This distinctive suit, designed by Travis Banton, was first worn by Claudette Colbert as Jeannette Desmereau in the 1935 film The Bride Comes Home. It was worn the very next year by Martha Raye as Emma Mazda in Rhythm on the Range.
Publicity photo for Raoul Walsh’s COLLEGE SWING (1938) featuring cast members (top) Bob Hope, Ben Blue, and John Payne (bottom) Gracie Allen, Martha Raye, George Burns, Betty Grable, and Florence George.
Comedian and singer Martha Raye performs for an audience of US soldiers during a United States Organizations (USO) tour for troops stationed in North Africa, 1943. (photo: Margaret Bourke - White)