Entertainment

Celebrity Autographs

Lot 423
Mayer, Louis B. Lot of two. 1. Document Signed ("L. B. Mayer"). One page, quarto, Culver City, California, May 17, 1929. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios letterhead. In black ink. Being a letter of agreement between Ira Morgan (also signs), James Cruze Productions and M-G-M for the use of his services as cameraman for the film The Great Gabbo (1929, starring Erich von Stroheim). File holes at top edge have been torn, one contemporary correction, two horizontal folds and minor soil verso. Very good condition. 2. Document Signed ("L.B. Mayer"). Three pages, quarto, Culver City, California, May 18, 1929. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios letterhead. In black ink. Being a contract between M-G-M and First National Pictures regarding the loan of Raymond Hackett to First National for Footlights and Follies. Two sets of file holes at top edges and the smaller holes have been torn and stapled, two horizontal folds through all three sheets and carbon residue on all three pieces, else, very good condition.

These documents, signed over the course of two days, illustrate the nature of the film business in the 1920s. The loan of a cameraman and a star were common occurrences between the studios as they signed craftspeople and actors to long term contracts, effectively controlling their careers and determining for whom they could work. The two main subjects of these contracts, Morgan and Hackett, were very well known in their respective fields and would have been desirable commodities: Morgan was a respected cameraman whose work for M-G-M is still remembered and Hackett was an adored matinee idol. The two studios mentioned in the contracts were also notable: First National Pictures had been formed in 1917 to fight Paramount's hold over theater chains and, by the time they were bought out in 1928, they were the third largest film company in the country. James Cruze Productions, though only in business a few years, produced several well-received films with well-known stars.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 424
Mayer, Louis B. Document Signed ("Louis B. Mayer"). Two pages, quarto, Culver City, California, July 3, 1925. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios letterhead. In black ink. Being a letter of agreement between M-G-M and Universal Pictures Corporation (Raymond L. Schrock signs for Universal) for the loan of Gertrude Olmstead to Universal for two films. Paper addendum affixed to the second page is initialed by Mayer and Schrock. File holes at top edge, clip impression at top edges, minor wrinkling at top left edges, two horizontal folds, overall, very good condition.

Gertrude Olmstead, one of the beauties of the Silent Era who did not move into talkies, is promised for On the Frontier and Under Western Skies. An interesting example of the way things could change so quickly in the days of dozens of films a month and short, silent shooting schedules: On the Frontier became California Straight Ahead and, within a few weeks of this contract, Anne Cornwall ended up playing Olmstead's contracted role, "Ella Parkhurst", in Under Western Skies.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 425
Mayer, Louis B. Document Signed ("Louis B. Mayer"). Three pages, quarto, Culver City, California, July 3, 1925. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios letterhead. In black ink. Being a letter confirming terms of the loan of Lewis Stone to First National Pictures for Father's Son. Four file holes at top edge -- the holes at the far right edge have torn through, with paper loss on all pages; staple at top right edge of first two pages, third page has staple holes; ¼" hole below text and signatures on third page; bottom edge ragged on third page. Overall, good to very good condition.

Lewis Stone started at Metro Studios in the early 1920s and was employed by the studio through its merger into M-G-M until his death in 1953. A successful character actor and occasional leading man, Stone starred with Greta Garbo in seven films and garnered an Academy Award nomination for his work in The Patriot (1928) but is best known for his role as "Judge Hardy "-- paterfamilias in Mickey Rooney's Andy Hardy movies.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 426
Mayer, Louis B. Document Signed ("Louis B. Mayer"). Three pages, quarto, Culver City, California, December 28, 1929. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios letterhead. In black ink. Being confirmation of the terms loaning Leila Hyams to First National Productions for Other Men's Wives, to be directed by Clarence Badger. Three file holes at top edge -- one is torn through on all three pages, two horizontal folds, paper clip impression at top left edge. Otherwise, very good condition.

