Mar 8-9, 2003, The Collectibles Auction

Mar. 8-9 & Apr. 5, 2003, The Collectibles Auction, Sale 18
(If you have a problem viewing enlarged photos, your browser may be blocking pop-up windows. Check with your IT consultant.)

Celebrity Autographs

Lot 1479 Actors. A group of approximately 50 cards signed by actors and directors, including: Orson Welles, Cecil B. DeMille, Frank Capra, Hattie Williams, Charles W. Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Ellen Terry, David Warfield, Alec Guinness, Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett, Robin Williams, Bill Murray, Jean Stapleton, Henry Winkler, Eddie Cantor, Ralph Bellamy, Maclyn Arbuckly, Helena Modjeska, Spanky McFarland, Martin Landau, Donna Douglas, and Ed Asner, as well as a few unsigned cards, including one from Charlie Chaplin. Some toning; a few are written on the verso of an admirer's card. Most fair to very good. Genral toning; some cards have glue remnants on verso. Most are fair to very good.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 1480 Actors and Actresses. A collection of over 300 photographs, most being movie stills, and many of them signed. The photographs have not been examined for authenticity and should be seen. They are sold as is. Included are: Gary Cooper, James Cagney, Mary Pickford, Cary Grant, Jimmy Durante, Catherine Deneuve, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood, Robert Vaughn, Milton Berle, Abbe Lane, Debby Reynolds, Martin Landau, Karl Malden, George Segal, Dinah Shore, Carroll O'Connor, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jane Fonda, James Garner, Lorne Green, Michael Landon, Andy Griffith, Bing Crosby, Red Skelton, Gene Kelly, Telly Savalas, Bill Cosby, Maureen O'Hara, George Burns, David Carradine, Burt Reynolds, Carol Burnett, Rock Hudson, Tony Curtis, Donna Douglas, Dom De Luise, Season Hubley, Elinor Donahue, Angie Dickinson, John Gilbert, Rock Hudson, Monty Hall, Billy Crystal, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, Gordon Scott, Jack Palance, Charlton Heston, Jack Albertson, Kevin Bacon, Ross Martin, Ralph Ballamy, Toshiro Mifune, Dean Martin, Ozzie and Harriet, Ruth Buzzi, Lena Horne, Greg Morris, Tippi Hedren, and many more. Also, a matted signature of Paul Muni and a framed photo of the "Golden Girls," Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White, and Estelle Getty. Condition varies from fair to fine.
Estimated Value $800-UP.

Lot 1481 Ball, Lucille and Arnaz, Desi. Two Checks Signed ("Lucille Ball Arnaz") and ("Desi Arnaz") twice, on recto and verso. Miss Ball's check is 3" x 8¼", Hollywood, California, September 15, 1956, drawn on the Bank of America for $25 cash and endorsed by Miss Ball on the verso. Perforated cancellation barely touches the "L" in "Lucille." Mr. Arnaz' check is 3" x 8", Hollywood, July 14, 1952, drawn on the California Bank for $35 cash and endorsed by Mr. Arnaz on the verso. Signatue on the front of check is slightly smudged and affected by a bank stamp. Two signatures each by the famous duo. Fine.
Estimated Value $350-450.

Lot 1482 Ball, Lucille and Arnaz, Desi. Two Checks Signed ("Lucille Ball Arnaz") and ("Desi Arnaz"). Miss Ball's check is 2¾" x 6", Hollywood, California, November 25, 1957, drawn on the Bank of America for $491cash and endorsed by band leader Phil Harris on the verso. Filled out and signed in magenta ink. Faint show-through from stamps on verso; perforated cancellation lightly touches "Lucille." Mr. Arnaz' check is 3" x 8", Hollywood, June 28, 1960, drawn on the California Bank and paid to George Murphy for $30. Lower left corner missing. Signed in blue ink; one letter lightly affected by cancellation. Murphy, who was an entertainer, then U.S. senator from California, endorsed the check on the verso. Fine.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 1483 (Bergman, Ingrid). Black and white photograph of the Award-winning actress by reknowned photographer, Yousuf Karsh. Karsh's name is on the mount and stamped on verso. Size: 10-1/2 x 13-1/2". Mounted for an overall size of 14 x 18". Karsh is best known for his famous photograph of Winston Churchill. Adhesive from mounting appears verso. Surface scratches appear around image, likely from matting. A 4" strip of residue from adhesive at right edge, with another 2-1/2" strip at lower right. In good condition overall.
Estimated Value $450-650.

