Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 975
Queen. With
front-man Freddy Mercury, this British glam-rock band combined vocal
harmonies with the unique guitar style of Brian May to form one of the most
popular bands of the 70s. Tragically, the flashy and flamboyant Mercury
died of AIDS in 1991.
Typed Document Signed ("B H May",
"Roger Taylor", "John Deacon", "F Mercury"). Three
pages, quarto, Los Angeles, December 1, 1976. In black ink. Staple holes at
upper left corners, otherwise fine. In very good to excellent condition
overall.
In an agreement with Elektra records, all four members of
Queen sign this document, that allows Sackville Productions: "the right to
use and publish and to permit others to use and publish my name, likeness
and all biographical material concerning me and to permit others to write
and publish articles concerning me for advertising or trade purposes...".
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 976
Rathbone, Basil
(1892-1967). South-African born actor known equally for his portrayals
of sinister villains in period adventure films like The Adventures of
Robin Hood and his perfect characterization, in 14 films, of Sherlock
Holmes.
Signed Photograph ("Basil Rathbone"). Hand-tinted
black and white photograph, 7 x 9", n.p., [1942]. Inscribed in black ink
"To Miss Barbara Ann Birigham." Handwritten note (in an unknown hand)
at bottom right margin "December 4, 1942," minor edge wear and one faint
diagonal crease across bottom left corner. Very good condition.
A
striking ¾ portrait of Rathbone as the lighting and pose accentuate
his sharp features and elegant bearing.
Estimated Value $400-500.
Lot 977
Rogers, Ginger
(1911-1995). Dancer and actress. Groomed from early childhood to become
a star, Rogers gained popularity as Fred Astaire's graceful dancing
partner, pairing together in a total of ten feature films. Later she won an
Oscar for best actress in the drama Kitty Foyle.
1. Contract
Signed ("Ginger Rogers"). Fourteen pages with nine page addendum,
quarto, Beverly Hills, November 11, 1953. In a "Rosenthal and Norton"
folder. Signed on contract and addendum in green ink. 2. Typed Letter
Signed ("Ginger Rogers"). One page, quarto, Beverly Hills, November
16, 1953. On "William Morris Agency, Inc." stationery. In green ink. Two
horizontal folds to the letter with two hole punches at top edge and small
ink marks in left edge and small hole in the margin of page eight of the
contract. Overall, the group is in very good condition
overall.
Though released under the title Beautiful Stranger,
Ginger Rogers signs this contract for the film Twist of Fate,
agreeing to play the part of Johnny Victor -- an actress who becomes
involved with a dangerous criminal.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 978
Rogers, Will
(1879-1935). Humorous actor and American folk hero known as the
"Cherokee Kid".
Signed Photograph ("Will Rogers/3-33").
Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p., March, 1933. Inscribed in black ink,
"Harry, yours for fun". A 2 inch crease at the upper center, and a
1¾" crease at the lower left, which does not affect the signature.
Corners are lightly worn. In good to very good condition overall.
Here the pivotal symbol of the Wild West poses with brow raised as
if ready to impart a piece his characteristic philosophy.
Estimated
Value $350-450.
Lot 979
Sarnoff, David
(1891-1971). A pioneer in the development of radio and television
broadcasting, Sarnoff popularized radio by petitioning for the broadcast of
the boxing match between Jack Dempsey and Georges Carpentier in 1921. Later
he served as Chief Executive of the Radio Corporation of America and the
National Broadcasting Corporation.
Typed Letter Signed ("David
Sarnoff"). As Chairman of the Board of RCA. Two pages, quarto, New
York, August 4, 1955. On Radio Corporation of America stationery. In blue
ink. To Mr. Hy Gardner of the New York Herald Tribune. With two horizontal
folds, light pencil marks, staple marks at the upper left and light
soiling. In fair to good condition.
In a letter to Hy Gardner, here
Sarnoff offers a touching suggestion, toasting the life of financier and
government advisor Bernard Baruch: "Replying to you letter... regarding
Mr. Bernard M. Baruch. I am pleased to offer herewith what you refer to as
a 'toast'...'At 85, Bernard Baruch is active and beneficent, dedicated to
right as he sees it and, no less important, he enjoys his many-sided
activities. He provides the clinching proof, for young and old alike, that
the good life is worth living'."
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 980
Scorsese, Martin
(b. 1942). Film director whose trademark style focuses on character
development rather than dramatic plot. An Italian-American schooled at
NYU's film school, many of Scorsese's films feature autobiographical themes
portraying life on the streets. Notable films include Taxi Driver,
Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Cape Fear, and Casino.
