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Rare Academy Award for “the color set decoration of ‘An American in Paris,’ 1951”
696. Academy Award Plaque: Set Decoration for An American in Paris (1951). Rare original Academy Award
plaque presented “to Edwin B. Willis and Keogh Gleason in recognition of the color set decoration of ‘An American in Paris,’ 1951,” featuring the gilt cast plaque set upon a black base. The tablet features the iconic Oscar figure in high relief, and reads: “Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement.” The engraved presentation plaque is affixed to the front panel of the base. In fine condition, with overall rubbing and tarnishing to the metal. An American in Paris, inspired by George Gershwin’s jazz-influenced orchestral piece of the same name, was a massive success at the start of the 1950s. The musical comedy, directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, garnered eight Academy Award nominations, winning six (including Best Picture). Willis and Keogh, the recipients of this award, were two of the most celebrated set decorators in Hollywood—both designers for MGM, they won a combined twelve Oscars between 1942 and 1959. Starting Bid $1000
Rare 1942 Academy Award still photography medal presented to Hollywood’s pin-up extraordinaire
697. Academy Award Still Photography Medal: Whitey Schafer (1942). Extremely rare Academy Award medal,
measuring 1.75? in diameter, given to Whitey Schafer in 1942 for his outstanding achievement in Hollywood photography. Front features the words “Annual Still Photography Medal” and an Oscar statuette in relief, with text on the reverse reading, “Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, First Award to A. L. Whitey Schafer, For Outstanding Achievement, Class 8, 1942.” The lustrous gold-plated award features a beautiful mirror-like finish. Complete with its original cardboard box. In fine condition, with some staining to the box. Accompanied by one of Schafer’s Paramount Pictures business cards. Starting Bid $500
698. John Barrymore Signed Photograph. Vintage matte-finish
8 x 10 studio portrait of Barrymore in a suit and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Chico—in grateful remembrance—Long may he wave!—from his friend, John Barrymore.” Reverse bears a Roger Hurlburt collection stamp. In fine condition, with light edge rippling, and a trivial chip to the right border. Starting Bid $200
Extremely rare and desirable letter from Browning, signed the year he directed Freaks
699. Tod Browning Typed Letter Signed. TLS,
one page, 7 x 9, personal letterhead, November 26, 1932. A letter of recommendation from Tod Browning, who writes: “For the past two and one-half years Hugh Murrey Cummings has been in my employ. During this time I have found him to be a diligent and conscientious worker and at no time could his honesty be questioned. Upon his re-admittance to the United States it is my intention that Mr. Cummings will reenter my employ.” The letter is matted and framed with a vintage Clarence Sinclair Bull portrait of Browning to an overall size of 23 x 19.25; moreover, the matting itself has been impressively and creatively cut to display a spooky nighttime rendering of Dracula’s castle. In fine condition. Browning remains rare across all signed formats, with this being just our third item and the very first letter we have offered from the influential filmmaker. Furthermore, this example is made all the more significant given that it was written in 1932, the same year Browning released the cult classic Freaks, a film widely considered to be the director’s magnum opus. Starting Bid $200
700. Lon Chaney, Jr. Signed Photograph. Vintage 4 x 5.5
paperstock photo of Lon Chaney Jr. as the title creature from the 1941 horror classic The Wolf Man, signed in the lower border in black ballpoint, “Lon Chaney.” Reverse bears a Roger Hurlburt collection stamp. In fine condition, with a few unobtrusive light creases. Chaney is extremely rare in signed photos as the Wolf Man—a must-have for the true horror aficionado. Starting Bid $200
Wolfman’s Father—a rare oversized still signed by Lon Chaney, inscribed to the future editor of The Wizard of Oz
701. Lon Chaney, Sr. Signed
Photograph. Striking vintage mattefinish 14 x 11 photo of Lon Chaney emulating the iconic ‘Whistler’s Mother’ painting, signed and inscribed in fountain pen to an early female film editor, “To my very dear friend Blanche Sewell, Sincerely, Lon Chaney.” In fine condition. The recipient, Blanche Sewell, worked as an editor at MGM from 1925 through 1949, working on a number of classic films including The Wizard of Oz and Grand Hotel. Her only known collaboration with Lon Chaney is the 1926 film Tell It to the Marines, which was the biggest box office success of Chaney’s career. Starting Bid $200
matte-finish 9.25 x 12.5 photo of Lon Chaney as Sergeant O’Hara for the 1926 silent film Tell It to the Marines, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Eleanor Packer, Most sincerely, Lon Chaney.” Double-cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 17.25 x 20.25. In fine condition, with a short tear to the right edge. Starting Bid $200