Lot 1484 Comden, Betty. A group of thirteen letters written by playwright, performer, and lyricist Betty Comden, who teamed with Adolph Green to write Broadway musicals such as On The Town , On The 20th Century, and Applause, screenplays for Singin' in the Rain and The Band Wagon, and songs such as New York, New York and The Party's Over. Comden's letters are written to members of her family: six Autograph Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Signed during World War II; five other Autograph Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Signed were written in the 50s and 60s. The letters give a history of the ups and down of Comden and Green during those years. Should be read; condition varies from fair to fine. Also, a large collection of approximately 270 movie stills, some 100 photos being of Marion Martin , the Ziegfeld Follies star who went on to make several movies, approximately 40 reprints of stills from the 1931 movie The Champ with Jackie Cooper and Wallace Beery; over 20 of Jon Voight and Ricky Schroeder in the 1979 remake of The Champ, 19 of Rock Hudson, and 85 of various other actors and actresses. Some 20 stills are in poor condition; the remainder range from good to fine.
Estimated Value $250-350.

Lot 1485 Cooper, Gary (1901-61) American Actor. Typed Document Signed ("Gary Cooper"), one page, quarto, no place, December 12, 1945. Being the last page of a contract between Gary Cooper and United States Pictures, Inc. One of the provisions set forth is that Cooper's accountants will be allowed to examine the books and records of the distributor twice per year. The release date for the unnamed picture is January 1, 1947. File holes at top and paper loss at upper left corner. In 1947, Cooper starred in "Unconquered" with Paulette Goddard. Fine.
Estimated Value $250-300.

Lot 1486 Crawford, Joan (1908-77) American film actress. Two Typed Letters Signed ("Joan"), one page each, octavo, February 4, 1974 and March 27, 1975. Both are on Miss Crawford's engraved letterhead and addressed to Jesse Lasky, Jr. in London. The first thanks Lasky for the inscribed copy of his book, Whatever Happened to Hollywood? The second adds, "...I am sure you will like what Ronald Bowers wrote about you. He really loves the business of films...especially because of all that you and your family have contributed to the film industry...." Both with envelopes. Extremely Fine.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Important Dorothy Dandridge Financial Archive

Lot 1487 Dandridge, Dorothy (1923-1965). Actress, singer and dancer. Dandridge was a sultry performer who gained popularity as a nightclub entertainer, and was one of the first African American women to achieve star status, nominated for an Oscar nomination for her performance in Carmen Jones. She was forced into bankruptcy in the early 60s as a result of an investment scheme and died shortly thereafter.

This extensive archive of Dorothy Dandridge material includes two partial contracts signed by Dandridge for the television special "Ed Sullivan's Toast of the Town"; a draft of a contract with songwriter Ben Oakland accompanied by the approved version which Dandridge has signed; a signed bill of sale for Dandridge's 1955 convertible Ford Thunderbird; a signed mortgage on the Thunderbird for $2,010; another partial contract signed; a typed letter signed by Dandridge requesting to be excused from a court appearance; a biography issued by the 20th Century-Fox publicity director; seven signed Saks Fifth Avenue receipts; a signed bar bill from the "Coral Reef Club" accompanied by portions of ten receipts from the Barbados club for phone calls to the United States; two pencil signatures on miscellaneous receipts; and four 8 x 10" black and white photographs of the exotic entertainer. A majority of the archive is water stained and toned. Bidders are strongly encouraged to view this lot.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.

Lot 1488 de Havilland, Olivia (1916 - ) British Actress. Two Autograph Letters and one Typed Letter, all three signed ("Olivia de H"), two from Paris and all addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Lasky Jr. in London. The first ALS, June 5, 1977, expresses pleasure at a recent meeting; with holograph envelope. A second ALS, written on a postcard, recto and verso, October 3, 1977, says that she is filming The Swarm in the U.S.; with holograph envelope signed "O. de Havilland" in the return address. A TLS, September 7, 1978, advising that a copy of Love Scene has arrived and that she will be taking them with her to the States, regretting that she cannot be at the party for Lasky's book, and other chatty news. Signed "Olivia de Havilland" on the envelope.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1489 DeMille, Cecil B (1881-1959) American film producer. In 1913 he formed Lasky Feature Play Co. with Jesse Lasky and Samuel Goldwyn and produced the first feature film in Hollywood, The Squaw Man. He produced over 1,000 motion pictures and was noted for historical/biblical epics such as Ten Commandants and Samson and Delilah. He won an Academy Award in 1952 for Greatest Show on Earth.

