1971 New Good-Lookin’ (Talking) Ken, New Talking Brad, The Sun Set Malibu Ken & Live Action Ken

During 1970 doll production moved to Hong Kong (I’ve read it was because the Mexico factory burned down, though have no definite proof of this) and Ken was given a new head-mold. Personally I think it an improvement, a little fresher and cuter than the Mexico head. This is the version which would have been sold from late 1970 onward. The earliest Hong Kong-made dolls must still have been packaged in the boxes which mention Mexico, as they have correction stickers over the imprint on reverse of box.

NEW GOOD-LOOKIN’ TALKING KEN #1111

1971 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin’ Talking Ken
1971 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin’ Talking Ken
1971 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin’ Talking Ken
1970 #1111 New Good Lookin' Talking Ken
© 1968 Mattel Inc. U.S. & For. Pat’d. Other Pat’s. Pending Hong Kong
1971 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken wrist tag
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin’ Talking Ken wrist tag
1971 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken wrist tag
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin’ Talking Ken wrist tag
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken in original packaging
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin’ Talking Ken in original packaging
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken original packaging
Reverse of late 1970 packaging
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken original packaging
Reverse of 1971 packaging
1970-71 #1111 New Good-Lookin' Talking Ken original packaging
Reverse of 1971 packaging (Variation imprint)

He spoke new phrases:
PJ’s having a party. Let’s go!
Have you met Barbie’s new friend?
I’m taking the girls shopping. Want to go?
Put some records on and let’s dance!
I’ll get some food for the party.
Barbie’s a great dancer.


NEW GOOD-LOOKIN’ KEN #1124

The regular New Good-Lookin’ Ken was also produced in Hong Kong with the new head-mold. This Ken was included in the Sears 1970 exclusive Red, White ‘N Wild Set, which can be seen in the section 1970 The Outfits.

1971 #1124 New Good-Lookin' Ken
1970-71 #1124 New Good-Lookin’ Ken
1971 #1124 New Good-Lookin' Ken
1970-71 #1124 New Good-Lookin’ Ken
1970_1124_New_Good_Lookin_Ken_06
1970-71 #1124 New Good-Lookin’ Ken
1971 #1124 New Good Lookin' Ken
© 1968 Mattel Inc. U.S. & For. Pat’d. Other Pat’s. Pending Hong Kong
1970-71 #1124 New Good-Lookin' Ken in original packaging
1970-71 #1124 New Good-Lookin’ Ken in original packaging
1971 #1124 New Good-Lookin' Ken original packaging
Reverse of late 1970 packaging
1971 #1124 New Good-Lookin' Ken in original packaging
Reverse of 1971 packaging
1971 #1124 New Good-Lookin' Ken original packaging
Reverse of 1971 packaging (Variation imprint)

NEW TALKING BRAD #1114

Brad was also produced in Hong Kong. Later versions have a slight variation wrist tag, which omits mention of Christie.

1970 #11141971 #1114 New Talking BradNew Talking Brad
1970-71 #1114 New Talking Brad
1971 #1114 New Talking Brad
1970-71 #1114 New Talking Brad
1971 #1114 New Talking Brad
© 1968 Mattel Inc. U.S. & For. Pat’d. Other Pat’s. Pending Hong Kong
1970-71 #1114 New Talking Brad in original packaging
1970-71 #1114 New Talking Brad in original packaging
1970-71 #1114 New Talking Brad original packaging
Reverse of late 1970 packaging
1971 #1114 New Talking Brad original packaging
Reverse of 1971 packaging

According to the catalogue numbers on the packaging, the mail order version below would have been sent by Aldens, Sears and Spiegel. This exact one was sent by Sears, as shown by the extra sticker.