703. Colin Clive Signed Photograph. British actor (1900–
1937) who earned a place in film history for his performances as Dr. Henry Frankenstein in Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. Vintage pearl-finish 8 x 10 bust-length portrait of Clive in a suit and tie, signed in fountain pen, “Best wishes, Colin Clive.” In fine condition, with light silvering to the darker areas of the image. Starting Bid $200
Scarce oversized portrait of King Kong’s director
director, screenwriter, and producer (1893-1973) whose most famous film was the 1933 movie King Kong. Uncommon oversized vintage matte-finish 10.25 x 13.25 photo of Cooper posing with a pipe, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Ben Benjamin, With sincere regards and thanks, Merian C. Cooper.” Blindstamped in the lower right by photographer Alexander Kahle. In fine condition, with poor contrast to the signature and handwriting. Starting Bid $200
705. James Dean Signature. Ballpoint signature and inscription, “To Carrie, James Dean,” on a neatly trimmed light green 4 x 2 album page, with collector’s notations dating the autograph to May 1, 1955. In fine condition. Accompanied by a glossy photo of the Hollywood legend. On March 26–27, 1955, just before filming began on Rebel Without a Cause, Dean competed in his first professional event at the Palm Springs Road Races, which was held in Palm Springs, California. He died in a car crash roughly six months later when he was traveling to a sports car racing competition in Salinas. Starting Bid $300
706. James Dean Signature. Extremely early ink signature, “Jimmie Dean,” on an off-white 6 x 9.5 sheet of notebook paper, the reverse of which features a handwritten work assignment by his 5th grade classmate Eddie Van Ness, who dates his work to December 12, 1941, which places James Dean at the age of 10 when he made this autograph. In fine condition. In 1941, Dean performed in his very first play, entitled ‘To Them That Sleep in Darkness.’ Starting Bid $200
Realistic bronze life mask of James Dean
707. James Dean Life Mask. Scarce heavy bronze-
finish metal life mask of James Dean, measuring 6 x 11 x 5 and mounted onto a frame to an overall size of 13 x 16. Total weight is 8.75 lbs. Although unconfirmed, this mask matches neatly with the mold made during the production of Giant, not long before Dean’s untimely death at the age of 24. In fine condition, with scattered marks and scuffs. Starting Bid $200
From the wardrobe of James Dean
708. James Dean’s Personally-Owned and -Worn
Collared Shirt. James Dean’s personally-owned and -worn cream-tone collared shirt, size medium, with floral pattern, black silk accents, and the inner collar featuring a “Custom Original, John Mills, California” label. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the original recipient, Michael Taylor, in part: “I obtained this shirt and other personal items belonging to James Dean directly from James Dean. I met James Dean through Gary Thompson…[and] I would spend time with James Dean at his apartment, restaurants and later I would watch [him] race in several events. I remained friends with him until his passing in 1955. This shirt has remained in my personal collection since that time.” Starting Bid $300
709. Frances Farmer Signed Photograph. Promising
American actress (1913–1970) whose career was cut short by alcoholism. She retired from films in 1942 and spent a large part of the remainder of her life in mental institutions, dying of cancer at 57. Scarce vintage glossy 8 x 10 Paramount Pictures publicity photo of Farmer at the start of her Hollywood career, signed in fountain pen by the 23-year-old actress, “Frances Farmer, July 30, ‘37.” Reverse bears two Culver Pictures stamps. In fine condition, with a single tack hole to the top edge, and a light crease to the upper right corner. Starting Bid $200
710. W. C. Fields Signed Photograph. Vintage
glossy 11 x 14 photo of Fields handsomely dressed in a sharp suit and bow tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Dorothy Gull—with sincere good wishes, W. C. Fields.” Reverse bears a Hal Phyfe credit stamp. In very good condition, with two creases to Fields’ forehead, and other noticeable creasing, primarily to the perimeter and heaviest at the bottom. A fabulous oversized autographed portrait of the legendary comedian during his vaudeville days. Starting Bid $200
A scarce letter from Baron Frankenstein
711. Frankenstein: Frederick Kerr Autograph Letter Signed. English actor of stage and screen (1858–1933) who
is best known as the old Baron Frankenstein in Frankenstein. ALS signed “F. Kerr,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, 3. St. James Street letterhead, May 24, 1892. Handwritten letter to an unidentified woman, in part: “I am going…[to] some seaside town if I can arrange a satisfactory tour but with an entertainment only. Had it been otherwise I should have been very glad to avail myself of your letter. I hope something good will soon turn up.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Wooden Xmas cards made by Dwight Frye of Dracula fame
