Effanbee's 2006 Katie Collection

Brenda Starr®, Reporter was created by Dale Messick to premiere on June 30, 1940. The tempestuous and flamboyant redhead was always impeccably dressed and coifed as she traveled the globe on one exciting assignment after another for her newspaper, The Flash. Each adventure was filled with glamour, romance and intrigue as this remarkable heroine was perpetually torn between the demands of her career and the many loves of her personal life.

Brenda showed readers a new type of heroine as she fought, from the very first day on the job at The Flash, for her right to be treated as an equal. Always on the cutting edge of fashion, Brenda has a sleek and sexy style that conveys the allure and independence of a workingwoman at the top of her career. Occasionally, Brenda will go Undercover to get “the scoop”, look for new hair colors and exotic face painting as she dons her many disguises.

Brenda’s life took a fateful turn on September 16, 1945 when she dreamed of a tall, dark, handsome stranger attired in a black cape and wearing a black patch over one of his eyes. The stranger materialized the following week, “the mystery man” turned out to be Basil St. John®, a reclusive millionaire who cultivates a rare species of black orchids, the only known remedy for his “secret disease”. Basil makes his debut with a collection of dressed dolls and outfits worthy of this dashing Romeo.

Daphne Dimples®, joined Brenda Starr® and the staff at The Flash in order to gain fame as a reporter in her own right. An apprentice to Brenda, this heiress and niece of the owner of the Flash is not one to take second place to anyone, even a “Starr” reporter! In 2005, Robert Tonner introduced Brenda's friend, Betty Ann®, a witty copywriter with the same glamorous flair as her best friend, Brenda Starr®.

Brenda Starr®, Daphne Dimples® and Betty Ann® are 16” vinyl/ hard plastic dolls with jointed arms and legs, exceptional wardrobes, painted eyes and rooted saran hair. Doll bodies are compatible with Tonner Doll Company's Tyler Wentworth® style bodies and can share clothing.

Basil St. John is 16.5” tall vinyl and hard plastic with articulated movement, rooted saran hair and painted eyes. Male doll bodies are comparable to Tonner Doll Company's Matt O'Neill™-type dolls (not including Harry Potter™ or Ron Weasley™).

The Mystery of Cleopatra’s Cat

Brenda Starr® and copywriter friend Betty Ann® are assigned to take a dangerous mission onboard the SS MIDNIGHT STAR for an adventure throughout the Mediterranean. The Flash discovers a hush-hush story of a stolen Egyptian artifact that is supposedly cursed – the infamous ‘Black Cat of Bubastis’. According to myth, the ‘Black Cat’ was an effigy of ‘Bastet’, Cleopatra’s beloved cat. The statue was also believed to hold a significant clue as to the location of Cleopatra’s tomb. Legend tells that the sculpture was actually protected by the goddess, Bastet; and those who came into contact with the statue suffered great maladies. Brenda and Betty Ann follow a trail of unexplained happenings, which just happens to follow the same course as the MIDNIGHT STAR. After discovering some of Brenda’s discarded notes, and determined to scoop the famous reporter, Daphne Dimples® heads out to board the ship in Athens; two days before Brenda and Betty Ann! Unbeknownst to Daphne, she is heading into danger without all the clues! Shocked to see Daphne already onboard, Brenda and Betty Ann protect Daphne’s undercover role as a smoldering stage actress on holiday…as long as they all work together. Brenda assumes the role of a wealthy archeologist and Betty Ann becomes a widowed Contessa from Spain. Each under assumed identities, they unravel a complicated web of deceit leading them not to Cleopatra’s tomb, but to an abandoned mine just outside of the Delta where they find a king’s ransom in stolen treasures of Egyptian antiquity; each being readied for sale to the highest bidder. Armed with teamwork, the trio boards the MIDNIGHT STAR for the last time to attend the Farewell Gala in their finest gowns; and to reveal the ringleader of this international art smuggling ring! Satisfied with their triumph, Daphne suggests they take a couple of extra days aboard the ship to relax; and then secretly makes haste to The Flash to scoop Brenda!

Look for more exciting outfits soon to add to you Cleopatra's Cat Collection!

Standard redhead Brenda head sculpt with Tyler-style bending wrist articulated body wearing printed charmeuse gown, hand-sculpted and shirred at bodice with mermaid-style hem; includes earrings, bracelet, faux fox wrap, hosiery, shoes and display stand.

Platinum Daphne head sculpt with Tyler-style bending wrist articulated body wearing micro-sequined silk chiffon gown with chiffon draped accents and skirt; includes earrings, hosiery, shoes and display stand.

Brunette Betty Ann sculpt with Tyler-style bending wrist articulated body wearing chiffon overlay gown, extending into chiffon ruffles - the micro-sequined silk chiffon caps the ensemble beautifully with coordinating chiffon accents; includes earrings, hosiery, shoes and display stand.

Includes six hangers and assorted travel destination stickers; Suitable for any 16” Fashion Doll including Brenda Starr®, Tyler Wentworth® and other similar style dolls; not for use with male dolls such as Basil St. John®.