
Catch up with a three-part original podcast series about ambitious women in Hollywood.
Set in January 1934, the story opens in a dress shop on Sunset Boulevard. Designer Claire Delahunt has been asked by Frances Goldwyn to apply for a new role as head of the wardrobe department in her husband’s studio. Frances believes Claire will bring glamour to productions, which is sorely lacking, after she witnessed the Goldwyn Girls dressed in nothing but wigs for a scene in Roman Scandals. The only problem is Sam’s first choice is Dmitri Cosmo, a costumer in Monogram Pictures. Backed by her fitter Lois, and mannequins Helen, Gail, and Cash, Claire plans on beating the competition.
Listen back to Mannequins: Part One
Part two opens three days before the screen test. Claire designed twenty costumes for the adaptation of the Broadway show It Pays to Sin. While the ladies take a lunch break, the costumes disappear from the shop. Claire is ready to throw in the towel, until loyal client Lilyan Tashman arrives and offers her wardrobe. Over the years, Lilyan has bought at least one of everything Claire designed. Meanwhile, Helen suggests they find out what Dmitri’s costumes look like for the Goldwyn test. Cash volunteers to pick him up. Lois and Gail help her look the part.
Listen back to Mannequins: Part Two
In the podcast series finale, set the following day, Claire recalls the first time she dressed showgirls for a nightclub act to create a glamorous ensemble for the screen test in Goldwyn’s. Helen and Gail sign up as extras in Monogram to get a look in the wardrobe department. A surprise visitor shakes things up in the dress shop. Lois wears a disguise to sneak on the lot over in Monogram. Will the cloak and dagger spy tactics help Claire win the contract?
Listen back to Mannequins: Part Three
Mannequins is a. Sass Mouth Dames production, written and directed by Megan McGurk.
Starring:
Clara Higgins and Claire Delahunt and Lilyan Tashman
Jennifer O’Meara as Lois Kenny
Jeanne Sutton as Helen Flaherty
Olympia Kiriakou as Gail Lindstrom
M. Shawn as Princess Casimir (Cash)
Megan McGurk as Frances Goldwyn and Miriam Thorndyke
Art design by Clara Higgins
Sound editing and special effects by Dan McAuley