ • movies & TV •
other media • merchandise • image gallery • Mattel, Inc. • links
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