712. Dwight Frye (5) Handmade Christmas Cards. Limited
edition set of five wooden Christmas cards hand-made by classic horror character actor Dwight Frye. The second of five issued sets, each coaster-shaped card measures 4 x 4 and has been hand-painted by Frye with mirthful, holiday-themed imagery, such as Santa Claus, a jack-in-the-box, a rocking horse, a snowy town at night, and a comedy and tragedy mask design. The backs of each are annotated “Dwight Frye’s Christmas Cards,” the date they were made (1937-1941), and their edition number. In overall fine condition, with some old mounting residue on the backs of a few. Starting Bid $200
Garbo drives!— a twice-signed preliminary California license application
713. Greta Garbo Document Signed. Desirable partly-printed
DS, signed twice, “Greta Garbo,” one page, 5.5 x 8.25, February 17, 1958. Preliminary license application form from the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles, filled out in Garbo’s hand with her name and address, “Greta Garbo, 626 Foothill North, Beverly Hills,” personal details (sex: “F,” height: “5 7,” birth date: “9-18-05,” weight: “120,” eye color: “Blue, Gray,” hair color: “Brown,” age: “52,” and marital status: “No”). In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted autograph expert Charles Hamilton. Starting Bid $200
714. Oliver Hardy Signed Photograph. Vintage matte-
finish 8 x 10 photo of the rotund comedian wearing a top hat and a mischievous smile, signed in blue ballpoint, “Good luck to, Oliver Hardy,” who has left the inscription blank. In very fine condition. A crystal clear portrait of the legendary entertainer. Starting Bid $200
715. Jean Harlow Signature.
Highly sought vintage pencil signature and inscription, “To Rex + Bab, Best wishes from Jean Harlow,” on an off-white 5.5 x 4.5 album page with an affixed image of the actress. The reverse is signed by actor Edmund Lowe. In very good to fine condition, with light toning from prior display. Starting Bid $200
Incredibly rare letter by the cult horror icon: “I’m working in a new movie, ‘Murder Mansion,’ hence, kept plenty busy”
716. Rondo Hatton Autograph Letter
Signed. ALS signed “Rondo Hatton,” three pages, 7.25 x 10.5, no date but circa 1945. Handwritten letter offering some wise words of advice and commenting on an upcoming role. In part: “I know you’re happy about winning the scholarship—and altho, as you wrote, it is only for one year—don’t be afraid, or alarmed. Just remember it’s the first step along your way to your goal...do your best day by day—and you’ll find all will come out ‘OK,’ no fooling...At the moment, I’m working in a new movie, ‘Murder Mansion,’ hence, kept plenty busy but wanted you to know how glad I was to receive your letter, and to let you know I am pulling for you, as they say. Thank you too for your good wishes for my movie work.” In fine condition. Hatton evidently refers to the Universal Pictures film House of Horrors, in which he played a madman named ‘The Creeper.’ Hatton’s autograph is virtually nonexistent in any form—this is the first we have offered in nearly ten years. Starting Bid $200
Edith Head appears on Omnibus with a dozen famous costumes—including designs for Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, and Audrey Hepburn
717. Edith Head (4) Documents Signed. Archive of four documents signed by Edith Head, totaling thirteen pages, 8.5 x 11, February 22, 1980. The archive concerns her appearance on the educational television series ‘Omnibus,’ and includes a “list of costumes to be insured” on June Van Dyke Productions letterhead, describing costumes designed for icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow, Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Davis, Mae West, Joan Crawford, and others, amounting to a total value of $260,000. The documents signed by Head include a standard AFTRA engagement contract for her appearance, an affiliated memorandum agreement, a credit rider, and a compensation compliance document. In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $200
718. O. P. Heggie Signed Photograph. Character actor
(1877–1936) who portrayed the kindly blind hermit in The Bride of Frankenstein. Rare vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of O. P. Heggie as King Louis XI for the 1930 film The Vagabond King, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Fred Foster, Sincerely, O. P. Heggie, 1929.” In fine condition. Heggie remains very scarce in signed photographs, this being our first in over 17 years. Starting Bid $200
719. Audrey Hepburn Signed
Photograph. Lovely color glossy 10 x 8 close-up photo of Audrey Hepburn under an orange parasol, signed in blue felt tip. In fine condition, with an emulsion scuff in the signature area. Starting Bid $200
11 book photo of Hepburn flashing a bright smile in a wonderful front-facing pose, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “To Doug, good luck! Audrey Hepburn.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Thrilling oversized signed photo of Alfred Hitchcock, enhanced by a self-portrait sketch
