Blogging A to Z 2024 has begun. My theme this year is Barbie. For Day One:
"There is only one Alan," so says the narration to the Barbie movie. Indeed, Alan's best-known version is the one depicted by Michael Cera in the film, in the multi-color striped shirt. Originally spelled Allan, the character was introduced as Ken's friend in 1964. He was named for Mattel founder Ruth Handler's son-in-law.
Allan was discontinued after 1965, but reintroduced in 1991 (and the spelling of his name changed to Alan), when he and Barbie's friend Midge were married, in the Wedding Day series. A year later, a proposed line with Alan and Midge with twin babies was shown in promotional booklets, but never made.
In 2002, the Happy Family set with Alan, Midge and their son was produced, with Midge pregnant with their second child. This caused controversy, and Walmart pulled the dolls from their shelves. Read more about the doll series here. An African American version of the series was also released; this was the only time Midge and Alan were portrayed as such.
The pregnant Midge was depicted in the film, but apparently has no relationship with Allan in the striped shirt. This despite Alan being discontinued a second time. More on Midge herself to come.
One of Barbie's younger sister Skipper's early friends, Ricky (pictured below), bore a strong resemblance to Allan. Ricky was often thought to be Allan's brother, though that was never said to be true.
End of Day One.
16 comments:
A Barbie theme how fun!!! I vaguely remember Alan but was stunned to see how much his doll resembles the character in the film. Like Allan, I was introduced in 1964 but thankfully I was not discontinued after 1965. Looking forward to seeing more of your theme as the challenge continues.
I had a Midge doll but no Allan. He seemed like a waste of money to me. I enjoyed Michael Cera's portrayal of him in the film, lol.
The Barbie theme is an interesting one. Looking forward to all your posts!
I didn't know an Alan doll had ever been a thing. I'm guessing he wasn't that popular if he was discontinued twice.
Debbie
#AtoZChallenge
Great post. You are off to a good start. I was never that into Barbie so I was unaware of Alan or Midge. :)
I mean, i have never realised that Barbie's relationships are so complex.
I don't think I've ever heard of Alan.
I remember Alan. I had a four set of Barbies. Barbie was a bride, Ken a groom, and I think the other two were Alan and Midge. It's been a few years (about 60). That would be quite a collectible if I had not been so rough with my toys.
I was never into Barbie so have never heard of Allan (or Alan). I suspect I will continue to learn from your posts.
Never heard of him. Good start!
Such a fun theme. I've been on the Barbie sidelines for many years with two daughters and five granddaughters, the youngest aged 7 has a huge collection.
I look forward to learning more about Barbie's family and activities.
Such a fun theme. I've been on the Barbie sidelines for many years with two daughters and five granddaughters, the youngest aged 7 has a huge collection.
I look forward to learning more about Barbie's family and activities.
This is a fun A-Z theme - brings back lots of childhood memories.
I look forward to seeing what comes next.
Happy blogging, Jenny @ Pearson Report
Oooh this is a fun theme :D Happy A to Z!
Also, poor Ricky. Even more underappreciated than Allan... :D
The Multicolored Diary
Interesting. I first heard of Alan in the movie :-)
Ronel visiting for A: My Languishing TBR: A
Abominable Wraiths
This is interesting. I had Barbie's back in the day when there was really only Barbie, Skipper and Ken. Well Allan too. It's interesting to see everything that's happened with these dolls.
We watched a documentary about the shenanigans between Mattel's founder and its chief designer which told a very unhappy story - this is the antidote...
Post a Comment