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Darryl F. Zanuck – producer and co-founder of Twentieth Century Fox. Signed letter “Darryl,” March 29, 1948, two pages, to Hollywood columnist and publicist Irving Hoffman. Zanuck gives behind the scenes blow-by-blow accounting of his being passed over for the prestigious Thalberg award. Although he was not present, he reports division between camps for Jerry Wald and Dore Schary. Zanuck’s 1948 letter counts the votes for the 1947 award, when no award was made – for reasons explained in his letter. Wald did win the prize in 1948.
Zanuck explains his being passed over. “The biggest objection against me was the fact that I have won it twice previously. This of course is really stupid. We were the only studio with 22 nominations and 2 pictures nominated in the best 5 … However, you would be surprised to know that there are still a number of people who think that a subject like Gentleman’s Agreement should not be put on the screen.”
The same arguments must have carried over into 1949, when, for the second time, no award was made. Then in 1950 Zanuck won for the third time, overcoming the “stupid” objections of two years earlier. The Irving Thalberg award recognizes producers for the body of their work rather than an individual film. It is considered one of the entertainment industry’s highest honors for creativity behind the cameras.
This is a fabulous and rare look into the politics of Hollywood awards during its Golden Age, from one of the industry’s biggest names. It is in fine condition with minor paperclip stain on the top left margin. Two pages.
[#6647]
Herman Wouk – Pulitzer Prize winning novelist. Signed letter, September 19, 1980, on BSW Literary Agency letterhead. Demonstrating his generosity with autograph collectors and connection with veterans, Wouk sends Ron Fisher at the New York Veterans Administration signed “sheets” of the Caine Mutiny “for you and your friends.” The sheets are not present. He also invited Fischer to read an upcoming article on “the present military situation” and offer any reaction. The letter is in mint, unfolded condition, with an attractive blue-ink full signature “Herman Wouk.” It has nice association to one of his most famous novels, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize and fame. The novel was adapted to both a Broadway play and a movie, starring Humphrey Bogart
#6536
John Pershing and Marshall Ferdinand Foch – uncommon photograph of the two WW I allied commanders personally signed by each on the photographer’s mat. The image is blind stamped in the lower right “The Phillips Studio/ 1507 Walnut St. Phila.” That helps date the photo to November/December 1921 when the French military hero toured the United States and made a few joint appearances with his American counterpart. The photo was likely signed by each during that time.
There are a few chips along the blank border and some overall toning but still an unusually good and uncommon image, measuring 7 x 9 printed on the photographer’s mat measuring 8.25 x 11.75.
[#6667]
Edward, Duke of Windsor – a spectacular signed excerpt from his address to the British people announcing his abdication as King Edward VIII. The excerpt of his December 11, 1936 address includes one of the most remarkable lines of the 20th Century, indeed in all Royal history: “I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as King as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love.”
The 8 x 11 plain sheet has the typewritten title King Edward VIII, below a line intended for signing. No longer able to sign as the ruling “Edward R.I.” the former monarch respectfully signed to the side, with his later title “Eward Duke of Windsor.” Edward and Wallis Simpson were somewhat accommodating to friends seeking an autograph. He considered his abdication an act of honor and personal courage, yet he seldom signed copies of the Instrument of Abdication or excerpts from his radio address.
This is a wonderful example with what looks like a small blue ink stain on the back showing through below the typed title but away from the signature. It is encased in a plastic slab with an authentication label by PS/DNA. These slabs can be broken open and the documents safely removed. It is accompanied with an 8 x 10 press photo of the Duke and Duchess on their Wedding Day.
[#6400]
The American Orator, With An Appendix …. – Lewis C. Munn, fourth edition,1855, Worcester self-published, printed by Stacy and Richardson, Boston. 446 pp, red cloth cover darkened to a brown color. This anthology of speeches and writings is a hidden gem for autograph collectors. The selected works of “American eloquence” lean heavily into political and patriotic topics, all forgotten or easily found in other books and of course the internet. The Appendix of 38 pages includes excellent facsimiles of hundreds of early signatures from the collection of Charles Morse. (A complete fourth edition includes 46 pages of facsimiles. This copy is missing the last 8 pages.) An additional appendix includes a transcript of the Declaration with facsimiles signatures of the Signers as they appeared on the document.
For autograph collectors, this is one of the first American publications, may be the first, reproduction of an autograph collection in facsimile. It is a wonderful example of early collecting with hundreds of strong facsimiles running back to some Mayflower passengers.
[#6326]