Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 925
Ball, Lucille
(1911-1989). Comedienne. The famous red-head started slowly in show
business, beginning with numerous bit parts as the feminine counterpart to
the likes of Bob Hope and Red Skelton. After marrying bandleader Desi
Arnaz, the couple created one of the most endeared comedy shows in
television history: "I Love Lucy".
Autograph Note Signed
("Lucy"). Two pages, oblong duodecimo, n.p., n.d. Being a thank you
card. In blue ink. To Mr. Kevin Gentry of Torrance, California. Accompanied
by the original transmittal envelope. The notecard is folded affecting the
sweeping loop of the "y" in Lucy. Else, the piece is in very fine
condition.
As the envelope of this note is postmarked February 14,
1989, here Lucy writes a cordial note in response to a traditional
Valentine's gift: "Thank you for your beautiful flowers -- you are
always so thoughtful".
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 926
Ball, Lucille.
Check Signed ("Lucille Ball Arnaz"). Partially printed,
accomplished in typescript. 8¼ x 3", Hollywood, February 20, 1957.
The check is drawn on Arnaz's account at the Bank of America and made
payable to the Palm Springs Medical Clinic in the amount of $8.00. Arnaz
signs the recto. Punch cancelling, stamp endorsed verso. Ink from verso
stamp has saturated to recto. Signature is bold, and in fine
condition.
In the final year of "I love Lucy", the commedienne
signed this $8 check.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 927
Ball, Lucille.
Typed Letter Signed ("Lucy"). One page, quarto, n.p., June 2,
1988. On Ball's personal stationery. In blue ink. To Senior Vice President
of film production at Columbia Pictures. Accompanied by two drafts of the
synopsis for a television movie based on the life Bobby Darin. Also
included is a photocopy of the original letter to which Lucy has responded.
With two horizontal folds and three penned notations. Signature is bold,
and the piece is in very good condition.
Upon reading the summary of
a television special on Bobby Darin, Lucy writes to Columbia Pictures Vice
President: "Thank you for the Bobby Darin book -- I love reading it.
And, thanks again for letting me see the tape of the performance. I
appreciate your thoughtfulness very much." Finally, she adds a quick
comment on her health: "I'm also feeling just fine. Thank you for your
kind concern".
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 928
Belushi, John
(1949-1982). Comic actor best known for his outrageous skits on the
variety show "Saturday Night Live", as well as the films Animal
House, and The Blues Brothers.
Typed Letter Signed
("John A. Belushi"). On a single, quarto sheet, Los Angeles,
January, 3, 1980. Signed in black ink. To lawyers Irwin & Rowan. With light
folds in margins, none of which affects the signature. In very good
condition overall.
In a letter to lawyers Irwin & Rowan, Belushi
announces that he has hired the services of another law firm, namely
Bushkin, Kopelson, Gaims, Gaines & Wolf. Here, he requests the delivery of
all legal documents: "It would be appreciated if the delivery of these
materials could be accomplished in the next day or two..."
Estimated Value $500-750.
Lot 929
Bergen, Edgar.
Signed Photograph ("Edgar Bergen"). Black and white, 9½ x
7½", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in blue ink, "To Nikki our good friend
- all good wishes from Edgar Bergen / I love you , Nikki -- Charlie
McCarthy". Matted to 12 x 10". The ink has faded somewhat, there is a
small amount of foxing and a few abrasions on the photograph. Overall very
good condition.
A nice picture of Bergen, McCarthy and Mortimer J.
Snerd -- unfortunately, Snerd does not sign.
Estimated Value $100-150.
Lot 930
Bergen, Edgar and Frank
Lovejoy. Typed Document Signed ("Edgar Bergen", "Frank
Lovejoy"). One page, quarto, n.p., n.d. On the final page of a
contract. Signed by Lovejoy in black ink, and by Bergen in blue ink. With
staple holes in upper left corner and center left edge. Two horizontal
creases. Toning along upper edge. In very good condition
overall.
Here, Bergen approves and accepts a binding agreement with
the famous "Golden Age" radio actor, Frank Lovejoy. Agreeing to appear as a
guest actor for the Edgar Bergen - Charlie McCarthy radio program, this
final page of their contract stipulates the arbitration procedures, should
a disagreement arise.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 931
Blanc, Mel.
Signature ("Mel Blanc"). One page, 3¾ x 7", n.p., n.d.
Being a paper card with a photograph of Blanc surrounded by many of his
creations. Inscribed in black ink, "Hi Paul". Small stain at bottom
right and one spot at left of text. Very good conditon.