721. Alfred Hitchcock Signed Photograph.
Exceptional oversized vintage glossy 10.25 x 13.25 close-up photo of influential thriller director Alfred Hitchcock, signed and inscribed in white ink, “To John Buchanan, from Alfred J. Hitchcock,” drawing his iconic self-portrait sketch to the left of his name. In fine condition, with light edge rippling, and a couple of creases to the lower left corner, not touching any of the handwriting. A remarkable autographed portrait of cinema’s celebrated ‘Master of Suspense,’ enhanced by the original sketch of his unmistakable profile. Starting Bid $300
722. Boris Karloff Signed Photograph. Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10
head-and-shoulders photo of the highly regarded actor, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Ernest Smalley, Sincerely, Boris Karloff.” Reverse bears a Roger Hurlburt collection stamp. In very fine condition. Starting Bid $200
723. Laurel and Hardy (2) Documents Signed. Two DSs
from Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, both one page, 8.5 x 11, regarding contracts with Hal Roach Studios, Inc. The Laurel document, October 8, 1937, concerns an additional $5000 bonus for completion of four photoplays, signed at the conclusion by Laurel and countersigned by Hal E. Roach; and the Hardy document, October 6, 1937, exercises its option to employ the actor for another year, signed below by Hardy. In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $200
724. Laurel and Hardy Signed Photograph. Vintage glossy 5.5 x 3.5 photo of the comedy duo side-by-side in their iconic bowler hats, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Thank you Jimmy! Stan Laurel” and “Oliver Hardy.” In fine condition, with some light postal impressions. Starting Bid $200
725. Bela Lugosi Signed Photograph. Magnificent
vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 profile portrait of the legendary actor, nicely signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Anna, in remembrance, Bela Lugosi.” Reverse bears a Roger Hurlburt collection stamp. In fine condition, with light silvering to the darker areas of the image. Starting Bid $200
Scarce oversized autographed photo of Groucho: “Had I known this was for you I’d have worn a necktie”
726. Groucho Marx Signed Photograph. Fantastic over-
sized vintage matte-finish 12 x 16 head-and-shoulders portrait of Groucho Marx with a cigar clenched in the side of his mouth, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “Dear Ed—Had I known this was for you I’d have worn a necktie—Best, Groucho.” Affixed to a same-size mount and in fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Oversized portrait signed by the four Marx Bros.—perhaps the finest known!
727. Marx Brothers Signed Photograph.
Amazing vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 photo of the four Marx Brothers together, inscribed across the top in an unknown hand, “Best Wishes to Tom,” and signed by the four legendary comedians, “Groucho,” “Harpo,” “Zeppo,” and “Chico Marx.” Reverse is stamped with the recipient’s name, “Tom G. Murray,” and address in Mira Loma, California. In very fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. An absolutely outstanding oversized pose boasting four nice, bold autographs of the Marx Brothers. Starting Bid $300
728. Steve McQueen Document Signed. DS, signed “Steven
T. McQueen,” one page, 8.5 x 11, October 31, 1979. Document headed “Solar Productions, Inc., Consent of Directors to Corporate Action,” by which the directors of the corporation consent to and adopt a series of resolutions. Signed at the conclusion in ink by Steve McQueen and Kenneth Ziffren. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
“Love & Kisses, Marilyn Monroe”— sultry oversized glamour portrait by Powolny
729. Marilyn Monroe Signed Photograph. Stunning vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 soft-lit portrait of Monroe in rapturous close-up, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Bill, Love & Kisses, Marilyn Monroe.” In very good to fine condition, with some creasing to the background edges. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA. Markedly enhanced by its atypical size and glamourous pose, this is a simply exquisite depiction of the radiant actress as part of Frank Powolny’s gorgeous publicity stills for the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Most famously associated with his classic World War II pinup of Betty Grable, Powolny remained a trusted photographer for Monroe throughout her career and is noted as taking the last known still photographs of the starlet during the production of Something’s Got to Give, one week before her death in 1962. An uncommon, seductive image of the iconic starlet. Starting Bid $1000
Fingerprinted ID card issued to “Norma Jean DiMaggio” to entertain troops in Korea
Images larger than actual size.