Typed Document Signed ("M Scorsese"). Five pages, quarto,
Beverly Hills, May 8, 1990. On Creative Artists Agency, Inc. letterhead. In
black ink. With staple holes at upper left of each page. In very good
condition.
In this five page contract, Scorsese arranges the
purchase of the rights to a novel entitled "Silence" for a price of
$75,000. The director, however, has amended the document, crossing out a
section limiting the Japanese release of the film. His initials also appear
next to the change, on the third page of the agreement.
Estimated Value
$150-200.
Lot 981
Selznick, David O
(1902-1965). Legendary filmmaker known for producing Gone With the
Wind, as well as persuading Alfred Hitchcock to America to make
Rebecca. Other films include: A Star is Born,
Spellbound, and Anna Karenina.
Typed Letter Signed
("David"). On a single quarto sheet, Culver City, California,
October 21, 1954. On Selznick's personalized stationery. In black ink. To
Mrs. Joan Grill of Duarte, California. Two horizontal folds, a few light
folds along top, and light soiling. In good condition overall.
In
this revealing letter, Selznick admits to his own insecurity regarding a
new television project: "My first attempt at television, the 'Light's
Diamond Jubilee' program, will be broadcast this Sunday night ... At this
moment I am nervous -- and of course I have no objectivity left about it --
as to whether it is good or bad or indifferent, but at least we have tried
to do something worthwhile. And I hope you will remember that it
is my first!"
Estimated Value $200-250.
Lot 982
Sinatra, Frank
(1915-1998). Singer and actor. As a young crooner, Sinatra became an
idol, capturing the hearts of screaming fans in the early 40s with his
casual singing style. However when his vocal cords hemorrhaged in 1952, his
career turned towards acting, and with his first attempt, "the Voice" won
an Academy Award for best supporting actor. When his voice later returned
with a more mature sound, Sinatra became a superstar.
Typed
Document Signed ("Frank Sinatra"). In Spanish. On a single, quarto
sheet, n.p., n.d. On a document of the Patent Office of Spain. In black
ink. One horizontal crease. In very good to excellent condition overall.
On an authorization form of the Patent Office of Spain, Sinatra
signs the incomplete document pertaining to the modification of petitions
and declarations regarding patents.
Estimated Value $350-450.
Lot 983
Sinatra, Frank.
Signature ("Frank Sinatra"). One page, 4 x 3", n.p., n.d. Scrap
of white paper, inscribed in pencil "Hi Maxine!" Adhesive residue at
top left and bottom right corners. Very good condition.
Estimated Value
$150-200.
Lot 984
Sinatra, Frank, Jr
(b. 1944). Son of legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, the younger Sinatra
has followed in his father's footsteps with a singing career.
Signature ("Frank Sinatra Jr."). One page, octavo, n.p.,
January 28, 1985. Being a Prospective Juror Affidavit. In black ink. A
small tear at upper center along perforated fold, adhesive along lower
edge, toning. Signature is clear and the piece is in very good
condition.
Completing this legal form for perspective jurors,
Sinatra offers his personal information -- listing "Entertainer" as
his occupation, his true age, and admitting that he had not served on a
jury in the previous five years.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 985
Stemple, Herbert.
Infamous game-show contestant who initially broke the "Quiz Show"
scandals. Stemple, who appeared on the 1950s television show "Twenty One"
revealed that correct answers were often times provided to the contestants
by producers, who had pre-determined each show's victor. After winning for
several weeks on "Twenty One", Stemple was defeated by Charles Lincoln van
Doren.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Herb Stemple"). Twenty-one
pages, Forest Hills, New York, August 3, 1960. In blue ink. To journalist
Mr. Jerome K. Muller. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, as
well as the Fall 1960 Marquette Journal which features an article by
Muller regarding this correspondence. In very good to excellent condition.
One horizontal fold on each page, and the edges of a few pages are lightly
folded, otherwise fine.
In a very revealing and emotional twenty-one
page letter, Herb Stemple openly discusses the effects of revealing the
truth about the network quiz show scams. He writes: "...I have suffered
a mental martyrdom which very few people can possibly realize...In August
of that year upon the request of the New York County District Attorney
Frank Hogan for any information relating to the "fixing" of Quiz shows I
voluntarily went to him and told him my story... After the breaking of the
stories in the newspapers...I was subjected to a barrage of slimy
vilification by Barry and Enright, called a liar, thief, blackmailer,
insane...Van Doren called me a liar, as did ... Billy Pearson (of the
$64,000 Challenge and Question)...To put it bluntly ... I was made the
"patsy" for an offense which I was completely innocent
..."