Printed
with Blanc's signature line "Eh! What's up Doc?" and Bugs, Daffy, Pepe Le
Peu, Sylvester and many other crazy characters, this is a very nice piece
for the Blanc fan.
Estimated Value $50-100.
Lot 932
Bogart, Humphrey
(1899-1957) American actor whose world-weary looks and demeanor
translated into screen portrayals of men on the edge of society who hid
their vulnerabilities behind tough-as-nails personas. Bogart won an Oscar
for his work on African Queen.
Document Signed ("Humphrey
Bogart"). One page, 8½ x 11", Beverly Hills, December 30, 1947.
Being the terms of sale of Bogart's truck to an employee, Aurelio Salazar.
Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from R & R Enterprises. Two
filing holes, two staple holes and some age toning at top, assorted
vertical and horizontal folds, two with minor edge separation and soft
creasing throughout. Condition good to very good.
This typed
document is addressed to Bogart at his Benedict Canyon address, stating: "I
should like to make the following arrangements to purchase the 1947 Ford
half-ton truck from you which I understand you have recently bought from
Holmes Tuttle..." Bogart signs at the lower left corner.
Estimated
Value $1,300-2,000.
Lot 933
Bogart, Humphrey and
Lauren Bacall. 1. Bogart, Humphrey. Signature ("Humphrey
Bogart"). On a single octavo sheet, n.p., March 5, 1949. Inscribed in
black ink "To Herbert". Remnants of an adhesive at lower right used
to attach a black and white image of the actor. In good condition. 2.
Bacall, Lauren and Humphrey Bogart. Signatures ("Lauren Bacall" and
"Bogart"). On a single octavo sheet, n.p., March 5, 1949. Bogart's
name is smeared. Also remnants from an adhesive at the lower right used to
attach a black and white image of Bacall. Accompanied by a Certificate of
Authenticity from Heroes & Legends. In good condition.
Here we offer
two mementos from the handsome couple, both from the same autograph book: a
single signature of Bogart, with another sheet featuring Bacall's autograph
which Bogie appears to have signed as an afterthought -- simply adding
"Bogart" below his wife's name.
Estimated Value $600-800.
Lot 934
Brando, Marlon (b.
1924). Film and stage actor whose groundbreaking performance in the
Broadway production of A Streetcar Named Desire (1947), lead to
subsequent roles in One-Eyed Jacks (1961), Mutiny on the
Bounty (1962), Last Tango in Paris (1972), as well as the
Francis Ford Coppola epic The Godfather (1972).
Typed
Document Signed ("Marlon Brando"). Two pages, quarto, Beverly Hills,
California, August 9, 1967. Signed in black ink. With staple holes at the
upper left corner on each page. Creases on the second page at the upper and
lower right corners, with two soft horizontal folds at the left and right
edges. In very good condition overall.
During a slump in his
popularity, here the powerful Method actor signs a contract thereby
agreeing to appear as "Grindle" in Richard Burton's film entitled
Candy. In return for his services, Brando will receive $50,000 and
2½% of film rentals, however according to the contract, "No
performer shall receive credit in type larger than that afforded to Mr.
Brando."
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 935
Brice, Fanny
(1891-1951). Comedienne who began her career on vaudeville singing and
dancing until Florenz Ziegfeld discovered her. After appearing in several
of the Ziegfeld Follies, Brice was also known as the radio personality
"Baby Snooks".
Typed Letter Signed ("Fanny Brice"). On a
single, quarto sheet, n.p., June 10, 1947. In black ink. To Mr. Milt Gross.
Four horizontal folds, a 1¾" fold to the upper left corner, light
toning, stains verso. In good condition overall.
Motivated by the
atrocities of war, here Brice offers to participate in a celebrity auction
benefitting the Jewish Appeal: "It is our belief that the artists of
this vicinity would like to participate in the United Jewish Appeal's great
national drive... There will be an auction on the night of July 10, the
total receipts from which will go to the United Jewish Appeal." Also
signing the document are Vincent Price and three others.
Estimated
Value $250-350.
Lot 936
Buck Rogers Pocket
Watch. Nickeled brass Buck Rogers pocket watch featuring a printed face
picturing the "25th century" hero and his heroine Wilma Deering. Following
the furturistic theme of the comic crusader, the hands of this watch
represent decorative thunderbolts. The reverse pictures a giant Cyclops
protecting himself with a shield. Obviously worn, but still in good
condition.
Estimated Value $100-UP.
Lot 937
Burton, Richard
(1925-1984). Welsh actor noted for his portrayals of world-weary and
self-destructive men. Burton's personal life, particularly his romance with
Elizabeth Taylor and his alcohol abuse, drew almost as much press as his
brilliant performances.