730. Marilyn Monroe Signed Department of Defense ID Card with Two Fingerprint Marks (1954). Very rare
“Noncombatant’s Certificate of Identity” card issued to Marilyn Monroe by the U. S. Government’s Department of Defense, 3.75 x 2.5, signed in blue ballpoint, “Norma Jean DiMaggio,” whose left and right index fingerprints are pressed in black ink on the reverse. Countersigned on the front by the issuing officer and marked “Void” in black ink. In fine condition. The photo is not original and was affixed at a later date by the consignor. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. This is the file copy of the ID card issued to Marilyn Monroe during her famous visit to entertain the American soldiers in Korea. Monroe had just married Joe DiMaggio on January 14th of that year and they traveled to Japan for their honeymoon. She received this ID card from the U.S. Army Provost Marshall’s Office in Tokyo before flying to Korea. Monroe performed in 10 shows over four days before a total audience of 100,000 soldiers. Starting Bid $1000
Emotional handwritten letter by Marilyn Monroe, referring to her mentors, Lee and Paula Strasberg, and her lover, Arthur Miller
letter in pencil by Marilyn Monroe, unsigned, one page, both sides, 3.75 x 6.75, no date (circa 1956-1957). Addressed to Dr. Margaret Hohenberg, in full (struck through words are in brackets): “I’ve been wondering myself why I don’t write to you. [I thought it has to do with the part that] I’ve been feeling I was taken away from you or that you sent me away from you [with your permission]. On the whole, things are going rather well so far. M.C.A., our agents, and Stein, our lawyer [are], have dealt dealing with Natasha but, we’ll see—I have a strange feeling about Paula. I mean, she works differently than Lee. Anyway I keep feeling I won’t be able to do the part when I have too it like a horrible nightmare. [at the top, Monroe continues on about Paula Strasberg: “but she is a wonderful and warm person—which also bewilders me”] Also I guess I didn’t write you before this because I was waiting to see if I would get shot-first. Arthur writes me every day, at least [that] it gives me [a little] air to breathe, I can’t get used to the fact that he loves me and I keep waiting for him to stop loving me though I hope he never will, but I keep telling myself, who knows?” In fine condition. This letter is published in the 2010 book Fragments: Poems, Intimate Notes, Letters (pgs. 202-203). An insightful letter from Monroe that features several notable associations: psychoanalysis Dr. Margaret Hohenberg treated Monroe from 1955 until the spring of 1957, when the latter began seeing Dr. Marianne Kris; Lee and Paul Strasberg were the husband-and-wife acting coaches and confidantes of Monroe, helping the young actress bloom into one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars; prior to joining the Strasbergs, Monroe had studied under Columbia Pictures head drama coach Natasha Lytess, with whom Monroe, in 1956, had to sever ties with when the former reportedly became too obsessive; amid a whirlwind of media publicity, 30-year-old Marilyn Monroe married playwright Arthur Miller on June 29, 1956. His steadying presence allowed her to find the family she always wanted, and his support and guidance led Monroe to her acclaimed role in Some Like It Hot. The couple’s relationship, marred by Monroe’s addiction to sleeping pills, ended in divorce five years after it had begun. A content-rich handwritten letter from Monroe that dates to a particularly important period of her short yet legendary career. Starting Bid $1000
City of Los Angeles commendation awarded to Marilyn Monroe’s foster sister to celebrate “the dedication of her star on the walk of fame”
732. Marilyn Monroe: Bebe Goddard Commendation Certifi-
cate. DS, signed “James K. Hahn,” one page, 10 x 14.5, June 1, 1992. Certificate of Commendation issued by the City of Los Angeles to Monroe’s foster sister, reading: “Commendation presented to BeBe Goddard, Foster Sister of Marilyn Monroe, in celebration of Marilyn Monroe’s birthday and the dedication of her star on the walk of fame, we extend best wishes for continued happiness on this joyous occasion.” Signed at the conclusion by Los Angeles City Attorney James K. Hahn. Retains the gold foil seal and ribbon affixed to the lower left, and presented in its original folder. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
733. Christopher Reeve Signed Pho-
tograph. Iconic color glossy 10 x 8 photo of Christopher Reeve flying through the city as Superman, nicely signed in black felt tip. In very good to fine condition, with a few small creases, and two short tears to the left edge. A scarce and spectacular pose from his legendary super hero role. Starting Bid $200
‘‘Senate Filibuster for Frank’—signed special volume honoring Sinatra’s retirement