An archive of twelve letters, a telegram, and seven pictures. The letters are all Typed Letters Signed ("C.B. deMille"); two of them have Autograph Notes Signed added at the end. They were all written between May 28, 1942 and December 27, 1957 to Jesse Lasky, Jr., son of DeMille's old partner and long-time friend. Jesse Jr. was in the Army Signal Corps during World War II; he would write screen plays for eight DeMille movies, including Samson and Delilah and Ten Commandants. DeMille's tone is that of an affectionate uncle. A wonderful archive, giving a glimpse of DeMille's personal side, as well as inside information on the film industry.

A few excerpts: (May 28, 1942): "...You will be glad to know that REAP THE WILD WIND is proving to be Paramount's very biggest box office attraction for all times...Don't tell your father yet, because it isn't proper for a son to pass a father, but it has beaten SERGEANT YORK...It's rather nice that two old buzzards, like your father and myself, should, within a few months of each other, hang up the records of the past thirty years. (Excluding, of course, GONE WITH THE WIND.)" Dec. 15, 1942: "Your Christmas letter brought joy to my old age...I talked to your father this morning and he told me that he is about finished with GERSHWIN...we are both going to see the opening of MADAME CURIE...(It) proved a very slow picture - Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon were splended - But there is not one piece of action in 2 hours and four minutes of picture." DeMille also writes movingly of the death of his older brother, Bill, and thanks Jesse Jr. for various gifts; in 1957, two years before his death, DeMille writes, "My thoughts of you are linked with many very sucessful pictures, but primarily with a gracious father and mother. You are very close to me." A letter from 1956 has a stain in the right margin which does not touch the text or the signature; the remainder are fine or better.

Seven photographs are included: two large chest-up images of DeMille--one 13¼" x 10¾" by F. Archer and one 14" x 11" by Chidnoff; and five 8" x 10" photos: one of Jesse Jr. (photo laid to board), presenting a birthday cake to DeMille in 1957, inscribed and signed ("To Jesse - with big Jesse in mind and my affection to you both always. C.B. deMille"); DeMille with Jesse Lasky, Sr. and Samuel Goldwy (a note on verso says this is probably the last photo of the three original partners); DeMille with Jesse Sr. and Adolph Zukor; DeMille's lunch table at Paramount; and DeMille receiving the 1956 Milestone Award "for historic contribution to the American Motion Picture."
Estimated Value $1,500-2,500.

Lot 1490 Dietrich, Marlene. Two Photographs Signed, an 8 x 10" publicity shot from Blonde Venus which is signed in gold along the right edge, and the other a publicity shot (visible portion 7¼ x 9¼") from an unidentified movie, signed in black ink at the top edge. Both are matted and framed, the first to an overall size of 13 x 15½", the second to an overall size of 17½ x 19½". Both are extremely fine and ready for display.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1491 Fairbanks, Douglas, Jr (1909-2000) American actor, known for swashbucking roles in movies such as The Prisoner of Zenda, Gunga Din, and Sinbad the Sailor. A collection of correspondence: seven Typed Letters Signed (two with holograph notes), one Autograph Letter Signed, all quarto, total of ten pages, and one Autograph Letter Signed on a postcard. All signed "Doug" and written between 1973 and 1981 to screen writer and novelist Jesse Lasky, Jr. Fairbanks refers to Lasky's book What About Hollywood? several times, expressing his enjoyment at the launching party and his appreciation at being included in the book. On May 16, 1975, he writes, "...I am in Washington in a revival of Noel Coward's 'Present Laughter.'" More about other plays, pictures he is trying to find of Olivier and himself, a new book on Joan Crawford (Fairbanks first wife) and more. Condition is fine or better.
Estimated Value $250-350.