Stemple then goes on to explain the resulting backlash he
encountered while trying to complete his doctorate. According to Stemple,
NYU prevented him from receiving his PhD by accusing him of cheating on his
final examinations -- effectively punishing him for tainting the
university's reputation with the scandal. He continues: "It is a very
strange comment that after Charles Van Doren confessed to his participation
in the '21' hoax after having perjured himself twice before a grand jury
under oath...he was offered 2 university positions while I find myself in
this present day predicament."
Estimated Value $750-1,000.
Lot 986
Taylor, Elizabeth
(b. 1932). Actress. At the tender age of 10, Taylor made her screen
debut and was quickly signed to MGM. A string of films followed, notably
National Velvet, and the actress turned from adorable little girl to
one of the world's most beautiful women. Though she was nominated for
several Academy Awards in her early career, Taylor did not win an Oscar
until the 1960 film Butterfield 8. With eight failed marriages,
Taylor now concentrates on raising funds for AIDS research.
Signed
Photo ("Elizabeth Taylor"). Color, 8 x 10", n.p., n.d. Inscribed in
blue ink, "Best wishes". Handsomely matted and framed with a Whitman's
sampler advertisement featuring an image of the violet-eyed beauty to an
overall size of 15½ x 29½". In very fine condition.
The sultry star emphasizes her pouty lips in this photo which she
has simply signed.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 987
Todd, Thelma
(1905-1935) Silent film star who moved successfully into talkies,
making over 115 films in ten years. Todd was a beautiful woman with great
comedic talents which served her well in films like Monkey Business
and Horse Feathers, both with the Marx Brothers. Her mysterious
death at age 30 cut short a very promising career.
Signed
Photograph ("Aunt Thelma"). Black and white, 11 x 14", n.p., n.d.
Inscribed to "dear Shirley, With love -- Aunt Thelma and Gallant."
This photograph is on heavy photo stock and in very fine
condition.
Miss Todd is in a day dress with a lovely springer
spaniel (presumably Gallant, since she has drawn a little paw under his
name). Todd was a glamorous movie star and most often pictured in
diaphanous evening gowns or revealing outfits; the conservative dress and
simple smile in this portrait (with such a wonderful personalized
inscription) make for a very rare piece of "Hot Toddy" memorabilia.
Estimated Value $900-1,100.
Lot 988
Two Grand Dames.
Lot of two pieces signed by two grand dames, one from the stage and one
on the screen. 1. Swanson, Gloria (1889-1993). Signed Photo
("Gloria Swanson"). Black and white, 7½ x 10", n.p., n.d.
Inscribed "'Manhandled'" in black ink across light pavement. Being a
studio still for feature Manhandled (1924). Two small chips at top,
otherwise fine condition. 2. Barrymore, Ethel (1879-1959). Signature
("Ethel Barrymore"). Signed program for "Whiteoaks" at The
Westchester Playhouse, June 1939. Minor foxing, some toning. Program is
complete, in very good condition.
Two striking actresses who
parlayed early glamorous images into later careers as character actresses.
Estimated Value $200-300.
Lot 989
Wallis, Hal B
(1899-1986). Film producer whose credits include Casablanca,
The Maltese Falcon, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Gunfight at the O.K.
Corral, as well as two films starring Elvis Presley, King
Creole, and G.I. Blues.
Typed Letter Signed
("Hal"). On a single quarto sheet, Hollywood, Oct. 13, 1960. On
Wallis' personalized stationery. In light blue ink. To Ms. Dorothy Manners
of Beverly Hills. Light time staining, light creases at the upper right
corner, with remnants of an adhesive at the upper right. In good to very
good condition overall.
A few years after making his first film with
Elvis Presley, Wallis writes an enthusiastic letter promoting the team's
next collaboration: "Last April, we sent you a copy of Elvis Presley's
first record album...Your reaction to that album was very gratifying and
the public agreed by buying it enthusiastically. Here now is an even better
album, this one from the sound track of my latest production G.I. BLUES, in
which Elvis delivers the best all-around entertainment performance of his
career..."
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 990
Zinnemann, Fred
(1907-1997). Director and producer whose works include The Men
(1950), which introduced Marlon Brando, From Here to Eternity
(1953), High Noon (1952), Oklahoma! (1955).
