15 minute read
Classic Entertainment
Handsome Spurr portrait of the rotund silent star
774. Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle Signed Photograph. Striking vintage
sepia matte-finish 7.5 x 9.5 portrait of Arbuckle in a handsome suit and tie, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Dear Ann, There will always be a smile for you, Roscoe.” Blindstamped in the lower right by renowned Hollywood photographer Melbourne Spurr. In fine condition, with tack holes to the upper corners and uniformly trimmed edges. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200
Mini Oscar statuette produced by Columbia to commemorate their 1935 Academy Award success
775. Columbia Pictures Award Statuette. Rare unofficial miniature Acad-
emy Award statuette produced by Columbia Pictures to honor the studio’s 15th anniversary and its success at the 1935 Oscars. The mini award measures 5.75˝ tall and is set upon a 2.5˝ diameter base, with engraved plaques on the front and back: “Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences First Award, Columbia Pictures, for the Best Picture of the Year” and “15th Anniversary, Columbia Pictures, 1920–1935.” In very good condition, with repairs at the statue’s feet and some overall tarnishing. At the 1935 Academy Awards, Columbia’s film It Happened One Night took home five Oscars—Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Clark Gable), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Claudette Colbert), Best Director (Frank Capra), and Best Writing (Robert Riskin). A great piece of Hollywood history. Starting Bid $500
ALS, signed “With best wishes, Audrey Hepburn,” one page, 7 x 9, January 18, 1991. Handwritten letter to an admirer, in full: “I am very happy to send you a signed photograph.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Hitchcock writes to his assistant director: “The comfortable conditions I had in making ‘Rebecca’ were in a large measure responsible for its success”
777. Alfred Hitchcock Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed “Hitch,” one
page, 6.75 x 10.25, personal letterhead, July 31, 1940. Letter to Edmond F. Bernoudy, who was assistant director on Hitchcock’s 1940 thriller Rebecca. In part: “It looks as though we aren’t going to be able to be together on the next picture I’m sorry to say. On my return from New York yesterday I found that RKO have allocated an assistant to me called Dewey Starkey and I know you will realize that it’s pretty difficult for me to refuse to take what I am led to believe is their number one assistant on the lot.
It looks to me, Eddie, as though this first picture here will have to be a miss as far as we are concerned, but nevertheless I’m going to try and make arrangements for you to come on the next one...I want to thank you very much, Eddie, for all you’ve done to help me here. I would almost go so far as to say that the comfortable conditions I had in making ‘Rebecca’ were in a large measure responsible for its success as far as I am concerned. Had it been necessary for me to go on making it under the conditions [in] which I started I doubt whether the results would have been the same.” In fine condition, with light staining along a vertical fold. A romantic psychological thriller starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, Rebecca was Hitchcock’s only film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Starting Bid $200
Sensational handwritten Houdini letter from 1896, hoping to book an early performance: “If you can’t offer us a salary, let me know just what you will do for us”
778. Harry Houdini Autograph Letter Signed. ALS
written and signed by Harry Houdini on behalf of himself and his wife, “Harry and Bessie Houdini,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, 6th Annual Tour letterhead, no date but circa 1896. Handwritten letter on ornate letterhead printed for his 6th Annual Tour in 1896, in full: “If you can’t offer us a salary, let me know just what you will do for us, as I don’t want to join the show & leave you to hay, reframing etc. etc. as that it will eat up all the money. Hermann the Great stole the idea of our act from us & he featured it. You could easily bill us as strong as you want. I don’t drink, smoke, or chew and we are good useful people, dress fair and willing workers. If you can do any thing for us we would be more than pleased to hear from you as soon as possible as I am looking forward to book our act East. Hoping to hear from you at an early date.” He adds a postscript: “We play Castle House the Olympic week after next so please let me know in time so I can cancel him & not on short notice.” Given the absence of a salutation or date, these appear to be the last two pages of a longer letter; however, they form a complete thought as Houdini seeks to book shows early in his career. In very good to fine condition, with light creasing and old tape stains.
