Entertainment

Celebrity Autographs

Lot 406
Disney, Walt. Signature ("Walt Disney"). One page, 5 x 3", n.p., n.d. Black ink on a cream notecard. Toning to card edges, otherwise fine.

A strong, clear Disney signature with his characteristic flourishes.
Estimated Value $700-800.

Lot 407
Finch, Peter (1916-1977) Oscar winning British actor, one of the finest actors of his generation. Finch won his Academy Award for Network.

Signature ("Pete Finch"). One page, 3 x 5", n.p., n.d. Blue ink on white card. Name printed on verso in another hand, otherwise fine.

Finch was one of only two men to receive posthumous Oscars.
Estimated Value $50-75.

Lot 408
Flynn, Errol (1909-1959) Tasmanian actor, best known for his swashbuckling adventure roles in movies like The Adventures of Robin Hood and Captain Blood. His on and off screen charisma was undeniable, so much so, that even after a high-publicity trial in 1942 he remained a popular star.

Inscribed Photo Signed ("Errol"). Sepia toned, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in blue ink "For Johny [sic]/ see you in / the attic." There is a patch of staining with abrasions to the surface layer at the center left edge affecting the words "for Johny" and it appears that a touch up has been made to that portion of the inscription in a hand other than Flynn's; and a 1" horizontal stain at the upper left. In fair to good condition overall.

Smoking a cigarette, the debonair hero appears youthful in this soft focus picture.
Estimated Value $250-350.
From the collection of actress Constance Moore.

Lot 409
Gable, Clark (1901-1960). Actor. After much perseverance and numerous small roles. Gable worked steadily for MGM until the studio loaned him to Columbia for the picture It Happened One Night. The ruggedly handsome actor won an Academy Award and his popularity soared, culminating with the role of "Rhett Butler" in the epic drama Gone with the Wind.

Document Signed ("Clark Gable"). Seventeen pages, long quarto, n.p., 1960. Being an addendum to Gable's January 30, 1960 contract with Seven Arts Productions, specifying Gable's royalties in connection with The Misfits. Gable signs in blue pen on the last page. File and staple holes at top edge, else fine.

Scripted by Arthur Miller and directed by John Huston, The Misfits, featuring Gable and Marilyn Monroe, was Gable's final film (also Monroe's last completed film). The Hollywood veteran grew impatient with the way Monroe's personal problems affected shooting and, on the last day of filming, said "Christ, I'm glad this picture's finished. She damn near gave me a heart attack." The next day, Gable suffered a massive heart attack; he died 11 days later.
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.

Lot 410
Garbo, Greta (1905-1990). Actress. A struggling actress from Sweden, Garbo landed a contract with MGM in 1924 after being discovered by Swedish director Mauritz Stiller. After wowing MGM with her alluring magnetism and mystery, Garbo gained rapid popularity from men and women alike. Though she never won an Academy Award for her films, she was named best actress by the New York film critics for Anna Karenina and Camille.

Autograph Letter Signed ("H" -- for Garbo's pen name "Harry"). One page, large quarto, n.p., n.d. In pencil, on onionskin paper. To Sidney Guilaroff. Transmittal folds with minor chips to edges. Fine.

A nicely personal letter offering a glimpse of the mysterious star's life, "...I suppose it will be along time before you come back here. I am trying to go to Calif. but I don't get there fast, as you can see. It is so sad that you will not be there, no Gilly, no nothing. I am feeling rather shaky and tired, but I don't like the flying so I just go around here shaking. Well I still hope to get myself off next week. I don't have much news for you as I don't go out but seldom is there nothing to report. I bought a mad painting a while ago to show you when you arrive back. All love to you and M."
Estimated Value $1,500-2,000.

Lot 411
Garfield, John (1913-1952). Actor. Working his way to the top, Garfield started his entertainment career in Broadway plays until he was signed by Warner Brothers in 1938. He had grown up a tough street kid and type-cast as such a rebel. But his ability to portray a deeper intensity lead to his nominations for two Academy Awards. Unfortunately, due to the House Un-American Activities Committee, his career was cut short and he died not long afterwards.

Signed Photo (" John Garfield"). Black and white, 10 x 8", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink, "For Dr. Hel Smail -- A great art lover". A very slight, nearly undetectable, fold across the upper left. Else, in very fine condition.

Posing with friend Max Bauer, tough-guy Garfield appears relaxed and jovial after a seemingly impressive meal. Bauer likewise adds a similar inscription to the doctor.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 412
Garland, Judy (1922-1969). Legendary American singer and film actress, she is best remembered for her role as "Dorothy" in The Wizard of Oz, for which she won a special Academy Award. Her troubled personal life and struggles with substance abuse occasionally overshadowed brilliant performances but she remained one of the most popular entertainers of her day.

Typed Document Signed ("Judy Garland Luft"). One page, quarto, Los Angeles, August 10, 1956. Signed in blue ink. To the Security-First National Bank of Los Angeles. Three horizontal folds, a fold to upper left corner, and two hole punches at upper edge.In very fine condition overall.