Document
Signed ("Fred Zimmermann"). In French. One page, octavo, Paris,
France, April 18, 1955. Being an International Driver's Permit. Signed in
blue ink. Toning to front and back covers, very light soiling, and soft
creases from use on front cover. Signature is clear and bold. In very good
condition overall.
Zimmermann lends his signature to this official
French permit, allowing the United States resident permission to drive. A
photograph of the director appears inside the booklet, stamped several
times by the Automobile Club of France.
Estimated Value $400-600.
Lot 991
1916 Souvenir Celebrity
Playing Cards. Complete 53 card set of Movie Souvenir Playing
Cards. Published in 1916, each 2½ x 3½" card features the
image of an early silver screen celebrity. Set includes such legends as
Charlie Chaplin, William S. Hart, Ruth Roland, and the Talmadge
Sisters, among others. Verso of each card is decorated with an image
from the historical chariot racing scene from Cecil B. DeMille's "Ben Hur".
Accompanied by the original playing card box. Each card is in very fine
condition, though the box is a bit worn at the edges.
Estimated Value
$250-350.
Lot 992
1940s Autograph Book.
Small autograph book with leather cover measuring 6¼ x
4½", bound with woven cord. Featuring the signatures of some of the
most popular stars of the 1930s and 1940s, including: Zasu Pitts, Nelson
Eddy, Anna Mae Wong, Mickey Rooney, William Powell, Dorothy Lamour, Fred
MacMurray, Edgar Bergen, Penny Singleton ("Blondie"), Joe E. Brown, Ray
Milland, James Cagney, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Groucho Marx, Harold Lloyd,
Jack Benny, Franchot Tone, Pat O'Brien, Connie Boswell, Rochester, and
many more. Most of the signatures have been tipped into the book, along
with small printed photos. One page is loose, there is minor fading at the
edges of most pages and some discoloration from adhesive on a few of the
pages. Overall, in very good to fine condition.
Presumably the
autograph book of a young fan, with many of the autographs inscribed "To
Eddie."
Estimated Value $800-1,000.
Lot 993
Entertainment
Personalities. 1. Duke, Patty. (b. 1946). Typed Letter Signed.
One page, quarto, n.p., July 11, 1963. To Joseph Jacobs of United Artists
Television, Inc. New York City. Also signed by her mother, Frances Duke.
Being an authorization to send 20% of Duke's salary payments to the Los
Angeles County Clerk and 80% to Patty Duke Enterprises. 2. Kalmer, Bert
& Ruby, Harry. Typed Document Signed. One page, quarto & Four pages,
octavo. Hollywood, January 7, 1938. Being an agreement by M.G.M. to pay the
duo $250.00 for a radio sketch. Additionally, there are three inter-office
memos (one of which is signed), plus a sheet from the office of Thomas J.
Robinson, September 30, 1968, n.p., concerning "Wiz of Oz" and Judy
Garland. 3. Miller, Mitch. (b. 1911). Typed Document Signed. Eight
pages, quarto, Hollywood, December 6, 1972. Being an agreement by United
Artists Records, Inc. to Miller regarding the production of a cast album of
the musical play Sugar. 4. Sullivan, Ed. (1902- 1974). Typed
Document Signed. Two pages, folio, n.p., June 15, 1938. Accomplished in
carbon typescript, being an assignment for the broadcast of a symphonic
tone poem called "Hollywood."
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 994
Hollywood Executives,
Producers and Directors. Dating the Golden Age of Hollywood, here we
offer a group of items signed by the movers and shakers behind the
cameras. Including a Typed Letter Signed by Joseph M. Schneck; a
Typed Letter Signed by Carl Laemmle, Sr.; two Typed Letters Signed
by producer Dore Schary; a Typed Letter Signed written to Dore
Schary to which he has added a handwritten response; a black and white
photograph of Darryl Zanuck with producer and writer Mark Hellinger
which Hellinger has signed and inscribed; and an Inscribed Visiting Card
signed by Cecil B. deMille. Light toning to a few pieces, with a
stain on one Schary letter, and abrasions to a corner of the Laemmle
letter. Overall, the group is in good condition.
Estimated Value
$300-400.
Lot 995
Hollywood Heroes.
