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

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.

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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.

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NEW TALKING BRAD #1114

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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LIVE ACTION KEN #1159

Live Action Ken was also known in France as Ken Tout-en-mouvement, in Italy as Balla con Ken, 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.

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

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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.

Some of these Live Action Kens came with a variation stamp, on the lower back: © 1968 Mattel Inc. U.S. & Foreign Patented. Other Patents Pending Patented in Canada 1967 Taiwan

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

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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.

The Mattel France Product Sheet below right shows that Live Action Ken (Ken tout en mouvement) was still being sold in 1975.

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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.