I have two talking dolls from 1971 that are falling apart, both Talking PJs.
The Talking PJs were made in Hong Kong and like the Talking Barbies, have broken hips and the only way I know to repair them is to use sealing tape to tape them on. Fortunately, you can't see the tape when the doll is dressed. The doll not wearing sunglasses also has a broken neck knob and I had to super-glue her head to her neck.
I still believe that the reason the talking dolls were sold with vinyl underpants or cotton shorts is because Mattel already knew in the late 1960s that the joints that attached the legs to the hips would break off easily. The pants were there not just for modesty or style, but also to keep the legs on!
Two notes about PJ: (1) The Twist N Turn versions and the early Malibus are indestructible. (2) Talking PJ is not wearing a minidress or long tunic with shorts underneath. The outfit is a baby doll nightgown, hence the lace on the shorts. And wearing night clothes matches her name. However, I cannot explain why she needs sunglasses at night! The nightgown is tagged, "PJ™/©1969 MATTEL, INC/HONG KONG".
1971 Talking dolls still have 29 holes on their backs for their speakers. |
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