Anne Baxter as Lorna in 'Three Violent People' Designed by Edith Head

Three-piece antebellum traveling suit consisting of [C074A] short-waisted bodice of rust and black striped silk satin, trimmed with black velvet peaked lapel, thinner black velvet stripe down front of bodice and at shoulders, wide black velvet cuff with fine black lace ruffle, five small square faceted buttons at each side of neckline, ornamented with black jet beads in a foliate motif at each side of bodice and sleeve cuffs (Stamped with Paramount Ladies Wardrobe stamp on inner lining); [C074B] matching fabric full skirt with hemline ornamented in a chevron pattern with a wide and a narrow band of black velvet; [C074C] wide stayed waist band of black velvet with pelon backing, hook and eyes that attach to inner bodice; [C074D] tulle bra.

Paramount was hoping to take advantage of the Anne Baxter/ Charlton Heston paring in “The Ten Commandments” and released “Three Violent People” the next year to capitalize on their chemistry. She plays the part of an ex-saloon hall dancer who cooks up a scheme to marry the wealthy rancher. Her past does eventually haunt her, but in Hollywood fashion, she is forgiven, and the couple stay together.

Edith Head created fashions for this post-Civil War Texas western. This dress was created as a traveling dress and was used in a brawl with Heston during which she is held upside down. The gown was later worn in the film “Desire Under the Elms,” 1958 and in 1962 worn by Mercedes McCambridge in the “Bonanza” series (“Lady From Baltimore”) where beadwork was added.