734. Frank Sinatra Signed Book.
Custom-bound volume entitled in gilt lettering on the front cover, ‘Senate Filibuster for FRANK, June 30, 1971,’ leather-bound hardcover with slipcase, 8.5 x 11.5, signed and inscribed on an opening page in black ink, “For Joe and Dee, The contents of this book, of which I’m so proud, come to you with my love and affectionate hopes for you both. Francis Sinatra, May 7–1973, Palm Springs.” Specially bound for Sinatra by the California Bookbinding Company in Hollywood, the volume contains a full copy of the Congressional Record, Vol. 117, No. 101, Proceedings and Debates of the 92nd Congress, First Session. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
The Laurel & Hardy director inscribes an oversized portrait to Clara Bow
735. Malcolm St. Clair Signed Photograph. Hollywood
film director, writer, producer, and actor (1897–1952) who directed the original Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1928, and most of Laurel & Hardy’s later films at 20th Century Fox. Vintage sepia matte-finish 11 x 14 photo of St. Clair in a halflength pose, signed and inscribed in green fountain pen, “To my blind bow love, Mally, 1928,” drawing a sketch of “Ducky” in the upper right corner. In fine condition, with some smudging to ink. Starting Bid $200
736. Thelma Todd Signed Photograph. American ac-
tress (1906-1935) best remembered for her appearances in such comedy classics as Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, and Another Fine Mess, who mysteriously died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Scarce vintage glossy 8 x 10 doubleweight photo of Todd clutching her pearls in a lovely half-length pose, signed and inscribed in white fountain pen, “To George Miller, with best wishes, Sincerely, Thelma Todd, 29.” Reverse bears a Stax credit stamp. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Rare oversized Valentino portrait
737. Rudolph Valentino Signed Photograph.
Vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 oversized photo of Rudolph Valentino as Lt. Vladimir Dubrovsky in the 1925 silent film The Eagle, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Jack Gamese, Sincerely, Rudolph Valentino.” In very good to fine condition, with a crease to Valentino’s hat, some scratches to his right sleeve, two edge tears, and some chipping to borders. Starting Bid $200
Terrifically rare letter archive from Edward Van Sloan, who comments on Eisenhower, Beethoven, and Dracula: “It was gosh awful thirty five years ago—what it must be like today! I think nothing dates faster than a motion picture”
739. Edward Van Sloan Archive of (11) Autograph Letters Signed. Rare archive of 11 ALSs from classic horror actor
Edward Van Sloan, who famously starred in Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy. The handwritten letters, each addressed to his nephew Bill, dated between 1950 and 1963, amount to a total of 36 pages of handwriting and 13 signatures, with Van Sloan signing either as “Uncle Van” or “Van.” The content consists of typical everyday events and health updates with flashes of humor and his forthright commentary. One letter, in particular, dated February 3, 1958, offers his thoughts on a variety of notable figures, including Dwight D. Eisenhower (“I admire the man and I think he served one great purpose—International prestige for the U.S….He no doubt is an able Administrator but seems to lack the qualities of a dynamic Executive”), Leonard Bernstein (“I don’t think he’s a Bruno Walter, and has lots of the weaknesses or quirks of a young conductor, but to me he has the one great virtue—he’s interesting”), Beethoven (“In my not so humble opinion Beethoven couldn’t write for the Human Voice—he insisted on treating it as an orchestra and made demands on it the vocal chores simply couldn’t supply”) He closes with a surprising critique of perhaps his most famous work: “That reminds me of your failure to see the ‘Dracula’ film on T.V. How lucky you were. It was gosh awful thirty five years ago—what it must be like today! I think nothing dates faster than a motion picture.” In overall fine condition. Starting Bid $500
Rare promissory note to “Mrs. Valentino” signed just days before the sex symbol’s scandalous bigamy debacle
