Marybel - the doll that gets well
Introduced in 1959 by the Alexander Doll Co. You could break her bones or give her measles, then nurse her back to health.
via Theriaults
"I need crutches and I must wear a cast 'cause I broke my leg riding pony too fast."
"I broke my arm when I stumbled and fell. Now I wear a cast to make it well."
Cincinnati Enquirer - Oct 21, 1959
Comments
I'm not sure what to think about this one. First thing that comes to mind is sadistic medical experiments out of a 1950's B grade movie.
Posted by KDP in Madill, OK on 06/29/18 at 09:19 AM
Kind of like a starter kit for someone with Munchausen Syndrome.
Posted by F.U.D. in Stockholm, Sweden on 06/29/18 at 11:41 AM
A bit ahead of its time. Nowadays hospitals distribute similar toys to young patients to help them deal with whatever condition they may be suffering from. Also, I don't think you actually break her bones -- I think you just apply the cast and make up a back story to go with it.
That said, I am afraid to go looking on the internet to see if someone is now making a doll with actual breakable limbs -- an audible snap followed by a piecing scream, perhaps? perfect for the incipient serial killer,
That said, I am afraid to go looking on the internet to see if someone is now making a doll with actual breakable limbs -- an audible snap followed by a piecing scream, perhaps? perfect for the incipient serial killer,
Posted by Frank P on 06/29/18 at 12:17 PM
Along the lines of what Frank P said, when my daughter was getting her cochlear implant, she got a teddy bear with a fake CI processor.
Posted by ges on 06/30/18 at 10:27 PM
Also, quite a lot of children want to be nurses or doctors when they grow up. They'd love to play with this.
Posted by Richard Bos in The Netherlands on 07/01/18 at 02:43 PM
Formerly know as the “Unit 731 Fun Kit”
Posted by Brian in Denial on 07/01/18 at 10:49 PM
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Category: Toys | 1950s