Signing in approval with her husband, Garland's attorney writes this letter: "Gentlemen: This is your authority to cancel any requirement of counter-signature on any checks drawn against accounts in the name of: Michael Sidney Luft." Luft was Garland's third husband, with whom she had two children.
Estimated Value $500-575.

Gone With The Wind Contract

Lot 413
Gone With The Wind Contract. Typed Document Signed ("David O. Selznick"). Twenty pages, long quarto, n.p., December 13, 1963. Being a contract regarding payments and rights due Selznick for distribution of Gone With The Wind. Horizontal crease, stapled at upper left, file holes at top, a few light creases and pencil notations. Fine.

The most celebrated movie of all time, Gone With The Wind, owes much of its longevity to its accessibility on television and, now, on video. This important contract deals directly with the finances of such distribution: "Whereas SIP produced a motion picture entitled 'Gone With The Wind' based upon said novel...starring Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Leslie Howard and Olivia De Haviland...Metro shall pay to Selznick the sum of $200,000.00 as an advance against Selznick's fifty percent share of the net profits...the sum of 175,000.00 from the said television gross."
Estimated Value $5,000-6,000.

Lot 414
Grable, Betty (1916-1973) A talented dancer, Grable's career took off with the publication of a pin-up photo featuring her fabulous legs. The pin-up and star turns in Coney Island and Sweet Rosie O'Grady gave Grable great exposure, her popularity exploded and she became the highest paid star in Hollywood. After the war, her star continued to rise. In 1947, she was the highest paid star in America, earning about $300,000 a year.

Signed Photograph ("Betty Grable"). Sepia tone, 8 x 10, n.p., n.d. Inscribed across shoulder "Best Wishes"). In large window mat, 14 x 17". The pen was uneven at the beginning of the inscription, so "Best" is slightly lighter than the rest of the inscription and signature. Fine.
Estimated Value $100-150.

The Mummy Unwrapped!

Lot 415
Karloff in The Mummy (1887-1969) English-born actor who rose to fame in Frankenstein (Universal, 1931). An experienced stage actor, Karloff moved into silent pictures in 1916, working as an extra and character actor in serials while driving a truck to support himself. With the advent of sound, Karloff's stage training was an asset and he found more work. While sitting in a studio cafeteria in 1931, director James Whale spotted Karloff and cast him as The Monster in Frankenstein (a role Bela Lugosi had turned down). Karloff's unforgettable, nuanced performance and the success of the film secured his position in Universal Studios' horror pictures of the 1930s, most notably The Mummy, The Mask of Fu Manchu, The Bride of Frankenstein and The Black Cat. Karloff continued to act well into his seventies, often returning to the stage where he was not so typecast (earning a Tony nomination for his role in "The Lark").

A unique offering! Here we present a strip of cloth cut from a spool of wrappings used on The Mummy and a letter from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles confirming the prop's provenance Handsomely framed and matted with a Signed Photo ("Boris Karloff") black and white, 4¼ x 6¼", n.p., n.d.; an autograph note signed "Zita Johann", a 6¼ x 9½" color reproduction of the original lobby poster for The Mummy and a black and white still from the same movie. We are not able to verify the Karloff signature's authenticity, but of course, the draw in this lot is the Mummy's wrappings. While not examined out of frame, all of the items appear to be very fine.

A true showpiece for fans of The Mummy and Boris Karloff. The provenance of the cloth, the quality of the signed photograph and Zita Johann's ("Helen Grosvenor/The Princess") note make for a rare piece of movie history.
Estimated Value $1,500-UP.

Lot 416
Landis, Carole (1919-1948) A talented actress, Landis toured extensively with the USO during World War II and was a big hit with the troops. Her book about the experiences (Four Jills in a Jeep) was turned into a movie co-starring Landis, Martha Raye, Alice Faye and Betty Grable. A beautiful woman with good comic timing, Landis was often relegated to B movies and ultimately grew frustrated with personal and career problems, committing suicide at 29.

Lot of two items. Signed Photograph ("Carole Landis"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in blue ink across light dress, "To Edna -- Always Carole Landis". Some wrinkles and creasing across corners and edges of photo, very good condition. Looking glamorous even working around the house, Landis looks to be blacking out the windows in what must be a wartime picture.
Signature ("Carole Landis"). Album page, 6 x 4¾", n.d., n.p. On a pink album page, Landis once again signs to "Edna". Holes at left edge from being removed from album, toning to edges, label penned at bottom of page in another hand, Trudy Marshall's autograph verso. Very good condition.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 417
Laurel, Stan (1890-1965). Actor. Born unto acting parents, Laurel became Charlie Chaplin's understudy at age 20 for Chaplain's first two American tours. he then began working in vaudeville shows which lead to a film role teaming with Oliver Hardy. Thus, their appearances began a comedic partnership that would be seen in over 75 films.