Lot 1492 Harlow, Jean. )1911-37) American actress known for her "blond bombshell" looks and her wisecracking humor. Large black and white Photograph Signed and Inscribed, "Ruthie Love you next to my mommie. Your Jean," 10¾ x 13¾ in., no place, no date. Embossed photographer's stamp at lower right, "Preston Duncan in Hollywood." Faint creasing in upper corners, not touching the image and a tiny edge tear in border only at lower left tip. A stunning image. Harlow's appearance in the 1931 film, Platinum Blonde solidified her role as America's sex symbol, and the six films she made with Clark Gable gave her a lasting film legacy. She died of uremic poisoning during the making of Saratoga (1937). The "Ruthie" to whom the oversize photograph was inscribed was Ruth Hemp, who, along with her husband John, was a very close friend of both Jean Harlow and her mother. When Mama Jean died, she reportedly left everything she had of Jean's to Ruth Hemp.
Estimated Value $3,500-5,000.

Lot 1493 Hendrix, Jimi Autograph. Signature ("Jimi Hendrix"). Signature in blue ink on 2 x 3" (visible) light blue album page, n.p., n.d. Matted with a great 8 x 10" color portrait of Hendrix with his Stratocaster to 12½ x 17¾". Very fine condition. Ready for framing and display.
Estimated Value $750-1,000.

Lot 1494 Hepburn, Katharine. Typed Letter Signed, one page, 6½ x 5¼", n. p., December 15, 1987. On letterhead engraved in red, "Katharine Houghton Hepburn," to Franklyn Lenthall: "I read all that junk about Enid -- Nothing to be done -- and at least Enid certainly doesn't give a damn --" Matted and framed with a 6½ x 4½" image of Miss Hepburn to an overall size of 12¼ x 16¼". Extremely fine.
Estimated Value $200-250.

Lot 1495 (Hollywood Publicity Stills). Approximately seventy publicity photographs, over sixty of them of actors and actresses in stills from movies which appeared from 1920-1958; the remainder are of movie executives such as Cecil B. DeMille, Jesse Lasky, Sr., and Jesse Lasky, Jr., as well as one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt following the opening of Sergeant York. Actors pictured include: Gary Cooper, Paulette Goddard, Hedy Lamarr, George Sanders, Jane Russell, Cornel Wilde, Claire Bloom, Betty Bronson, Yul Brynner, Charleton Heston, Valentina Cortesa, Vivien Leigh, Peter Finch, Robert Preston, Antonio Moreno, Richard Widmark, Bella Darvi, Theodore Roberts, Robert Stack, Bette Davis, Simone Simon, Maria Montez, Victor Mature, Gloria Graham, Jean Harlow, Marlene Dietrich, and Geraldine Farrar, Robert Young, Warren Kerrigan and Lois Wilson. The photo of Kerrigan and Wilson is torn, Antonio Moreno's is creased, with tip missing, and Robert Young's is damaged; the remainder are fine or better. Photocopies included with the stills identify many of the pictures and the dates. Should be seen.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 1496 (Lasky, Jesse, Jr.). A collection of seven letters and notes from the 1960s and 70s, all but one addressed to screenwriter and novelist Jesse Lasky, Jr. and his wife and writing partner, Pat Silver. Yul Brynner sent an Autograph Note Signed ("Yul") with holograph envelope. Christopher Plummer wrote a two-page Autograph Letter Signed ("Christopher P."), explaining why he has to turn down a role being offered him; also a one page ALS ("Pat and Chris P.") thanking "Mr. Thomson" for tickets to see "Larry" (Olivier) in Othello, and a letter from Plummer's agent telling Lasky that Plummer probably can't do a film because he has another film set with Natalie Wood, etc. José Ferrer sent a long Typed Letter Signed ("José") on an air letter, discussing in detail a script he had received from Lasky and effusively praising Lasky; also, a TLS ("José)" announcing his arrival in New York, and an ALS ("José Ferrer") on a postcard, saying he is filming Fedora, a Billy Wilder production. with Bill Holden and Marthe Keller. All items Fine or better.
Estimated Value $250-350.

