"Billy Rose's Jumbo" Anthony 'Pop' Wonder's (Jimmy Durante) Hat

Description

Original production novelty stovepipe hat created for the 1962 musical film Billy Rose’s Jumbo, starring legendary entertainer Jimmy Durante. This distinctive costume piece was created for Durante’s role as circus owner Pop Wonder and appears during the film’s finale sequence featuring the musical number “Sawdust and Spangles and Dreams.”

The hat is constructed from light red canvas and features a wide orange hat band accented with two yellow ribbon strips. A metal stovepipe-style element rises from the top of the crown, giving the piece its signature circus-inspired silhouette; the upper cap element is no longer present. The interior of the hat is marked “DURANTE” in black lettering, indicating its production identification and association with the character costume wardrobe used in Billy Rose’s Jumbo.

Produced during the golden era of large-scale Hollywood musical filmmaking, Billy Rose’s Jumbo is known for its vibrant circus setting, elaborate production design, and celebrated performances by its cast, including Jimmy Durante. Original production costume pieces from the film are highly sought after by collectors of classic Hollywood musicals, circus-themed cinema memorabilia, and 1960s film production artifacts.

A rare and visually striking costume hat with strong screen production provenance, this piece represents an exceptional addition to any collection of vintage Hollywood musical memorabilia, circus performance costume design, or classic film wardrobe artifacts.

Condition

The red of the hat is likely faded (appears more of an orange-red today). The yellow ribbons are both slightly soiled. Some staining throughout the orange felt band (darker orange in color). Several small dark spots of soiling in the red areas as well.

Unit Dimension

12" high x 8" wide x 9" deep

All photographs/screen captures are used solely for reference. Screen captures do not imply items are screen matched.