Leila Hyams made her screen debut in 1924 and made at least 54 movies before retirement in 1936. Typically cast as a wholesome ingenue, she was successful in both silents and talkies and most memorable as the heroine in Tod Browning's Freaks (1932).
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 427
Mayer, Louis B. Document Signed ("Louis B. Mayer"). Three pages, quarto, Culver City, California, May 14, 1930. On Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios letterhead. In black ink. Being confirmation of terms loaning Lawrence Gray to First National Productions for Going Wild, to be directed by William Seiter. Two file holes at top edge, top left corner missing on all three sheets, two horizontal folds, minor toning at edges, else, very good condition.

A popular leading man in late silents and early talkies, Gray's co-star in Going Wild was funnyman Joe E. Brown.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 428
Melody Makers. In this collection of black and white photographs, some twelve pieces in all, we offer the signatures of such prominent songbirds as Nana Mouskouri, Teresa Berganza, Ivan Rebroff, Dick Esterhouse, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, Sergio Francs (includes a duplicate), Dionne Warwick, and Steve and Edie (signing together). Also included are images of Liberace, Don Sheffey with Bobby Short, and Eddy Arnold. Most photos measure 8 x 10". Photo of Steve and Edie has been affixed to a backing and the signatures are faded and the Jackson signature is also a bit faded. Overall, the group is in very good condition.
Estimated Value $150-250.

This Island Earth Script Revisions!

Lot 429
Morrow, Jeff This Island Earth (Universal, 1955). Directed by Joseph Newman, based on a novel by famous science fiction writer Raymond F. Jones, This Island Earth is one of the best sci-fi epics of the fifties. Exceptional special effects, futuristic set design and incredible make-up combine in Technicolor to make a visually stunning film. The plot of This Island Earth involves the kidnapping of human scientists by Exeter (Jeff Morrow) and their transport to Metaluna to help Exeter and his people fight invaders from Zygon. The marvelous effects and the alien abduction plot make this a classic of its genre and it remains a cult favorite.

Signature and notes ("Jeff Morrow"). Four pink script pages from This Island Earth, with annotations by star Jeff Morrow, who has also signed at the top of the first page. The pages, with three holes punched along left edge, are held together with a brad in the top hole. One 3" tear at top of first page bisects "Changes - 2/23/54" and one section of text, right edges are curled with a few minor tears, minor age toning at edges, diagonal crease at bottom right corner of all pages is most noticeable on pages 2 & 3. Overall, good to very good condition. Received in person by the consignor.

The exciting sequence outlined the script pages offered here involves an attack by a mutant, a get-away and a near miss. Shot by shot details and dialogue (although this sequence is heavy on action) make this a wonderful relic of one of the most memorable sci-fi movies of the last century.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 430
Pickford, Mary (1892-1979) America's first screen icon, she made her movie debut in 1909 and filmed her last role in 1933. Remembered for her winsome portrayals of child-like heroines, she was also the driving force behind the founding of United Artists Studios. The first female screen star to earn over $1,000,000 a year.

Signed Photo ("Mary Pickford"). Sepia tone, 8½ x 6½", n.d., n.p. Inscribed "Very sincerely" and signed in blue ink across light area of dress. Fine to very fine.

Pickford is pictured here in costume for Secrets (1933), her 194th and last film.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 431
Pickford, Mary. Signature ("Mary Pickford"). Calling Card with signature, 2¾ x 1¾", n.p., n.d. Signature and inscription ("Very sincerely") in purple ink on white calling card. Faint, minor soil below signature. Fine.
Estimated Value $40-50.

Lot 432
Porter, Cole. Signed Photograph ("Cole Porter"). Black and white, 2¾ x 3¾", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in black ink on white field "To Harold Krevolin Sincerely Cole Porter." Adhesive residue on verso, else fine.
Estimated Value $550-675.

Lot 433
Power, Tyrone (1913-1958). Dashing and romantic lead actor.

Autographed Note Signed ("Ty"). On a single duodecimo calling card, n.p., n.d. In blue ink. In excellent condition.

Presumably leaving this card as a memento, Power adds the inscription, "I'll be seeing you".
Estimated Value $75-100.