Lot 1497 Kelly, Gene and Others. Four entertainers: (1) Check Endorsed ("Gene Kelly") on verso of a $400 check made out to him by Sydney E. Chaplin, Beverly Hills, Ca., Dec. 22, 1956. Bank stamps don't touch Kelly's signature. With a glossy 10" x 8" photo of Kelly. (2) Contract Signed ("Stan Kenton") for an engagement as orchestra leader at Radio Recorders, Inc, Los Angeles, December 20, 1945. (3) Check Endorsed (Dorothy Lamour") on verso, paid to her by Dorothy Howard, North Hollywood, Feb. 10, 1981; with 5" x 7" photo. (4) Color 10" x 8" Photograph Signed ("Robert Ulrich") in lower left corner. Very Good to Fine.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1498 (Lasky, Jesse Jr.) (1910-1985) Hollywood screenwriter and novelist; son of American pioneer producer Jesse Lasky. A collection of letters to Lasky, three of them from the 1920s regarding a volume of poetry published by young Lasky and three from 1977: A 4-page ALS ("Anita Loos,") octavo, Palm Beach, Feb. 14, 1928, highly praising the book of poetry; a one-page TLS ("Fannie Hurst,") New York, Dec. 27, 1927, stating,"Your book of poems...is full of beauty...." and a one-page TLS from George Putnam ("GPP"), the publisher who would marry Amelia Earhart, New York, Oct. 14, 1926, stating that he would be broken hearted if he did not get to publish the book. Three Autograph Letters Signed ("Julie Harris Carroll,") all from London in 1977, two octavo (recto and verso) and one small octavo, all three with holograph envelopes. She thanks Lasky for his book Whatever Happened to Hollywood? and gives personal news--she is in a show and about to go to Virginia. Also, a copy of a letter in which Lasky mentions seeing Julie Harris in Belle of Amhurst. All Very Fine or better.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1499 (Lasky, Jesse Jr.). A collection of eleven letters, one card, a telegram, and two photographs, with military and personal content, written from 1948 to 1956 to screenwriter and novelist Jesse Lasky, Jr., who served in the Army Signal Corps during and after World War II. Daryl F. Zanuck, wrote a Typed Letter Signed, November 3, 1948, on "Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation" letterhead, addressed to Captain Lasky. In part, "When I received the Legion of Merit in 1944 I was informally told that the citation was strong enough to have justified the Distinguished Service Medal...." Eight letters are from Lasky's former superior in the army, Brigadier (then Major) General S.B. Akin, most on "Department of the Army" letterhead, one from Chief of Naval Operations Arleigh Burke in 1956, and one from Brigadier General C.T. Lanham in 1949. An original 1944 telegram orders Lasky to be the photographic officer for the Philippine invasion. An 8" x 10" photograph shows Captain Lasky on leave in 1942, with his dad, and a 1917 photo shows seven-year-old Jesse marching in a Home Guard parade. A total of 14 items, in good to very fine condition.
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 1500 (Lasky, Jesse Jr.) (1910-1985) Hollywood screenwriter and novelist; son of American pioneer producer Jesse Lasky. An archive of correspondence, some regarding a party for the publication of Lasky's 1973 book, Whatever Happened To Hollywood?. Writers include: Charlton Heston (TNS on a postcard); Ian McKellen (ALS); Anthony Newley (a long TLS suggesting changes in the book); John Osborne (TLS); Bessie Love (1 ALS and 1 TLS); Sam Wanamaker (TLS); John Mills (TLS); Maury Amsterdam (an ANS, a TLS, and a TNS); as well as letters or notes from Jack Gilroy, Carl Foreman (2), Normn Krasna, Bernard Levin, June Duprez, Colleen Moore (2), Ronald Harwood, Francis Noel-Baker, and Pola Negri. Also, a copy of a letter from Lasky to Krasna, and a sepia-toned 8" x 10" photograph of an open-air party at the Lasky beach house in Santa Monica which was used in the book. Twenty-four items, all fine or better.
Estimated Value $150-200.

Historic Lasky Archive

Lot 1501 Lasky, Jesse Louis (1880-1958) American film pioneer who, with Samuel Goldfish (Goldwyn) and Cecil B. DeMille, formed Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Co. in 1913 and produced The Squaw Man, the first feature film in Hollywood. Lasky remained vice president when the company merged with Paramount to become Paramount-Famous Players-Lasky Corp. (1916-32), then produced independent films for Hollywood studios until 1945 when he formed his own company. He produced over one thousand pictures, including Sergeant York (1941), The Adventures of Mark Twain (1942), Rhapsody in Blue (1945), and The Great Caruso (1951).

