Michael Crawford as Cornelius Hackle in 'Hello Dolly' Designed by Irene Sharaff

Three piece suit of grey, brown and green hound's tooth weave wool, [C292A] jacket with high-cut notched lapels, two small flap pockets at lower front, four grey button single breasted front closure (Western Costume label reading ("2957-1. Michael Crawford. Chest 36. Sleeve 18 1/2"); [C292B] matching vest with a high cut notched lapel, three small slit pockets, five button closure, two small tabs to secure to pants (Stamped "W.C.C., Suite 3 Pc, H. # 84"); [C292C] matching straight cut wool flat front pants with four slit pockets, button fly, two buttons at waist to secure vest. (Western Costume label inscribed "2957-1, Michael Crawford, Waist 28 1/2, Inseam 31 and are stamped (Western Costume Company, H # 84, Suit 3-pce Triple"); [C292D] grey silk tie; [C292E] prop rounded starched collar attached to a white cotton long sleeve shirt [C292F] pair of prop brown studio shoes.

Musical actor, Michael Crawford began his singing career as boy soprano in England. In 1967, he was noticed by gene Kelly when he was performing on Broadway and wanted him to audition for the part of Cornelius Hackle in “Hello Dolly.” Crawford had never danced before, but Kelly liked the clumsy physical quality to the dance steps, even though he would need to learn how to dance. Producers wanted to dub Crawford’s high singing voice, but Gene Kelly fought to keep it. His iconic portrayal of the young innocent clerk looking for an adventure and love became such an iconic performance that a scene from his musical number “It Only Takes a Moment” was years later used in Pixar’s “Wall-E.”

“Hello Dolly” was one of the most expensive musicals ever made at a time when the elaborate Hollywood musicals were ending. The film was not released for two years after its completion. Crawford’s career was in a slump and he worked as an office clerk. He returned to England and eventually worked in successful stage productions as “Barnum" and “Starlight.” But his career would forever be changed when in 1984, he met Andrew Lloyd Webber. Musical history was made and he received an Oliver and Tony Award for his creation of the “Phantom of the Opera.”

Costume designer, Irene Sharaff created true to period men’s costumes for the film with the shirt jackets and high-waisted pants. This look was intended to make the character somewhat awkward and is worn for a good portion of the film, it being his only going to town suit. Sharaff was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for her work on the film.