Lot 434
Price, Vincent. Typed Letter Signed ("Vincent"). One page, quarto, n.p., October 27, 1942. To one Mr. Hanns Kolmar, a Bay Area talent agent. Price also pens and initials an additional handwritten postscript. With One horizontal and two vertical folds, upper right corner is creased, and there is one small spot of soiling at upper left. In very good condition overall.

In a rather cordial correspondence, Price apologetically lets down Mr. Kolmar: "What a friend you must think me. I am so sorry to have delayed in answering your very kind letter of last summer..." He continues by vaguely explaining why he failed to contact one Mr. Shep Traube in order to suggest Kolmar for a part. In his postscript he offers more details: "I did talk to Traube about you. At the time, the only free parts he had were for older men, and he discouraged my sending you -- I'm really sorry."
Estimated Value $50-75.

Lot 435
Rogers, Ginger (1911-1995). Dancer and actress. Groomed from early childhood to become a star, Rogers gained popularity as Fred Astaire's graceful dancing partner in a total of ten feature films. Also an accomplished dramatic actress, she won an Oscar for the title role in Kitty Foyle.

1. Contract Signed ("Ginger Rogers"). Fourteen pages with nine page addendum, quarto, Beverly Hills, November 11, 1953. In a "Rosenthal and Norton" folder. Signed on contract and addendum in green ink. 2. Typed Letter Signed ("Ginger Rogers"). One page, quarto, Beverly Hills, November 16, 1953. On "William Morris Agency, Inc." stationery. In green ink. Two horizontal folds to the letter with two hole punches at top edge and small ink marks in left edge and small hole in the margin of page eight of the contract. Overall, the group is in very good condition overall.

Though released under the title Beautiful Stranger, Ginger Rogers signs this contract for the film Twist of Fate, agreeing to play the part of Johnny Victor -- an actress who becomes involved with a dangerous criminal.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Lot 436
Rogers, Will. Signature ("Will Rogers"). One page, 3½ x 2", n.p., n.d. Blue ink on white card stock. Very faint toning/foxing to left edge, otherwise fine condition. Lot includes an illustrated postcard of Rogers' ranch house.
Estimated Value $100-200.

Lot 437
Thomas, Terry (1911-1990) Talented british comic actor, American audiences remember his performances as upper-class twits and schemers.

Signed Photograph ("Terry Thomas"). Black and white, 3½ x 5", n.p., "1961". Signed in red ink. One small wrinkle at top of picture, unrelated list on verso. Very good to fine.

The wonderful comedian is pictured here with a monkey on his head and a slightly befuddled expression -- quite typical of his work (the expression, not the monkey).
Estimated Value $100-125.

Lot 438
Turpin, Ben. Check Signed ("Ben Turpin"). Partially printed, accomplished in autograph. Los Angeles, May 24, 1921. Drawn on Turpin's account at the Bank of Italy, made payable to Hollywood Electrical Shop in the amount of $41.07. Punch cancellation does not affect signature, nor does stamp cancelling recto; toning to right edge. Very good to fine.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 439
Veidt, Conrad (1893-1943) German-born actor. Veidt appeared in the landmark Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Germany's first talkie Das Land Ohne Frauen; he fled the country in 1933 after Hitler's election. Remembered by American audiences for his portrayal of "Strasser" in Casablanca (his last role).

Signed Photographic Postcard ("Conrad Veidt"). Sepia tone, 3 x 5", n.p., n.d. Signed in black ink across bottom of ¾ length portrait. Minor soil to verso. Fine condition.

The striking Veidt in an early portrait, his strong bone structure and intense eyes leaping from the picture.
Estimated Value $100-125.

Lot 440
Warner, Jack (1892-1978) One of the famous Warner brothers (born Eichelbaum), motion picture entrepreneurs and producers who helped create the "Dream Factory" that is Hollywood. Thousands of notable films include Little Caesar, Casablanca and Streetcar Named Desire.

Typed Letter Signed ("Jack Warner"). One page, quarto, Los Angeles, June 17, 1929. On Warner Brothers Pictures letterhead. To Rabbi Edgar Magnin. Matted and framed to 10 x 14". Transmittal folds, one penciled word, otherwise fine. Not examined out of frame.