In 1894, while performing with his brother ‘Dash’ (Theodore Hardeen) at Coney Island as ‘The Brothers Houdini,’ Harry Houdini met a fellow performer, Wilhelmina Beatrice ‘Bess’ Rahner. They quickly fell in love and married on June 22, 1894; Bess replaced Dash in the act, which became known as ‘The Houdinis,’ and worked as Harry’s stage assistant for the rest of his performing career. In the letterhead for their 1896 tour, Harry is billed as a “Magician introducing the latest Egyptian, Oriental and Modern Miracles,” and Bess is pitched as “The World’s Greatest Psychometric Artist, Clairvoyante and Exponent of Mental Occultism.” In trying to book a new gig, Houdini relates that Alexander Herrmann—known as Herrmann the Great, the most famous magician of the day—lifted one of his acts, most probably the ‘Asiatic Trunk Mystery.’ Around 1900, Houdini began to earn an international reputation for his daring feats of extraction from shackles, ropes, and handcuffs, making this early letter all the more remarkable. Starting Bid $1000
“His second sight act is very good but not the best in the world. And that is what our cabinet act is, it is never seen its equal”— Houdini struggles to get work in 1897
779. Harry Houdini Handwritten Letter. Incredible
unsigned handwritten letter by Harry Houdini, one page, 10.5 x 16, The Houdinis—Metamorphosis letterhead, dated at Chicago, 1897. Handwritten letter to “Mr. Hixson,” penned on the reverse of an extraordinary broadside advertising the Houdinis’ famous “Metamorphosis” act. In part: “We were with Rogers Orpheum Stars on percentage & after working 7 weeks received only our board, laundry & stamp money out of our share & we were getting as we thought a good thing at first. So we are a little backward in accepting your offer unless you guarantee us a certain amount of money & our board every week. I will let you say the figures. Our work is far superior to Gimbal’s, and although I am his junior, I would willingly follow his act with any magic act. His second sight act is very good but not the best in the world. And that is what our cabinet act is, it is never seen its equal & if you want me to work hand cuff why I will do so—can easily run 60–75 minutes.” The remarkable letterhead boasts images of Harry Houdini and his wife and stage assistant, Bess, enthusiastically billing them as “The Master Monarchs of Modern Mysteries.” The broadside on the opposite side boasts a large illustration of the “Metamorphosis” act, with testimonials from theatre managers printed below. In very good condition, with light creasing, old tape stains, and short splits to the ends of the intersecting folds.
The “Metamorphosis” act illustrated here shows Houdini being put into a bag and locked in a chest by his assistant; the two then miraculously switch places in a moment of ‘metamorphosis.’ Harry and Bess Houdini performed the “Metamorphosis” as their feature effect from 1894 to 1905, with revivals in 1914 and 1925-26. Considered to be a classic magic trick, the illusion continues to be performed and innovated upon to this day. Starting Bid $1000
“In describing tricks, please let me have all false moves”—Houdini innovates a “slick” rabbit-in-a-can illusion
780. Harry Houdini Typed Letter Signed. TLS, one
page, 8.5 x 11, November 6, 1917. Letter to E. F. Rice, in part (spelling corrected): “Unless the Grim Reaper comes along, your notes will please the future generation, as well as our present readers of magical lore. In describing tricks, please let me have all false moves, so that I can follow same. In your last letter you mention the watch tied to rabbit, and how the oat can was changed for the rabbit can on back of table, but you failed to say, how he fixed the watch to his assistant so she could fasten it to the rabbit to get it ready for the exchange. While reading the trick, thought how much slicker it would have been, to have the oat can filled with oats, and instead of hiding it for a second to make a switch, it could be fixed, so that a bag a la black art, it could be as you would pass it, you could manage to release the bottom of the oat can, oats would fall into the bag, and at the other end of table, the rabbit can which would be trifle smaller in circumference, with the aid of a string trap, could be ‘inserted’ by simply pulling a string, and slowly elevated into the oat can. Can you follow the trick, and what do you think of my method?? I will say that it is a clever trick. Either way. I told Harry Kellar about that glass pot, and he laughed very heartily at it. He will make his last appearance on any stage this coming Sunday night.” In fine condition.
This remarkable letter focuses on a variant of the iconic ‘rabbit-in-a-hat’ trick, with Houdini demonstrating his facility for improving upon existing methods. He also makes mention of the legendary Harry Kellar’s last show. On November 11, 1917, Houdini organized a Society of American Magicians benefit show to support the families of those who died in the sinking of the USS Antilles by a German U-boat (considered the first American casualties of World War I). Houdini convinced Kellar to come out of retirement to perform at the benefit, and he was triumphantly carried off the stage after his last public appearance. An exceptional, detailed magic letter by the great Harry Houdini. Starting Bid $1000
“He is called King of Handcuffs, also does the finest spirit cabinet work of any magician in America today”—a magnificent handwritten press release by Harry Houdini
781. Harry Houdini Autograph Statement Signed. Autograph statement by Harry
Houdini, one page, 8.25 x 7.5, no date but circa 1910. A spectacular handwritten press release, in full: “Harry Houdini one of America’s brightest magicians now among the top liners. His clever sleight of hand work has earned him a well deserved reputation. He is called King of Handcuffs, also does the finest spirit cabinet work of any magician in America today. Has been doing magic from childhood. He is capably assisted in all his seances and illusions by Mlle. Beatrice Houdini the Little Queen of Mystery.” In fine condition, with some light creasing and soiling. Accompanied by a marvelous original vintage glossy 5 x 8 photograph of Houdini restrained in shackles, a classic pose of the celebrated escape artist. A wonderful statement in which Houdini rightly pitches himself as one of the world’s foremost magicians and escape artists, revealing the bravado and ego that drove him to international success. Starting Bid $1000