1971 #1114 Talking Brad (Mail order)
1971 #1114 Talking Brad (in mail order packaging)
1971 #1114 Talking Brad (Mail order packaging)
1971 #1114 Talking Brad (Mail order packaging)
1970-71 #1114 New Talking Brad wrist tag
1970-71 #1114 New Talking Brad wrist tag reverse
1971 #1114 New Talking Brad wrist tag reverse
1971 #1114 New Talking Brad wrist tag reverse

BRAD #1142

The packaging varies slightly from the previous year, as Brad is no longer described as NEW anywhere. As with the 1971 Talking Brad, the wrist tag now omits Christie.

1970-71 #1142 Brad in original packaging
1971 #1142 Brad in original packaging
1970-71 #1142 Brad original packaging
Reverse of packaging
1970 #1142 Brad wrist tag
1971 #1142 Brad wrist tag
1970 #1142 Brad wrist tag
1971 #1142 Brad wrist tag

THE SUN SET MALIBU KEN #1088

The Sun Set Malibu Ken was also included in the Sears Malibu Ken Surf’s Up gift set (See section 1971 The Outfits). He would prove to be one of Mattel’s most enduring dolls, and a version of him was still being sold in 1978. From 1971-1974 he was sold with red shorts and a blue towel.

1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken
Identification: © 1968 Mattel Inc. U.S. & For. Pat’d. Other Pat’s. Pending Hong Kong.

Of the two types of packaging used, the one with the clear plastic stuck on card came first. It appears in the department store guides from 1971 and 1972 shown below. The earliest Sun Set Malibu Kens came without wrist tags.

From 1971 Mattel Doll & Toy Quick Reference Guide
From 1971 Mattel Doll & Toy Quick Reference Guide
From 1972 Department 730 Merchandise Arrangement Guide
From 1972 Department 730 Merchandise Arrangement Guide
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken in original (red) packaging
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken in original (red) packaging
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken original packaging
Reverse of packaging
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken in original (yellow) packaging
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken in original (yellow) packaging
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken original packaging
Reverse of packaging

Malibu P.J. was not introduced until 1972, so the versions below which mention her must date from 1972 or later. Note that the Kens now have wrist tags.

#1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken (in 1972-73 packaging)
#1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken (in 1972-73 packaging)
#1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken (in 1972-3 packaging)
Reverse of 1972-73 packaging
#1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken (in 1973-74 packaging)
#1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken (in 1973-74 packaging)
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken in variation packaging (III)
Reverse of 1973-74 packaging

The dolls which were sent by mail order were usually packaged quite plainly. According to the code numbers on the packaging, the Ken below would have been the version sent by Sears and JCPenney.

1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken in Sears mail order packaging
1971-74 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken (Sears/Penney)
1971 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken Sears mail order packaging
From 1971-74 #1088 Sun Set Malibu Ken (Sears/JCPenney) mail order packaging

LIVE ACTION KEN #1159

Live Action Ken was also known in France as Ken Tout-en-mouvement, in Sweden simply as Action Ken, in Germany as Tanz-mit Ken (1971), and in Germany and the Netherlands as Swinging Ken (1972). He came with a unique clear plastic stand. In 1973-74 he was repackaged as Action Ken in a simple plastic bag.

1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971_1159_Live_Action_Ken_04
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken shoes

Identification: © 1968 Mattel Inc. Taiwan U.S. & For. Pat’d Patented in Canada 1967 Other Pats Pending.

1971_1159_Live_Action_Ken_07
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken markings
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken stand
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken stand
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken in original packaging
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken in original packaging
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken original packaging
Reverse of packaging

LIVE ACTION KEN ON STAGE #1172

He was also available in a deluxe Live Action Ken On Stage set, which came with a motorized ‘stage’, microphone, a real single record and stickers to decorate the stage.

