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There is a silent Thanhouser Company film from 1913 called "Just a Shabby Doll."
http://www.thanhouser.org/tcocd/Filmography_files/ind5d1iym.htm
I don't think the film has much to do with the lyrics, but I wouldn't doubt that Costello took the phrase from the film's title.
This is one of my very favorite Elvis Costello songs, and I am shocked that nobody else has commented on it!
![Cover art for Shabby Doll [*] lyrics by Elvis Costello & the Attractions](../../../images/art-default.webp)
There is a silent Thanhouser Company film from 1913 called "Just a Shabby Doll."
http://www.thanhouser.org/tcocd/Filmography_files/ind5d1iym.htm
I don't think the film has much to do with the lyrics, but I wouldn't doubt that Costello took the phrase from the film's title.
This is one of my very favorite Elvis Costello songs, and I am shocked that nobody else has commented on it!