Signed Photograph ("Richard"). Black
and white, 9 x 7", n.p., June 1958. Inscribed in blue pen on white border,
"To My dear Glenn -- the most wicked and encouraging companion for eight
long months that I have known. Ever Affectionately, Richard." Picture
numbered 3/58. Matted to an overall size of 14 x 11". Minor toning of mat,
otherwise very good to fine condition.
Pictured with his infant
daughter Kate on his chest, a young, very handsome Richard Burton is caught
in a candid moment. The acclaim Burton received for his performance in
Look Back in Anger and the birth of his daughter must have made 1958
a particularly good year for the actor and his young family. We are
delighted to offer this beautiful photograph with its very affectionate
inscription and must admit to curiosity about the identity of the "most
wicked and encouraging" Glenn.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 938
Chaney, Lon Jr
(1906-1973). Actor and son of Lon Chaney. He is best known for roles in
horror films playing "Frankenstein's monster", "Dracula", "the Mummy", and
"the Wolf Man".
Signed Photo ("Lon Chaney Jr."). Sepia
toned, 6½ x 8½" (trimmed), n.p., n.d. Signed in blue ink. A
few light surface abrasions. Still, in very good to fine condition
overall.
With a warm smile, the usually frightful Chaney appears
quite easygoing.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 939
Clooney, George (b.
1961). Actor. The son of a newscaster and nephew of legendary songbird
Rosemary Clooney, George first aspired to become a professional baseball
player. After a luckless tryout with the Cincinnati Reds, Clooney moved to
Los Angeles to pursue acting. Numerous commercials and television sitcoms
followed, but it was 1994s medical drama "ER" that proved Clooney a star.
Check Signed ("GC"). Printed. 8½ x 3½", Los
Angeles, November 15, 1996. The check is drawn on Clooney's account at the
Republican Bank California and made payable to himself in the amount of
$2,500. Clooney initials the recto and endorses the verso, again with
initials. Cancellation marks verso. Soiling recto from computerized
cancelling, with one ink mark at upper left. Else, in fine
condition.
In 1996 Clooney was enjoying the success of "ER", and
working on feature films From Dusk Till Dawn and One Fine
Day. Here, he cashes in on his accomplishments, writing himself a
$2,500 check.
Estimated Value $75-100.
Lot 940
Connery, Sean (b.
1930). After starting his career in body-building, this Scottish actor
found his passion for acting after landing a part in a London production of
South Pacific. Connery, once named the "Sexiest Man of the Year",
will forever be associated as the suave and debonair secret agent James
Bond.
Typed Letter Signed ("Sean Connery"). One page,
quarto, New York, n.d. Signed in black ink. To United Artists Corporation.
In very good to excellent condition. Very soft folds at upper
corners.
In this formal letter, the cool Connery attempts to come to
an agreement with United Artists regarding a legal judgment occurring late
in 1982.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 941
Cooper, Gary
(1901-1961). Actor. Cooper began his career in film as a cowboy extra.
With his subtle acting style the debonair star gained popularity appearing
in such classic films as Pride of the Yankees, and High Noon.
His death, occurring six months after that of Clark Gable, marked the end
of Hollywood's Golden Era.
Typed Document Signed ("Gary
Cooper"). On a single, quarto sheet, Burbank, California, February 25,
1948. Being a Warner Brothers Contract. Signed in black ink. A 7" tear at
the top portion of the sheet. Remnants from an adhesive along the top edge,
with two hole punches and staple holes also at top edge. Left edge is worn,
with toning. Signature, however, remains clear and unaffected. In fair
condition overall.
Here, Cooper agrees that he: "shall not be
required to render my services in excess of eleven (11) complete pictures
during the term or said contract." As well, the contract provides for the
security of his family should the deal be terminated by his demise,
granting his estate a sum of $275,000.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 942
Costello, Lou
(1906-1959). Comedic actor. Initially teaming with Bud Abbott for a
vaudeville act, the pair became a top grossing box-office comedy
tour-de-force, filming over 30 slap stick films. Abbot and Costello are
best known for the "Who's on First?" routine.
Signed Check ("Lou
Costello"). Partially printed, accomplished in manuscript, Van Nuys,
August 23, 1946. The check is drawn on Costello's account at the Bank of
America and made payable to the "Santa Fe Railroad Co." in the
amount of $983.27. Costello signs the recto. Punch cancelling, and stamped
verso. In very fine condition overall.
In the early days of his
success, Costello writes this hefty check to the Santa Fe Railroad.
