The Western showgirl ensemble is up for grabs via Julien’s Auctions
The original Western showgirl ensemble worn by Reba McEntire as Burgundy Jones in the final scene of the 1991 NBC television film The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw is available at auction via Julien’s Auctions.
The ensemble consists of a burgundy satin bodice with pleated black satin diagonal trim, black beaded flower appliquรฉs, and beaded strands, Turturice label present; and a long burgundy velvet skirt detailed with a beaded panel that attaches to the waist and hangs at center. Together with a black beaded hair ornamentation with burgundy and black feathers on a circular nude backing, a pair of antique earrings detailed with large oval burgundy stones and long black beads, and a black velvet choker with a large cluster of assorted black beads at center. Costume designed by Robert Turturice. The bodice contains a costume tag that reads, “REBA MCENTIRE / THE GAMBLER RETURNS: THE LUCK OF THE DRAW / FINAL POCKER [sic] GAME”, and handwriting that says, “Photo Available.”
McEntire wears this ensemble in the final scene of the film as she watches Brady Hawkes, portrayed by the late Kenny Rogers, participate in the last poker tournament before gambling is outlawed in 1906. She also appears in this ensemble on the home media releases of the film, including VHS and DVDs.
Accompanied by a color photograph of McEntire and Rogers in costume, signed by McEntire in gold-tone ink for Turturice. Her inscription reads, “To Robert / I loved the clothes! You’re marvelous / Love Reba McEntire.”
Juliens’ Auctions acquired the outfit from the Robert Turturice Estate. It’s estimated to fetch between $2,000 and $3,000 with a starting bid at $500. The auction goes live on May 7th.
With gambling about to be outlawed, there’s one last big poker game in San Francisco, and Hawkes needs $100,000 to join. A group of madams, led by Jones, bankroll him, but he’s got to win a preliminary game first. However, Hawkes and his team are followed by San Francisco by Cantrell, who he barely beat in the final game, and a band of outlaws hoping to steal the money. Along the way they encounter and/or are aided by some famous individuals like Wyatt Earp, The Rifleman, Cheyenne Bodie, Diamond Jim Brady, Bat Masterson, Judge Roy Bean, and President Teddy Roosevelt.
The Western originally aired on NBC over two nights, November 3 and 4, 1991, and is part four of The Gambler franchise. It was produced by Kenny Rogers Productions and Cabin Fever Entertainment.