738. Rudolph Valentino Document Signed. Promissory note, 8.25 x 3.5, filled out in another hand and signed by Valentino, “Rudolph Valentino,” payable to his wife, Mrs. Rudolph Valentino, for $5000, May 1, 1922. In fine condition. This promissory note is for roughly half of the alimony settlement to be paid to his ex-wife, fellow silent film star, Jean Acker, who he divorced on March 4, 1922. Signed documents from Valentino are scarce, and the timing and circumstances surrounding this particular item make it an invaluable addition to any classic film collection.Starting Bid $200
740. John Wayne Autograph Letter
Signed. World War II-dated ALS signed “Daddy,” two pages, 8 x 10.25, postmarked by the U.S. Army Postal Service on February 15, 1944. Handwritten letter from John Wayne to his children, in part (spelling retained): “Daddy had an afternoon off yesterday and went to a native island... The ocean here is warm and clear; we can see different shapes and kinds of coral on the ocean bed. There are a lot of sharks tho.’” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original hand-addressed mailing envelope, with Wayne incorporating his autograph into the return address field, “J. Wayne, U.S.O.–APO 923, ? Spec Service, ? Postmaster, San Francisco.” Starting Bid $200
741. John Wayne Signature. Felt tip signature and inscription, “Emile—This was fun. Duke, John Wayne, 1974,” on an off-white 6.75 x 10 book page. In fine condition, with a trimmed left edge. Starting Bid $200
character artwork by James Whale for the 1920 theater production of Abraham Lincoln, accomplished in watercolor, ink, and graphite on a 7.75 x 9.75 sheet, and depicting a gentleman in full-length, with Whale adding in pencil, “Cyril Wood as ‘Slaney,’” and signing in the lower left, “J. Whale, 1920.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 18.25 x 20.25. In fine condition, with some faint stains to the perimeter. Starting Bid $200
Large, floral oil painting by the Frankenstein director
742. James Whale Original Still Life Painting. Rare, large original still life painting by acclaimed English film director James Whale, accomplished in oil on a 32 x 29.5 canvas panel, signed in the lower left corner in paint, “James Whale—56—.” The painting is a classic still life study, a bouquet of multicolored flowers of varying blooms placed in a vase that is set on a wooden side table. Displayed in an ornate wooden frame to an overall size of 43 x 41. In fine condition, with varying degrees of chipping and cracking to the frame.
After an influential and profitable 10-year run of filmmaking, including horror classics Frankenstein, The Old Dark House, The Invisible Man, and Bride of Frankenstein, Whale exited the full-time movie business in 1941. In his partial retirement—Whale made a couple of short films and an ephemeral return to Broadway—he was reintroduced to his love of painting by his longtime partner, producer David Lewis, and eventually built a large studio for himself. The Oscar-winning 1998 biopic Gods and Monsters, starring Ian McKellen as Whale, highlights the director’s love of drawing and painting. Starting Bid $300
744. James Whale and R. C. Sherriff Signed
Book. Signed book: Journey’s End: A Play in Three Acts. First edition. London: Victor Gollancz Ltd., 1929. Softcover, 4.25 x 7.25, 128 pages. Signed on the first free end page in pencil, “Yours, James Whale,” and in fountain pen, “Yours very sincerely, R. C. Sherriff, Santa Monica, 3 June 1932.” In fine condition, with toning and some spotting to the signed page. Accompanied by the book’s original orange wrapper and bookmark. Starting Bid $200
Rare letter by Ed Wood on his unfinished pet project, “Hell Born”— “I will personally do what I can, in anyway, to enhance the production of this film”
745. Ed Wood Typed Letter Signed. TLS signed
“Edw. D. Wood Jr.,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, September 30, 1958. Letter to Marge Usher, in part: “Pursuant to our discussion, I am prepared to transfer to you my completed shooting script…as well as approximately two thousand (2,000) feet of film pertaining to the picture (finished) ‘Hell Born,’ for the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00). I am also prepared to deliver the actors seen in the filmed portion—and further I will personally do what I can, in anyway, to enhance the production of this film.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
