Hall Of Fame Barbie, Vol. 1

Talk about your bad breaks: since 1959, Barbie has worn some 25 different wedding gowns--but she hasn't tied the knot once. In Palo Alto, CA, there's a whole museum devoted to the most popular doll in history: the Barbie Hall of Fame, which is the largest of its kind open to the public. This video, hosted by owner Evelyn Burkhalter, takes viewers through decades of Barbie memorabilia and looks at some of the 14,000 dolls and accessories on display. Beginning with the genesis of the Barbie doll, the program is divided into several categories, such as "Careers," "Family & Friends," "Hobbies," "Accessories," "Evening Fashions," "International Showcase," and "Exclusives." Some are very interesting, such as the "Careers" segment, where viewers see something of the history of the women's movement in Barbie's changing professions--from stewardess to pilot to astronaut. But others are disappointingly devoid of narration. The segment on "Exclusives," for example, shows Barbies which are apparently fashioned after real people. However, the features are so general that we don't know who we're looking at and the video doesn't tell us. A lot of people will want to see this program regardless, but rather than merely point and shoot, one wishes that the filmmakers would have taken the opportunity to really tell us more about Barbie. An optional purchase. (Available from: Camera One Productions, Box 22, San Geronimo, CA 94963; (415) 488-4179.)