An archive of approximately four hundred letters from Jesse Lasky to his son, Jesse, Jr. written between 1921 to 1949. Almost all of the letters are written from New York or Los Angeles and most are typewritten and signed "Dad"; some 216 were signed by Lasky himself; the remainder were signed by Randy Rogers, Jesse Sr.'s private secretary, to whom the letters were dictated; the total number of pages is 633. The archive also includes a Typed Letter Signed from Zane Grey to Lasky, as well as one from Charles Laughton. Lasky documented the history of Hollywood in his letters to his son, as well as the on-going events in their personal lives. The letters are full of anecdotes and film-industry stories; they comprise a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes information, invaluable for anyone interested in film history. Viewing is advised for those seriously interested.

A few excerpts: (1928): "...one can not help but like California...now we have the new problem of adapting ourselves to the coming of the sound movies. We have already built a sound-proof stage and are putting in very eleborate equipment and machinery for synchronizing sound....You will be surprised to learn we are making such progress with sound pictures, I mean all-dialogue pictures, that today I am issuing instructions to make no more silent pictures beyond those that are now in work. (1929): You will be amazed when you return this summer to find the progress we have made in our talking pictures...our studios are being rebuilt and the whole industry is being changed over from silence to sound.....the talking pictures, while they have added to our problems, have also added a definite new interest to the work...I know you will be fascinated...when you come to realize the possibilities of talking pictures...Fine plays with fine dialogue, and well acted by capable players, are bound to advance the screen to new and greater heights. Some day you will want to write and supervise a talking picture in which every line of speech will be your own....our problem now is good dialogue writers on the all-talking pictures....we are producing musical comedies and on February 1st we are even starting to produce 'The Cocoanuts' starring the Four Marx Brothers. (1930) The coming of sound has brought a wonderful colony to Hollywood...celebrities of all kinds tumble over one another, but it is becoming to be a real art and intellectual center." Much more fascinating content. Condition ranges from good to fine.

Thirteen photographs are included in the archive. They include: Jesse Sr. and Jesse Jr. together; Jesse Jr. inscribed ("To Dad with Love from Jess"); Jesse Sr. as recipient of the 1951 "Milestone Award"; two of Jesse Jr. receiving Christopher Award for "Ten Commandants" and eight others.
Estimated Value $7,500-UP.

Lot 1502 (Lasky, Jesse, Jr.). A collection of forty-three letters written to screen writer and novelist Jesse Lasky, Jr. between 1935 and 1978 by a variety of producers, directors, and writers. Some of the letters concern Lasky's books or television series, and some are personal. Included are: Samuel Goldwyn, Jr., Dore Schary, Bennett A. Cerf (2), John Boorman (4), Irving Stone, Quinn Martin (2), Wolf Mankowitz (7), Sir Michael Balcon, Colin Wilson (3), Michael Pertwee (2), David Bruce, Jack Gilroy, Jean Negulesco, Andrew L. Stone (6), and others.
Estimated Value $200-400.

Lot 1503 Olivier, Sir Laurence & Guinness, Sir Alec. Typed Letter Signed ("Larry,") one page, small quarto, on The National Theatre letterhead, London, January 9, 1969. To Trader Faulkner, thanking him for taking "so much trouble for me...it is very unlikely that I shall be able to take any such thing upon myself ...." Autograph Letter Signed ("Alec,") one page, small quarto, Kettlebrook Meadows, Jan. 30, 1966. To Dave (Fairweather, Olivier's public relations man): "...I've written a small (enclosed) piece on Larry. Would you look at it and if its fairly O.K. give it to her...." Some wrinkling and rust mark from a paper clip. Includes a charming 1¼ page typed account of Guinness' first encounter with Olivier. Also, a letter from Fairweather to Jesse Lasky, Jr. about doing a book on Olivier, and a 1979 ALS from Tarquin Olivier (son of Sir Lawrence) telling Lasky how much he enjoyed Love Scene.
Estimated Value $200-400.

Lot 1504 Olivier, Sir Laurence & Leigh, Vivien. Photograph Signed ("L Olivier" and "Vivien Leigh,") 5½ x 3½", n.p., n.d. A seated, waist-up portrait of Sir Laurence Olivier, looking up into the face of Vivien Leigh who is leaning on the back of his chair and staring lovingly at him. Both signed in blue ink in the lower border of the photograph, which is matted and framed to an overall size of 12 x 9½". One small crease at lower right tip, else very fine.
Estimated Value $350-450.

