Video of Tammy by Debbie Reynolds
The MGB was new for North America in 1963 and Ideal took advantage of the craze by bringing out a 1:10 scale MGB Roadster for Tammy. Measuring a full 18-1/2 inches this blue MGB roadster came in a box with a pink MGB Roadster on the cover. This was offered in 1964 in the Montgomery Ward Christmas Toy Catalog among other places. I’ll have to look at some history but from what I’ve seen so far Tammy was a doll dress-up cutie in what I expect are 4 very tacky movies.
Courtesy of Wikipedia:
- Tammy and the Bachelor (1957)
Bachelor Peter Brent is rescued by young Tammy and her grandfather when his plane crashes in a swamp, and brought to their houseboat, the Ellen B. When Pete is well enough, he returns home to his fiancée. However, Tammy’s grandfather gets caught for moonshining and goes to jail, so he sends Tammy to stay with Pete. Tammy’s home cooking, enthusiasm, and sunny personality change Pete and his family. The cast includes Debbie Reynolds as Tammy, Leslie Nielsen as Peter Brent, Walter Brennan as Tammy’s grandfather, Mr. Dinwitty, and Fay Wray as Peter’s mother, Mrs. Brent.
- Tammy Tell Me True (1961)
Tammy leaves the river in Mississippi to attend college, where she develops a relationship with Tom Freeman (John Gavin). Sandra Dee replaces Debbie Reynolds in this and the third Tammy movie. This film introduces both a new theme song, “Tammy Tell Me True”, and the character of Mrs. Annie Call, played by Beulah Bondi. Mrs. Call ultimately moves in with Tammy in the Ellen B. and serves as the catalyst for the events in the next film, Tammy and the Doctor.
- Tammy and the Doctor (1963)
Mrs. Call has a heart condition that acts up, requiring her to get surgery in Los Angeles, so Tammy tags along. Since there are no guest quarters in the hospital, Tammy gets a job there as a nurse’s assistant. Peter Fonda plays Tammy’s love interest, Dr. Mark Cheswick, and Adam West has a small part as Dr. Eric Hassler. This is the final entry in the canonic film series, and Sandra Dee’s last appearance as Tammy.
- Tammy and the Millionaire (1967)
This is actually a re-edit of four half-hour episodes of the 1965 Tammy TV series. In this film, Tammy’s last name is Tarleton, and she is played by Debbie Watson.
Anyway, at some point Tammy must drive a blue MGB roadster. Maybe not but they certainly sold a blue MGB Roadster she could go cruising in. I don’t think I’ll waste my time watching the movies to find out.
You could also purchase many different outfits for her such as a cutie co-ed, snow bunny, underwear outfit, cheerleader etc. Tammy’s clothes fit her Mom, too. That’s important!
The Tammy doll even had a nurses outfit. I guess it really gets down to that the Tammy Doll is IDEALS’ answer to Mattell’s tacky Barbie Doll of the era.
I figure if Tammy were with us today this is likely what she would look like now. What type of car would she drive?
A little before my time. I remember listening to Dodger games in the mid 60’s but was only 7 years old. I guess I hadn’t thought about girls yet!
I’ll check out the song.
I remember the song, “Tammy’s in Love.” It was a very pretty song, and was also very popular.
I attached a video of Debbie Reynolds singing Tammy here.