Tom Gregory HOLLYWOOD AUCTION Thursday, December 15, 2016 www.RRAuction.com
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THE TOM GREGORY COLLECTION Bid online December 8-15 Bidding begins Thursday, December 8th. At 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th the one-hour extended bidding period begins followed immediately by the 30 Minute Rule. All times in RR Auction guidelines and instructions are stated according to the Eastern (U.S.) time zone.
Contents Tom Gregory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Silent Film Era. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1930s Hollywood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1940s Hollywood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1950s Hollywood.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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1960s Hollywood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Conditions of Sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Framed photos in the Tom Gregory Collection: Please note that the photograph dimensions provided on framed items indicate what is now visible within the mat and frame. It is likely that most photographs measure around the common 8 x 10 or 11 x 14 sizes beneath the mat; if not exactly, they may be neatly trimmed similar to other examples within the collection.
The finest compendium of Hollywood signed photographs ever assembled
Photo credit: Patricia Williams
Far from Hollywood, Tom Gregory found his first stars in an old house in the rural marshland community of Dividing Creek, New Jersey. Searching for a peaceful life, his grandmother had just moved downstate from the urban blight of Camden to ‘the Creek.’ Four-yearold Tom was excitedly exploring the cavernous house when he discovered a small box that had been left behind in a utility closet by the former owner. It was filled with early Hollywood glamour portraits. While not all were signed, one particular photo autographed by actress Dorothy Lamour seared an indelible impression in the wide-eyed little boy. Twenty years later, starstruck from a lifetime of afternoon films and late-night movies, Tom made his way west in his ’72 Impala. By the time he reached LA—with cars whizzing by like a classic film noir flick— Tom knew he was home. Working on the periphery of the entertainment business, he saved for, honed, and built his collection. Through trial, error, and patience, he identified reputable dealers, pouncing upon only the very best example of each star.
Tom Gregory A bit of a celebrity in his own right, Tom has amassed a collection that can accurately be deemed ‘world class.’ From the silent age to the sixties, this entirely photographic assortment of silver screen and television legends features a who’s who of dapper leading men, glamorous starlets, and offbeat character actors. The spotlight shines behind-the-scenes as well, featuring no shortage of influential producers, infamous directors, and ingenious screenwriters. Obscure and sought-after signatures aside, the historic qualities of the photographs themselves are unique selling points. The evolution of the Hollywood Glamour shot is evident throughout this expansive collection. Among many influential photographers featured in this compendium are Clarence Sinclair Bull, Ruth Harriet Louise, Eugene Robert Richee, Frank S. Hoover, and Elmer Fryer. This offering not only represents many of the earliest and most important studios and operatives, but the photos curated here represent those that turned ordinary studio contract players into Hollywood stars, illustrious luminaries, and unfading legends.
SILENT FILM ERA With nearly seventy percent of all silent era films destroyed or missing, the significance of surviving material, namely the performer portrait and production scene still, cannot be understated. The exciting new medium of film thrilled moviegoers while subsequently glorifying its stars, with no shortage of innovative photographers, like Melbourne Spurr, G. Maillard Kesslere, Albert Witzel, and Irving Chidnoff, looking to capture the mystical and quiet allure of their subjects. The sultry stare of vamp Theda Bara or the dangerous glance of Rudolph Valentino was framed with a pictorialist technique, one characterized by soft, hazy lighting and a decidedly romantic and dreamlike quality.
Arbuckle less than a month after the 1921 Rappe incident 8001
Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 seated portrait of Arbuckle, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Madeline and Claude, With all my Love and sincere Best wishes, Roscoe, San Francisco, Oct. 23rd, 1921.” Also signed in pencil by the photographer. Pencil notation on reverse reads, “Taken in his suite in Paris in 1920.” In very good to fine condition, with creasing and soiling to the borders, missing lower right corner, and mounting remnants to reverse. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT On September 5, 1921, Arbuckle took a break from a hectic film schedule to drive to San Francisco with two friends and entertain guests in a private hotel suite. Among those in attendance was Virginia Rappe, whose tragic death four days later placed Arbuckle as the main witness. He was arrested and charged with manslaughter, with his first trial starting on November 14, 1921, less than a month after signing this image.
