Found not one, but two of these vintage, hand crank novelty girls last week. I'm not exactly sure when they came out, I've read possibly as early as the 1940's... who knows? Anyway, F
atima the Harem Dancing Girl is the more splendidly designed of the two, and even seated on her fluffy pillow, her wiggle 'n twist action is surprisingly life-like. She's unfortunately not in the greatest condition anymore, as the rubbery material has started to deteriorate a bit so I think I'll rename her
Fatima the Zombie Harem Dancing Girl, (plus she's missing her original carnival-esque box), but she was still quite a $10 bargain compared to most online prices!
SEE HER MOVE!
The Hula Dancer on the other hand comes conveniently packaged in her own clear case with the appropriate palm tee and beach background (including a gawking stalker!) painted right on it. She's not as intricately designed or as realistic as Fatima, (and could the paint job be any sloppier?), but she can still shake it like the best of 'em! She's also the easier of the two to crank into action.
SEE HER GROOVE!
Yes sir, an early form of daring, do-it-yourself animation-- right at your fingertips! Gentleman, start your dancers!
The hulu girl's paint job makes her look angry!
ReplyDeleteI notion on the Fantima (hopefully she won't get a skull face) is really impressive!
I love them both but I’ve always been a sucker for a sloppy paint job and lurking gawker
ReplyDeleteI like them both, but I am particularly charmed by the idea of the back-painted petri dish encasing the hula dancer. Both toys a pretty neat cranky-old-lech tech, but that aquarium design is just super. I kind of want to make my own. Maybe a gyrating Fiji Mermaid? Since it's clear, there are up to four surfaces to paint on, or tint, for all sorts of neat effects.
ReplyDeleteSo impressed that such a basic toy managed to absolutely nail the movement. Fatima is exceptionally life-life in that regard.
ReplyDeleteGlad you all enjoyed these, it wasn’t easy to film them while making them do their thing at the same time!
ReplyDeleteIf you are ever willing to part with her please keep me in mind. I have a collection of 60+ and she would go to a great home. Would love to add her!
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