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 943
Cukor, George
(1899-1983). American film director whose accomplishments include
Little Women (1933), A Star is Born (1954), and My Fair
Lady (1964).
Autograph Note Signed ("George"). On a
single duodecimo sheet, recto and verso, n.p., n.d. Being a personalized
calling card. In blue ink. To Mr. and Mrs. Garson Kanin. Accompanied by the
original transmittal envelope. In excellent condition.
Tongue in
cheek, Cukor apologizes for giving the famous couple an apparently small
holiday gift: "Please forgive ze [sic] dainty diminutive size of
these gifts, I'd like to have done better for you
characters..." Then, he explains that his financial situation will
last, only "until Dad comes through with my next quarter's
allowance."
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 944
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, receiving in 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 945
Disney, Roy
(1893-1971) Co-founder, with his brother Walt, of the Walt Disney
Company. Roy is often credited as the one who kept the business afloat in
times of financial stress; his business acumen and his brother's creative
genius were the foundation of this entertainment empire.
Document
Signed ("Roy Disney"). Eight pages, quarto, Los Angeles, April 29,
1958. Being an agreement between the Walt Disney Company and Buena Vista
Film Distribution. Rust stains and filing holes at top edge, staple in left
corner. Overall, condition fine.
This distribution contract for the
animated short Paul Bunyan evolved into a successful venture -- the
cartoon was nominated for an Academy Award.
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 946
Fairbanks, Douglas, Sr
(1883-1939). Dashing movie star whose good looks and derring-do
translated into the most memorable adventure films of the silent era. His
storybook marriage to Mary Pickford, co-founding of United Artists and
tragically early demise cemented his place in the pantheon of America's
film legends.
Signed Photograph ("Douglas Fairbanks"). Sepia
toned, 6½ x 8½", n.p., n.d. Signed in blue ink. Inscribed
"Very sincerely." Ink and photograph slightly faded, ¾" tear at
right edge and minor soiling to background. Good to very good condition.
Fairbanks, sans moustache, offers his trademark grin in this
beautiful portrait from the late 1910s or early 1920s.
Estimated Value
$100-125.
Lot 947
Fields, W. C
(1880-1946). Starting out on the vaudeville stage at age 13, Fields was
successful on Broadway and in the movies, using dry delivery and perfectly
timed gestures to create the persona of a lovable fraud, often worse for
drink.
Signed Check ("W.C. Fields"). Partially printed,
accomplished in autograph. 5½ x 2½", New York, December 11,
1926. The check is drawn on the Harriman National Bank and made payable to
"Cash" in the amount of $250. Fields has signed on the recto, the
verso is endorsed by Linelle (?) Blackburn. Punch cancelling, date stamp on
recto and one smudge at the left side; and there is a ½" tear at the
bank name. Else, in very good to fine condition.
Fields made his
first notable motion picture in 1925, Sally of the Sawdust, directed
by D. W. Griffith. Our check places him as he is gaining film roles (he
made two films in 1926 and three in 1927) and notice for his work on the
screen.
Estimated Value $550-650.
Lot 948
Flynn, Errol. Check
Signed ("Errol Flynn"). Partially printed, accomplished in
typescript. 8¼ x 3¼", Hollywood, July 24, 1946. Drawn on
Flynn's account at the California Bank and made payable to the American
Federation of Radio Artists in the amount of $9.00. Punch cancelling and
endorsement stamps on verso. Minor creasing at right, still in fine
condition.
Flynn pays his dues to the Radio Artists union.
Estimated Value $250-300.
Lot 949
Gable, Clark
(1901-1960). Actor. After much perseverance and numerous small roles,
Gable worked steadily for MGM until the studio loaned him to Columbia for
the picture It Happened One Night. The ruggedly handsome actor won
an Academy Award and his popularity soared, culminating with the role of
"Rhett Butler" in the epic drama Gone with the Wind.
Check
Signed ("Clark Gable"). Partially printed, accomplished in
typescript. 8½ x 3¼", Hollywood, March 27, 1945. The check is
drawn on Gable's account at the Security-First National Bank of Los Angeles
and made payable to the Automobile Club of Southern California in the
amount of $27.88. Gable signs the recto. Punch cancelling, stamped verso.
One vertical fold at left, and a strip of clear tape covering an abrasion
at upper right which skims the "l" of Gable's first name, and the loop of
his "G". Overall, in good condition.
In 1942 after the death of his
wife, Carole Lombard, Gable joined the Air Force for World War II. He
returned in 1945 to film Adventure -- and write this check to the
Automobile Club.
Estimated Value $350-450.