Inscribed to Hollywood’s first female photographer 8002
Vilma Banky Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Stunning vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 portrait of Banky wrapped in a fur shawl, signed and inscribed to the photographer in fountain pen, “To Ruth Harriet Louise, many thanks for the beautiful pictures, Sincerely, Vilma Banky, 1929.” In very good to fine condition, with soiling to bottom and right edges, affecting portion of signature surname, and scrapbook remnants to reverse. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Silent Film Era | December 15, 2016 5
8003
8005
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Vintage matte-finish 7.5 x 9.5 profile portrait of Bara by Melbourne Spurr of Hollywood, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To dear Mrs. Barrett, with deepest appreciation, Theda Bara, 1926.” Lower right corner bears a Spurr blindstamp, and the reverse a Spurr photography stamp. Trimmed and in fine condition, with scattered silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 full-length portrait of Basquette posing in a lovely flowing ballerina gown, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mrs. Bill Keefe, Sincerest regards & best wishes, from, Lina Basquette, 1928.” Also signed by the photographer in black pencil. Reverse bears a Jean de Strelecki photography stamp. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Lina Basquette Oversized Signed Photograph
Theda Bara Signed Photograph
America’s Prima Ballerina
An American actress (1907–1994) remembered for an entertainment career that spanned over seven decades. Follies producers officially dubbed her ‘America’s Prima Ballerina.’
8004
John Barrymore Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American stage and screen actor (1882–1942) whose rise to stardom and subsequent decline due to alcoholism became one of the legendary tragedies of Hollywood lore. Striking vintage sepia matte-finish 7.75 x 9.75 profile portrait of Barrymore by Melbourne Spurr, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Stanford B. Witwer [&] Albert Lang, with good wishes, from, John Barrymore, 1933.” Lower left corner bears a Spurr blindstamp, with a Spurr portrait stamp on the reverse. In very good to fine condition, with scattered silvering and a small tear to left edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
6 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8006
8007
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
American actor (1886– 1971) best known for his character roles alongside such early comic giants as Charlie Chaplin and W. C. Fields. Semi-glossy 10.25 x 13.25 close-up publicity portrait of Conklin by Eugene Robert Richee, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my good friend Peggy, ‘just for fun,’ Chester.” Lower right corner bears a Richee blindstamp, with the reverse stamped twice by Paramount Pictures. In fine condition. Collector’s ink notations on the reverse indicate that Conklin signed this photo not long after his 1965 marriage to June Gunther, who resided with Conklin and other patients at the Motion Picture Country Home and Hospital. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
American actor (1914–1984) who began his movie career as a child actor in silent films, most notably alongside Charlie Chaplin in The Kid. After serving in World War II, Coogan returned to acting, later finding his most famous television role as Uncle Fester in ABC’s The Addams Family. Vintage glossy 8 x 10 photo of Coogan as a child, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Arthur J. Carruth III, from your friend, Jackie Coogan.” In fine condition, with two tack holes to top edge, a couple small creases and some scattered light silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Chester Conklin Oversized Signed Photograph
Jackie Coogan Signed Photograph
Early photo of the famed Hollywood showman 8008
Sid Grauman Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Theater owner (1879–1950) famed for his collection of hand and foot prints of movie stars. Oversized vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 portrait of a young Grauman by Irving Chidnoff, signed and inscribed in crisp fountain pen, “To Ruth, Who don’t love her? Sid Grauman.” Reverse bears a Chidnoff credit stamp. In fine condition, with mild top and bottom edge rippling, corner bends, and absent bottom left corner tip. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Grauman remains particular scarce in signed photos, with this example augmented by its atypical size and the famed showman’s youthful appearance.
Silent Film Era | December 15, 2016 7
Brilliant portrait of the cinema pioneer 8009
D. W. Griffith Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Trailblazing filmmaker (1875–1948) who directed a number of important early classics, including Intolerance and the iconic Birth of a Nation. Exceptional vintage matte-finish 7.5 x 9.5 portrait of Griffith with crossed arms by the Hoover Art Co., signed in fountain pen, “Sincerely, D. W. Griffith.” Blindstamped in the lower left by the photography studio. In fine condition, with mild silvering to portions of bark background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Founded by Hollywood-area photographer Frank S. Hoover, the Hoover Art Company originated in 1913, and was soon recognized as the region’s leading photography studio. With innovative lighting effects, Hoover helped revolutionize the photo industry by producing photographs, which, through soft focus and artistic lighting, took on the graceful appearance of paintings. A simply gorgeous portrait enhanced furthermore by the sheer scarcity of Griffith, a filmmaker who remains highly sought-after in such a format.