Exquisite Laurel and Hardy portrait with its beautifully illustrated original envelope, addressed by Laurel
782. Laurel and Hardy Signed Photograph. Clas-
sic vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of Laurel and Hardy side-by-side in their bowler hats, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Hello Carolyn! Stan Laurel” and “Oliver Hardy.” In fine condition, with light silvering to the darker areas of the image. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Laurel’s hand, featuring a colorful image of the comedic duo in the return address area; the postage stamps are from the popular 1938 Presidential Issue, popularly nicknamed the ‘Prexies.’ Starting Bid $200
783. Laurel and Hardy Signed
Photograph. CVintage matte-finish 5 x 3 photo famed comedy duo Laurel and Hardy side-by-side in their bowler hats, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Hello Johnie! Stan Laurel” and “Oliver Hardy.” Ornately matted and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 14.5. In fine condition, with light silvering to the darker areas of the image. Starting Bid $200
“Seems like the McQueen family is in pretty good shape”—mellowed and ready for a vacation, McQueen writes to a Van Nuys pal
785. Steve McQueen Autograph Letter
Signed. ALS signed “Steve,” one page both sides, 7 x 10, personal letterhead, January 6, 1962. Handwritten letter to Tom Gibson in Van Nuys, California, in part: “Just a note to tell you how happy we are about Tom Jr., I always thought Sandra was the best thing that ever happened to you, and now with two boys, you have something going for you, that a lot of men go through their whole lifetime without being able to find...Hope you like the duffer coat, should be just the thing for those cold nights on the bike. We plan to be back in L.A. about the 25th. if all goes well, I’m going to take a nice long vacation so we will be able to spend a lot of time together, you know I have been over here almost 5 months, in a way it’s been very good for me, I have been able to do a lot of thinking about myself, and they say I have mellowed. But then I’m 32 now and I guess it’s about time. Neile and I have been able to spend a lot of time together, seems like we get more and more hung on each other as time goes on, so all and all it seems like the McQueen family is in pretty good shape.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in McQueen’s own hand. Starting Bid $300
786. Steve McQueen Document Signed. DS, signed “Steven T. McQueen,”
one page, 8.5 x 11, November 14, 1967. Document headed “Minutes of Regular Meeting of the Shareholders of Solar Productions, Inc.,” regarding the “production, financing and distribution of a motion picture now entitled ‘The Crown Caper,’” and the purchase of the “motion picture rights in and to the novel entitled ‘the Cold War Swap.’” It goes on to make reference to “Suddenly Single,” “Le Mans,” “Bullitt,” and “Man on a Nylon String.” In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
787. Three Stooges: Bud Jamison Signed Photograph. American actor
(1894–1944) who appeared in 450 films between 1915 and 1944, best known for playing a foil in many Three Stooges shorts. Extremely rare vintage matte-finish 4.75 x 6.75 profile portrait of the prolific actor, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Peggy, the sweetest little girl I ever met, may you have lots of success, from Bud.” In very good to fine condition, with tack holes to the top and bottom edges, and scattered small stains. Starting Bid $200
Van Sloan on the travails of finding work in later age: “As you perhaps know I’m supposed to be an actor...however for some time past they won’t let me act—simply refuse”
788. Edward Van Sloan Autograph Letter Signed.
American character actor (1882–1964) best remembered for his roles in the Universal Studios horror films such as Dracula (1931), Frankenstein (1931), and The Mummy (1932). Rare ALS signed “Uncle Van,” penned on both sides of an unfolded 8 x 10 Christmas card, December 12, 1950. Handwritten letter to his nephew Bill and his wife Barbara, in part: “I dare say you are in the midst of a real Mid-Western winter and I do not envy you. I’ve had my share of them, and want no more. But I suppose Deb is in her glory. Strange how the young flourish in the snow… We here are quite all right. Both Aunt Myra & I are in the best of health and live even and uneventful lives—quite to our distaste…As you perhaps know I’m supposed to be an actor (at least I have my name & picture in the ‘Players Dictionary’) however for some time past they won’t let me act—simply refuse—and so I am marking time which ain’t no easy job, believe me. But we still have hopes.” Van Sloan and his wife both sign in the card’s printed sentiment section, “Uncle Van,” who adds his address, and “Aunt Myra.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a glossy photo of Van Sloan. Starting Bid $200
x 10 photo of Wayne as Rooster Cogburn in the 1969 classic True Grit, signed and inscribed in bold black ink, “Sean—Happy Donut’s, John Wayne, 1976.” In fine condition, with a slight light crease near the right edge. Wayne won his only Oscar—for Best Actor in a Leading Role—for his performance in the classic Western. Starting Bid $200
789. John Wayne Signed Photograph. Sought-
after glossy 4.5 x 7 photo of Wayne as Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort in the 1962 D-Day war epic The Longest Day, boldly signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “Dorothy, Happy Days to you, John Wayne, 1976.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. A great photograph from an Academy Award–winning film. Starting Bid $200