Typed Letter Signed ("Stan Laurel"). One page, small quarto, Santa Monica, May 17, 1961. On "The Oceana Apartment Hotel" stationery. Signed in black ink. To one Lillie Wray. With three horizontal folds, and two small stains at the lower left. In fine condition overall.

In a friendly letter, the legendary comedian writes presumably to an acquaintance in England: "Thank you for your nice letter with enclosure of very interesting news clippings concerning Sidney St. during the 'Blitz'... I understand the old Town has greatly changed & many of the old Land - marks [sic] have gone. Thanks for your kind expressions on my Oscar Award -- I am very thrilled & happy to receive such a wonderfull -- only wish my dear late partner had been here to share this great honor he helped make possible."
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 418
Liberace (1919-1987). Born Wladziu Valentino Liberace, he was a classically trained pianist known best for his flashy, Vegas-style costumes.

Signed Photo ("Liberace"). Black and white, 8 x 10 (trimmed), n.p., 1965. Inscribed in red ink, "To Hans, from your pal,". Matted and framed to an overall size of 10½ x 12½". Ink is a bit faded, and there is one small fold. Else, in very good condition.

Here the musician adds his characteristic piano doodle to this photograph of a youthful Liberace.
Estimated Value $75-UP.

Lot 419
Lombard, Carole (1908-1942) Beautiful actress with extraordinary comic talents, she successfully moved from silents to talkies, enchanting the public and her male co-stars. Her fairy tale romance with Clark Gable was cut short when she died in a plane crash while on a war bond tour.

Signature ("Carole Lombard"). One page, 4 x 2½", n.p., n.d. On cream notecard. The paper has toned somewhat, there are two stray pen marks and there is minor inkbleed at "Lo", but overall this piece is in very good condition.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 420
Martin & Lewis. Enormously popular comedy duo. The crooner, Dean Martin, was the romantic half, while Jerry Lewis, ever the jester, provided the clowning.

Signed Photo ("Dean Martin" and "Jerry Lewis"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed by Martin in black ink, "To 'Hanns' You did a wonderful job -- your O.K." Framed to an overall size of 8½ x 10½". Ink stutters inherent to pen. Else, in fine to very fine condition.

Flying high, the dapper duo engages in some typical Martin & Lewis hijinks.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 421
Mayer, Louis B (1885-1957) Hollywood executive. Mayer began his career in the movies with the purchase of one small theater to show top quality films and soon owned a small chain in New England. Mayer opened his own movie studio in Los Angeles in 1924 and, after a merger with Marcus Loew, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was formed. Mayer was vice president and general manager of MGM until 1951 and under his leadership the studio developed a reputation for polished, family entertainment and had under contract "more stars than there are in the heavens."

Document Signed ("Louis B. Mayer"). One page, quarto, Culver City, California, June 14, 1950. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures letterhead. In black ink. Being a payment memorandum for a bonus to Busby Berkeley signed by Mayer, Benjamin Thau, L.K. Sidney (E.J. Mannix is noted as being "Away from Studio") and Lowe's Vice President. Received stamp on verso, two file holes at top edge, several small tears at top of letterhead and two horizontal folds. Overall, very good condition.

"Tender Hours", the musical in question, was probably renamed Two Weeks With Love -- the only 1950 (or 1951) release from M-G-M with Busby Berkeley choreography. One of M-G-M's typical carefree Technicolor musicals of the period, the film starred Jane Powell, Ricardo Montalban and Debbie Reynolds. The connection to the greatest movie choreographer of the 20th century and the collection of signatures (essentially M-G-M's top management during its most noteworthy period) on this document, make for a particularly desirable piece.
Estimated Value $500-600.

Lot 422
Mayer, Louis B. Lot of three. 1. Document Signed ("L. B. Mayer"). Two pages, quarto, Culver City, California, May 17, 1929. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios letterhead. In black ink. Being a contract between FBO Studios (C.E. Sullivan signs as Vice President) and M-G-M concerning the services of Marceline Day in "the photoplay entitled 'A Stolen Love,' to be directed by Lynn Shores." Two file holes, paper clip impression and staple holes at top edge, two horizontal folds, else, very good condition. 2. Document Signed ("L. B. Mayer"). Two pages, quarto, Culver City, California, September 15, 1926. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio letterhead. In black ink. Being confirmation of an agreement between First National Pictures and M-G-M for the loan of Gwen Lee to First National for Orchids and Ermine. Two file holes, paper clip impression at top, inked initials recto and verso, two horizontal folds, very good condition. 3. Document Signed ("L. B. Mayer"). Two pages, quarto, Culver City, California, January 16, 1929. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio letterhead. In black ink. Being confirmation of an agreement between FBO Studios (C.E. Sullivan signs) and M-G-M for the use of Karl Dane in FBO's Voice of the Storm. Paper loss (4¼ x ¾") and torn file hole at top of first page, second page has three torn file holes, two horizontal folds through both sheets, overall, good condition.
Estimated Value $500-600.