The genius behind Universal Studios 8010
Carl Laemmle Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 German pioneer in American filmmaking and founder of Universal Studios (1867–1939), who, with the help of his son Carl Laemmle, Jr., produced many of the classic horror films of the 1930s. Vintage pearl-finish 8 x 10 portrait of Laemmle by Melvin H. Sykes of Chicago, signed in dark fountain pen, “Cordially yours, Carl Laemmle.” In very good condition, with scattered dings, small bends and surface impressions, and a few tiny chips to edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT With signed photos of Laemmle of notable scarcity, this is a highly appealing portrait of the Universal founder, who remains increasingly sought-after across all formats.
8 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Rare portrait of the famed producer 8011
Jesse Lasky Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Founder of Paramount Pictures and pioneering Hollywood producer (1880–1958). Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10.5 portrait by Campbell Studio of New York, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Herbert Brenon, In sincere appreciation of ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Kiss for Cinderella,’ Gratefully, Jesse L. Lasky, 1925.” In very good condition, with scattered scratching. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
The seldom-seen William Desmond Taylor 8012
William Desmond Taylor Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Prolific American director and actor (1872–1922) during the booming motion-picture industry of the 1910s and early 1920s; his unsolved murder at the age of 49 produced one of Hollywood’s largest scandals. Scarce vintage semi-glossy 8 x 10 Albert Witzel portrait of a seated and sharply dressed Taylor, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “All the good luck in the world—Dusty, from, Bill Taylor, 1917.” Reverse bears a photography credit stamp, as well as collector’s pencil notations. In fine condition, with vertical scratch to central background and signature contrast. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT The recipient of the photo was Dustin Farnum, a notable silent film and stage actor who is best remembered for his roles in westerns like Cecil B. DeMille’s The Squaw Man. Taylor remains incredibly rare across all formats, with this being the third signed item we have ever offered.
Silent Film Era | December 15, 2016 9
Uncommon oversized portrait of the acclaimed director 8013
William Wellman Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American film director (1896–1975) who helmed such classics as Wings, The Public Enemy, and the original version of A Star Is Born. Vintage matte-finish 7.5 x 11.5 portrait of Wellman in a dapper jacket and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Jack: Thank God another ‘Mick’ is still in evidence—Good luck to you and success always, Bill Wellman.” Blindstamped in the lower right by photographer Eugene Robert Richee. Matted and framed to an overall size of 15 x 19.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
8014
Adolph Zukor Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 6.75 x 9.25 Pach Bros. portrait of Zukor, affixed to its original 10 x 13 studio mount, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Herbert Brennan, In appreciation of your accomplishment in preserving the spirit of Peter Pan through the motion picture, Adolph Zukor Jany. 1st, 1925.” Signed in the lower left corner by the photography studio. Two sizable chips to mount and a touch of light silvering, otherwise fine condition. Brennan directed the 1924 silent version of Peter Pan. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
10 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Adolph Zukor
A pioneering American motion picture producer and executive (1873–1976) who was the founder and longtime head of Paramount Studios.
8015
8016
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Vintage glossy 11 x 14 MGM publicity portrait of Gilbert by Ruth Harriet Louise, signed and inscribed in dark fountain pen, “For ‘Bert’ with my very best wishes, John Gilbert.” Lower right corner bears a Louise blindstamp, with two MGM stamps on reverse. In very good to fine condition, with scattered overall creasing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Vi n t a g e m a t t e - f i n i s h 9 x 12 photo of Gish with her hands softly folded in her lap, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Andrew Hoff, with gratitude for his many kindnesses, Sincerely, Lillian Gish.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
John Gilbert Oversized Signed Photograph
Lillian Gish Oversized Signed Photograph
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
Rare Spurr portrait of the mysterious ‘Father of the Western’ 8017
Thomas H. Ince Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Silent film star, director, producer, and screenwriter (1882– 1924). Highly desirable vintage matte-finish 9.75 x 12 Spurr portrait of Ince, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To John Ellis, Seasons greetings, Thos. H. Ince, 1920.” In fine condition, with some surface marks and scratches, and a spot of staining to blank border, which could be easily matted out. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Though his death was announced to be of natural causes, rumors of foul play were widely circulated, with many claiming that William Randolph Hearst accidentally shot and killed Ince during a party on board his yacht. Given Ince’s importance in Hollywood history and unusual early death, his autographic material is both very collectible and extremely rare. Only the third Ince-signed item we have ever offered.