Lot 1505 Sinatra, Frank and Crosby, Bing. Black and white 8 x 10" Photograph Signed ("Frank Sinatra" and "Bing Crosby,") as well as by the producer ("Sol Siegel,") composer ("Georgie Stoll,") and singer ("Frankie Laine") Stoll also inscribed the picture and signed again, with the date ("To Ella and the Family -- Love from Georgie Stoll 4/15/56"). The photo was probably taken on the set of High Society, the 1956 movie which starred Sinatra, Crosby, and Grace Kelly. All of the signatures are in blue ink; Sinatra's is on his jacket and Crosby's on his trousers. One 2½" crease at top edge, not affecting signatures, else very good.
Estimated Value $200-300.

Lot 1506 Sinatra, Frank (1915-98) Singer and actor. Typed Document Signed ("Frank Sinatra"), one page, folio, n.p., n.d. Uningrossed authorization form of the Patent Office of Spain, pertaining to the modification of petitions and declarations regarding patents. Translated at bottom into English, German, and French; one horizontal crease. Sinatra signed in black ink. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $350-450.

Lot 1507 Stewart, James. Unusually large sketch of a rabbit's head and bow tie on quarto card stock signed "James Stewart" and "Harvey," no place, no date. One light crease in upper left background, else extremely fine. In 1950, Jimmy Stewart starred in the movie "Harvey," playing an amiable, bumbling character named Elwood P. Dowd, whose close companion was a 6 foot 3½ inch white rabbit no one else could see. The movie was based on Mary Chase's Pulitzer prize-winning play, "Harvey." Stewart won an Academy Award nomination as best actor for his portrayal of Dowd. Both signatures were signed with a blue felt-tipped pen.
Estimated Value $350-650.

Lot 1508 Taylor, Robert and Others. Four Photographs Inscribed and Signed to screenwriter Jesse Lasky, Jr. or his wife and writing partner, Barbara (Pat Silver-Lasky): A romantic head-and-shoulders portrait of Taylor ("To Barbara --My best wishes, Robert Taylor"); a sun-faded publicity photo mounted to board from the 1953 movie "Silver Whip" ("To Jesse Many Thanks. Don't forget our tennis game...Bob Wagner"; "For Jesse I never had a better friend...Dale Robertson"; To Jesse This was my pleasure, believe me. Rory Calhoun"); a chest up portrait of the Cisco Kid in costume ("al Teatro Italiano di Hollywood...Duncan Renaldo Cisco Kid 1951"); and lion tamer Clyde Beatty, in a cage with lions and tigers ("To my friend Jessie Lasky Jr....Clyde Beatty"). Condition ranges from good to very fine.
Estimated Value $250-350.

Lot 1509 Thalberg, Irving (1899-1936) American motion picture executive. Typed Document Signed ("I Thalberg"), as Vice-President of MGM Studios, one page, quarto, Culver City, California, September 8, 1924. On "Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios" letterhead, making an amendment to the contract of May McAvoy, who played Esther in "Ben Hur." Thalberg informs Miss McAvoy that she will sell from New York to Rome on September 24, 1924, on the ship "Berengaria" and that she is to begin work on the film on October 5th. Miss McAvoy signs her acceptance ("May Avoy") at lower left. Accompanied by a letter from Miss McAvoy's attorney , giving instructions on how payment is to be made for her part in "Ben Hur." Light toning. Fine.
Estimated Value $300-400.

Lot 1510 Warner, Jack L (1891-1978) Founder of Warner Bros, along with three of his brothers. Photograph Signed and Inscribed ("My Sincere Thanks Jack L. Warner 1776-1971,") 9 x 7". The black-and-white photo shows Warner and employees celebrating the Fourth of July by dressing as early Americans. Signed with a black, felt-tip pen.
Estimated Value $100-150.

Lot 1511 Wayne, John (1907-79) American actor. Document Signed ("John Wayne"), one page, quarto, n.p., July 12, 1977. A photocopy of the last page of a contract, with Wayne's original signature in blue ink, along with his social security number. This contract either refers to Wayne's last film "The Shootist," made in 1976 for Paramount, or to a movie which he never made. Very Fine.
Estimated Value $350-450.