1971 #1172 Live Action Ken On Stage in original packaging
1971 #1172 Live Action Ken On Stage in original packaging
1971 #1172 Live Action Ken On Stage original packaging
Reverse of packaging
1971 #1172 Live Action Ken On Stage
1971 #1172 Live Action Ken On Stage stickers
1971 #1172 Live Action Ken microphone & stand
1971 #1172 Live Action Ken On Stage microphone & stand

The song A Little Bit of That Sky can be heard on Youtube

1971 #1172 Live Action Ken On Stage record
1971 #1172 Live Action Ken On Stage record

1971 #1172 Live Action Ken wrist tag
1971 Live Action Ken wrist tag
1971 #1172 Live Action Ken wrist tag
1971 Live Action Ken wrist tag

BOOKLETS & CATALOGUES

In this booklet (and the Mattel Dolls ’71 catalogue) New Good-Lookin’ Talking Ken is given the code #1117-7, yet the actual box still has the original code #1111.

1971-72 The Lively World of Barbie booklet
1971-72 The Lively World of Barbie booklet
From 1971-72 The Lively World of Barbie booklet
From 1971-72 The Lively World of Barbie booklet
From 1971-72 Barbie booklet
1971-72 The Lively World of Barbie booklet
From 1971-72 Barbie booklet
1971-72 The Lively World of Barbie booklet
From Mattel Dolls ’71 January Introductions catalogue
From Mattel Dolls ’71 January Introductions catalogue
From Mattel Dolls ’71 January Introductions catalogue
From Mattel Dolls ’71 January Introductions catalogue
Mattel Dolls '71 catalogue
From Mattel Dolls ’71 catalogue
From Mattel Dolls '71 catalogue
From Mattel Dolls ’71 catalogue
From Mattel Dolls '71 catalogue
From Mattel Dolls ’71 catalogue
From 1971 Mattel Presents the Greatest Toy Show on Earth newspaper supplement
From 1971 Mattel Presents the Greatest Toy Show on Earth newspaper supplement
From 1971 Spiegel Christmas catalogue
From 1971 Spiegel Christmas catalogue
From 1971 Sears Wish Book
From 1971 Sears Wish Book
From 1971 Sears Wish Book
From 1971 Sears Wish Book
1971 JCPenney Christmas catalogue
1971 JCPenney Christmas catalogue
From 1971 JCPenney Christmas catalogue
From 1971 JCPenney Christmas catalogue
From 1971 Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogue
From 1971 Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogue
From 1971 Aldens Christmas catalogue
From 1971 Aldens Christmas catalogue
From 1971 French Simpsons Sears catalogue
From 1971 Simpsons Sears (French) Christmas catalogue
From 1971 Canadian French Eaton's Christmas catalogue
From 1971 Canadian (French) Eaton’s Christmas catalogue
From French Mattel Jouets 71 catalogue
From French Mattel Jouets 71 catalogue
From 1971 German Barbie booklet
From 1971 German Barbie booklet
From 1971 German Barbie booklet
From 1971 German Barbie booklet
1971 German Mattel Spielzeug catalogue
From German Mattel Spielzeug 71 catalogue
1971 German Mattel Spielzeug catalogue
From German Mattel Spielzeug 71 catalogue
From 1971 Swedish Leksakslandet catalogue
From 1971 Swedish Leksakslandet catalogue
From 1972 Swedish Barbies Värld booklet
From 1972 Swedish Barbies Värld booklet
1971 Dutch Barbie & Ken advertisement
1971 Dutch Barbie & Ken advertisement
Advertisement from 1971 Italian Topolino maagzine
Advertisement from 1971 Italian Topolino book/magazine

In the 1972 Italian Il Bimbo nel suo Mondo Meraviglioso Christmas toy catalogue below left, Live Action Ken is described as ‘Balla con Ken’ (Dance with Ken). The Mattel France Product Sheet below right shows that Live Action Ken (Ken tout en mouvement) was still being sold in 1975.

From 1972 Italian toy catalogue
From 1972 Italian toy catalogue
1975 French Mattel Salesman Product Sheet
1975 French Mattel Salesman Product Sheet

ARTICULATION

Live Action Ken was the first Ken to have a jointed waist. The design (which gives him only a limited flexibility) is unique to this doll.

1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken
1971 #1159 Live Action Ken