Twenty pieces total. Large group of Hollywood ephemera including Signed
Photos of James Cagney, Alan Ladd, John Gilbert, and
Eddie Cantor; three Typed Letters Signed by Eddie Cantor; an
Autograph Letter Signed by Buster Crabbe with original transmittal
envelope; a Signature of Walter Huston on a Shubert Theater program
for "Apple of his Eye"; Signatures of Art Carney, Broderick
Crawford, and Charlton Heston, each on printed sketches of the
actors; a Typed Letter Signed by Bob Hope with original transmittal
envelope and two cut signatures; and finally, Signatures of Spencer
Tracy, Frederic March, Harold Lloyd, and Red
Skelton -- each taken from the pages of an autograph book. Conditions
range from good to very fine.
Estimated Value $450-650.
Lot 996
Leading Ladies.
This collection of celebrity memorabilia features eleven autographed
mementos of Hollywood's classic beauties including Typed Letters Signed
by Lucille Ball, Celeste Holm, and Carol Burnett;
Autograph Letters Signed by Barbara Stanwyck, Norma Shearer,
and Greer Garson; an inscribed visiting card signed by Olivia de
Havilland; 8 x 10" signed black and white photos of Joan
Crawford and Paula Abdul; and the Signatures of Olivia de
Havilland and Gloria Swanson. Conditions range from fair to very
fine. Bidders are strongly encouraged to view this lot.
Estimated Value
$350-450.
Lot 997
Sagebrush Stars.
Signed Photographs of Hollywood Cowboys. Nine Black & White, 8 x 10"
photographs of famous western stars from television and the silver screen.
Includes a photograph of John Hart as the "Lone Ranger," inscribed,
"To my very nice friend Mary Bailey: Sincere best wishes John Hart 'The
Lone Ranger.'"; an 8 x 10" printed montage of the principal cast of
Television's "The Lone Ranger", signed by Clayton Moore; a beaming
headshot of Rex Allen; a portrait with horses of Monte Hall;
a grizzly headshot of Jack Elam; a two-fisted TV still of character
actor Pat Buttiam; a scowling headshot of Yakima Canutt; and
two western images of actor Harry Carey, Jr. Most of the photographs
are inscribed as well as signed in full.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 998
The Crooners
Collection. 1.Peggy Lee. Signed Card ("Peggy Lee"). One
page, octavo, n.p., n.d. Being a personalized card featuring a printed line
drawing of Lee. In black ink. To Mr. Otto Painter of Los Angeles.
Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, postmarked December 4,
1985. Envelope has handwritten calculations covering it, but the card is in
excellent condition. 2. Frankie Laine. Autographed Letter Signed
("Frankie Laine"). One page, quarto, San Diego, "2-26-85". In
black ink. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. Two horizontal
folds, and envelope is heavily toned with a few chips. Still in good
condition. 3. Donald Mills. Inscribed Golf Scorecard Signed
("Mills Bros Donald Mills"). One page, oblong duodecimo, Rancho
Park, n.d. Being a Rancho Park golf course scorecard. In pencil. With three
horizontal folds and a few minor stains. In very good to fine condition
overall.
Here we offer three unique mementos from famous singers
Peggy Lee, Frankie Laine, and Donald Mills of the Mills Brothers. Each
writes a short note in appreciation of a fan.
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 999
Two Gentlemen of the
Stage and Screen. Lot of two letters from men who made their screen
debuts in 1938, but whose careers followed very different paths. 1.
Price, Vincent. (1911-1993). Autograph Letter Signed
("Vincent"). One page, quarto, 1966 or 1967, Los Angeles. On
personalized stationery. To Chester Kerr. Staple holes at top edge, two
horizontal mailing holes, foxing. In very good condition. 2. Redgrave,
Michael. (1908-1985). Autograph Letter Signed ("Michael"). Two
pages, quarto, London, no date. On personalized stationery. To "Walter."
Two horizontal mailing folds with some minor crumpling at the left. In very
good condition.
Price's letter expresses regrets missing a visit
while he was filming The Jackals in South Africa: "Damn it this
time I was in South Africa doing a flick and only arrived back too late for
your short visit. At least you could have showed up in Nairobi or some such
place!...Ever, Vincent". Redgrave also details projects, speeches and
travels: "...I leave my play in 3 weeks time; and then go to Buda Pest
to give a Shakespeare recital. From thence I go to Vienna, to talk about
the Burgtheater production of 'Aspen Papers'...and then join Rachel in
Venice and on to Ravenna, Florence, Rome. After that, Greece. Or rather,
Corfu...All my best wishes, Michael".
Estimated Value $175-275.