Biography
Costume designer Marjorie Best was famed for her period designs, but she also excelled at creating more everyday garb. In 1949, she earned an Academy Award for being one of the three costumers behind the
Errol Flynn vehicle
The Adventures of Don Juan (1949). She was subsequently Oscar nominated thrice more for
Giant (1956),
Sunrise at Campobello (1960), and
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965). Before entering the movie industry the Illinois-born, Southern California-raised Best studied at the Chouinard School of Art and then briefly worked as a school teacher. Best first worked as a costume designer in the 1948 film
Silver River. Other notable Best designs can be seen in films such as
The Nun's Story (1959),
Rio Bravo (1959), and
State Fair (1962). She retired in 1965. Best passed away on June 14, 1997, at the age of 94. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide