Barbie Dolls From The Movie

As the new Barbie dolls from the movie stepped into the spotlight, memorable vintage dolls were also highlighted.  By seamlessly weaving iconic vintage dolls into the modern storyline, the movie appeals to both lifelong Barbie enthusiasts and a whole new generation of fans.

Photo Credit:  Mattel, Inc.

Barbie Dolls From The Movie

The vintage dolls included in the movie all made their mark in Barbie history with special significance.  From social to safety issues, these misunderstood dolls each carry a captivating story from Barbie's illustrious past.  Join as we pay homage with details and pictures of the vintage dolls that made cameo appearances in Greta Gerwig's 2023 Barbie Movie.

Midge & baby

Copyrighted in 2002, Midge & baby were released as part of the Happy Family line.  Midge was married to Alan and this was their second child.  Her magnetic pregnant belly popped off to reveal a newborn baby tucked inside.

This doll was surrounded by controversy, as it sparked discussions about the appropriateness of addressing pregnancy within the realm of children's playthings.  In response to consumer complaints, Walmart made the decision to remove it from their shelves.  Midge was was later released with a flat belly and the baby on the outside.

By 2005, Pregnant Midge was discontinued.

Emerald Fennell appeared as pregnant Midge
in the 2023 Barbie Movie.

The back of the box...

See Midge & baby on eBay - Amazon.

Allan

Meet Allan Sherwood, Ken's best friend, the only one of Ken's friends to be given a last name.  Copyrighted in 1963 and released in 1964, he was dressed in a colorful striped jacket with a terry cloth collar and blue shorts and matching sandals.  His major marketing feature was that all of Ken's clothes fit him, which was addressed with a sense of humor in the 2023 Barbie movie.  

Michael Cera appeared as Alan
in the 2023 Barbie Movie.

Fun Fact:
Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, named Allan
after her real life son-in-law.  Married to Ruth's daughter, Barbara, her husband's name was Allan Segal.

Doll Name:
Allan

Model #:
1000

Box Date:
©1963

In 1991, Allan's name was changed to Alan (with one l)when he married Midge.  He and Midge had three children, Ryan, Nikki, and Cassandra. 

See Allan on eBay.

Barbie & Tanner

Barbie dolls from the movie also included beloved pets.  This 2006 playset brought together the timeless charm of Barbie, the beloved fashion doll, and Tanner, her playful and adorable golden retriever companion.  Tanner could play, eat treats, and yes, poop.

A scooper accessory with a disc shaped magnet at the end was included for clean up.  It was this scooper accessory that forced a recall due to the fact that the magnet could become loose and be harmful to children.  Sets manufactured after January 31, 2007 were not recalled as the issue had been resolved with a white material covering the magnet.  It was discontinued in 2010.

Doll Name:
Barbie & Tanner

Model #:
J9472

Box Date:
©2006

The back of the box...

See Barbie & Tanner on eBay - Amazon.

Barbie Video Girl

This innovative Barbie doll featured a video camera embedded in its chest, allowing users to record videos from Barbie's perspective. The camera lens is located in Barbie's necklace, and the videos are recorded through a small LCD screen on her back, so you can see what you shoot.  Videos recorded with the Barbie Video Girl could be transferred to a computer using a USB cable for editing and sharing.

It received mixed reviews, with some praising its concept and execution, while others had concerns about privacy and the potential for the camera to be misused.  It was discontinued in 2012.

Doll Name:
Barbie Video Girl

Model #:
R4093

Box Date:
©2009

Barbie Video Girl AA
#R4807
©2009

Barbie Video Girl Brunette
#T8157
©2009

See Barbie Video Girl on eBay - Amazon.

2010 Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken

Another misunderstanding by Mattel was Sugar Daddy Ken.  Ken was dressed in a green patterned jacked with a light pink shirt and white pants.  Attached to a pink leash is his West Highland Terrier puppy named "Sugar" making Ken Sugar's Daddy.

Rob Brydon appeared as Sugar Daddy Ken
in the 2023 Barbie Movie.

A 2010 Palm Beach Sugar Daddy Ken is extremely rare. Fortunately, the Barbie dolls from the movie included Sugar Daddy Ken and that doll is currently available on eBay - Amazon.

Earring Magic Ken

This doll was introduced by Mattel in 1993 as part of the "Cool Times Ken" series. What made Earring Magic Ken particularly notable was the fact that he had a fashion accessory that was quite unique for a Ken doll at the time: a single dangling earring.

Tom Stourton appeared as Earring Magic Ken
in the 2023 Barbie Movie.

Doll Name:
Earring Magic Ken

Model #:
2290

Box Date:
©1992

While the doll initially garnered some interest and discussion, it soon became clear that it was unintentionally associated with certain gay stereotypes. It was discontinued by Mattel due to the controversy and negative attention it received shortly after its release in 1993. Today, it is a sought after collector's item and is remembered as a significant part of Barbie and Ken doll history.

See Earring Magic Ken on eBay.

Growing Up Skipper

What made Growing Up Skipper unique and somewhat controversial at the time was its feature that allowed the doll to "grow" taller and develop breasts by rotating her arm. The doll had a mechanism inside her torso that, when turned, caused her to go from a childlike appearance to a more mature, teenage look. Some considered this growing feature inappropriate or too mature for children, hence the doll was discontinued in 1977.

Doll Name:
Growing Up Skipper

Model #:
7259

Box Date:
©1974

Growing up Skipper was marketed as "2 dolls in 1 for twice as much fun."  By turning her left arm, she would grow taller, and by turning her right arm, she would return to her original, shorter height. This feature was meant to represent the changes that girls go through during puberty when they experience growth spurts.

For additional Growing Up Skipper
details and fashions, click here.

See Growing Up Skipper on eBay.

Teen Talk Barbie

The Teen Talk Barbie doll captured the hearts of young girls with its stylish fashion and iconic blonde hair, but also broke new ground by featuring a voice module that allowed it to speak various phrases. However, what was intended as a playful and interactive experience for children quickly stirred controversy due to some of the doll's programmed phrases.

Marisa Abela appeared as Teen Talk Barbie
in the 2023 Barbie Movie.

Doll Name:
Teen Talk Barbie

Model #:
5745

Box Date:
©1991

Each Teen Talk Barbie doll was programmed with 4 phrases chosen from 270 possibilities.  Which phrase caused the most controversy?  "Math class is tough."  Many felt that this phrase discouraged young girls by insinuating that were not capable of excelling in math.  Mattel responded to the issue by removing the phrase from the list of possibilities and offering refunds and exchanges. 

See Teen Talk Barbie on eBay - Amazon.

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