Plastic Halloween mask in the shape of a caricature of Nikita Khrushchev
Object number2002.033.0003
Datecirca 1960
ClassificationsArtifacts
ObjectMask
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumPlastic; Metal; Fibers, Man-made
Dimensions9 3/4 × 7 15/16 × 5 3/4 in. (24.8 × 20.2 × 14.6 cm)
DescriptionPlastic Halloween mask in the form of a caricature of Nikita Khrushchev. At the height of the Cold War, this would have been a costume representing one of the nation's greatest enemies, the Communist leader of the Soviet Union.
The mask has holes cut in it for eyes and nostrils, as well as a small slit for the mouth cut below the teeth. Two small metal grommets, one just above each ear, are connected with a piece of elastic strung through for wearing.
"MADE IN FRANCE" is stamped in relief onto the lower back edge of the mask on the chin.
Curatorial CommentaryThis mask, along with similar masks of John F. Kennedy and Fidel Castro, is briefly featured in the 1962 Universal Pictures film, Forty Pounds of Trouble, starring Tony Curtis. In the movie, Curtis, playing a casino manager, is on the run with his two companions, actress Suzanne Pleshette and eight-year-old Claire Wilcox. The trio end up at Disneyland where they use these masks to hide from a pursuing detective. Tony Curtis wears the Kennedy mask, while Pleshette appears as Khrushchev and little Claire Wilcox comically wears the full-size Castro mask. In the film, it appears as though they purchased the masks at a Disneyland shop, though in reality the Anaheim theme park never sold these political masks. - Stephen Fagin, Curator
circa 1960