The Warners, always philanthropic, have made another donation: "...my brothers and myself are extremely happy to have had this opportunity..."
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 441
Weissmuller, Johnny. Document Signed ("Johnny Weissmuller"). One page, quarto, Los Angeles, January 26, 1955. On onionskin paper. Being a contract addendum referring to Weissmuller's performance in the Clover Productions Jungle Jim series, with Weissmuller agreeing that if he does not appear in more than four episodes, they will not be combined as a full-length feature. Staple at top right, small holes at top left edge and margin, transmittal folds. Very good condition.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 442
Weissmuller, Johnny (1904-1979) Champion swimmer who became a movie star through his very masculine portrayal of "Tarzan".

Signature ("Johnny Weissmuller"). Clipped signature, 5¼ x 2¾", n.p., n.d. Black ink on cream paper. Lot includes a signed-in-print publicity photo of Weissmuller as Tarzan. Clipped edges somewhat rough, else fine.
Estimated Value $50-75.

Lot 443
Woodworth, Marjorie (b. 1923). Blond starlet, she appeared in a number of musicals and shorts in the 1940s, including several war-themed pictures including A WAVE, A WAC and A Marine and The Devil with Hitler.

Signed Photograph ("Marjorie Woodworth"). Sepia tone, 5 x 8", n.p., n.d. Signed and inscribed in white margin "Gilda Always". One minor crease at top. otherwise fine.

Pure 40's glamour with an inscription, a great piece.
Estimated Value $50-75.

Lot 444
Academy Award Scrapbook with Autographs. Large format scrapbook embossed with "Jeff at 'Oscar's' 50th" assembled from various pieces of Academy Awards 50th Anniversary ephemera, including a menu from the Governor's Ball, program inserts, a ticket to the event and coat check. Clippings from the following day reveal Award results. Several items are loose. The highlight of the scrapbook is three pages of autographs from attendees including Bette Davis, Bob Hope, Richard Burton, Diane Keaton, Maggie Smith and Michael Caine. Toning throughout, the signatures are all strong. Good to very good. This lot includes a Lily Tomlin signed check.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 445
Actors & Actresses. This extensive collection of framed photographs includes the signatures of a vast grouping of actors and actresses from both stage and screen. Included are José Ferer, Alan Bates, Buster Keaton, Theodore Bikel, Kier Dulea, Hugh O' Brian, Hal Holbrook (includes a duplicate), Gerard Philipe, Robert Wagner, and Charlton Heston, just to name a few! Some 31 pieces in all, all but two are signed. Most measure 8 x 10". Ink has faded on a number of the photos, ranging from slight to severe. Most are fine.
Estimated Value $300-350.

Lot 446
Actress Extravaganza. From sultry to dowdy this collection of starlet memorabilia offers something for everyone! Here we present thirty-two black and white photographs signed by such notables as Jane Morgan, Jane Powell (includes a duplicate), Jeanette MacDonald, Mary Costa, Gracie Fields, Rita Moreno, Martine Carol, Mitzy Gaynor (includes a duplicate), Betty Lynn, Joyce Grenfell, Francoise Arnoul, Barbara Luna, Adelle Mara, Elaine Dunn, Dorothy Collins, Mercedes McCambridge, Barbara Bel Geddes with Scott McKee, Sandra O'Neill, Celeste Holm, and Nina Foch, among others. Collection includes two unsigned photos. Most measure 8 x 10". Conditions range; the ink of several photos has faded such that only an imprint remains, while a few photos suffer minor stains or abrasions. Overall, the group in good condition.
Estimated Value $300-350.

Lot 447
African-American Entertainers. Here we offer a group of seven signed, black and white photographs of such classic African-American talents as Nat King Cole, Harry Belafonte, Bobby Short, Flip Wilson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Mariam Makeba, and Errol Garner. The collection also includes unsigned photos of Bill Cosby and Marian Anderson. Most photos measure 8 x 10", and all are framed. The ink of Garner 's signature has bled, and the ink on the Cole signature is quite faded, otherwise, the lot is in fine to very fine condition.
Estimated Value $250-350.