Silent Film Era | December 15, 2016 11
8018
Emil Jannings Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Swiss-born German–Austrian actor and the first winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor (1884–1950) who is best known for his collaborations with F. W. Murnau and Josef von Sternberg. Vintage sepia matte-finish 7.75 x 10 photo, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mr. Ralph D. Blummerfield, Sincerely, E. Jannings.” In fine condition, with a trivial spot of silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Rare photo of the beautiful La Marr 8019
Barbara La Marr Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Beautiful silent screen star and early horror actress (1896–1926) who lived an extravagant Hollywood lifestyle and died tragically young of tuberculosis. Extraordinarily rare and beautiful vintage sepia matte-finish 7.25 x 9.5 portrait of La Marr bathed in soft light, signed and inscribed in green fountain pen, “To Margaret, With love, Lest she forget, Barbara, 4-2-’20.” Reverse bears an original photographer’s stamp from Woodbury of Los Angeles. In fine condition, with a few unobtrusive surface creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT After a brief employment writing screenplays at Fox studios, La Marr made her film debut in 1920, starring in six movies and earning the reputation as ‘The Most Beautiful Girl In The World.’ A tender depiction of the ill-fated starlet, and only the third La Marr autograph we have offered.
12 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8020
Harry Langdon Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American actor and comedian (1884–1944) whose best work rivaled that of Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Buster Keaton; he is best remembered for the films The Strong Man, Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, and Long Pants. Excellent vintage matte-finish 10 x 13.25 photo of Langdon, in later age, enjoying a smoke in a suit and top hat, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To ‘Dingo’ the best in the world to you—I mean the best, Sincerely, Harry Langdon.” In fine condition, with a lightly trimmed edge and some mild edge rippling. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Lonesone Luke
Playing off the success of Charlie Chaplin films, Lloyd and Hal Roach created the character of Lonesome Luke and produced nearly seventy short movies between 1915–1917.
8022
Harold Lloyd Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage sepia matte-finish 11 x 14 half-length portrait of a jubilant Lloyd, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To dear Carmen, from, Harold.” In fine condition, with some edge and corner wear. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8023
Harold Lloyd Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage pearl-finish 8 x 10 full-length photo of Lloyd, arms akimbo, as the character Lonesome Luke, signed in fountain pen, “‘Lonesome Luke,’ His morning smile, Harold C. Lloyd.” In fine condition, with creasing to lower left. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Silent Film Era | December 15, 2016 13
8024
8025
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Scarce vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 portrait of Moreno, signed and inscribed in Spanish to the photographer in black ink (translated), “Alive is my sympathy for the Senorita Ruth Harriet Louise, Respectfully, Antonio Moreno.” Reverse bears a MGM–Louise credit stamp. In very good condition, with moderate portions of soiling heaviest to lower right and absent upper left corner. Only the sixth Moreno-signed photo we have offered, and the first such example in a dozen years. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Vintage matte-finish 6.25 x 8.25 Apeda portrait of Nazimova in a haughty headand-shoulders pose, attractively signed in bold fountain pen. In fine condition, with a small tack hole, crease, and spot to top border, and a tiny chip to lower right corner tip. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Antonio Moreno Oversized Signed Photograph
Nazimova Signed Photograph
Rarely seen oversized portrait of the scandalous silent screen star 8026
Mabel Normand Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Popular silent-era actress (1892–1930) who, after a colorful career that included a number of scandals, died of tuberculosis at age 37. Gorgeous vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 portrait of Normand in profile by Mishkin of New York, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mr. W. Ward Marsh, with my sincere appreciation, Mabel Normand, 1924.” In fine condition, with slightly trimmed edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT In 1924, Normand’s chauffeur Joe Kelly shot and wounded millionaire oil broker and amateur golfer Courtland S. Dines with Normand’s pistol. Similar to the murder of William Desmond Taylor two years earlier, Normand was never considered a suspect. A simply beautiful image with an immaculate signature.
14 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Large 1925 publicity photo from the Pickford Estate 8027
Mary Pickford Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage semi–glossy 10.75 x 13.5 K. O. Rahmn publicity photo of Pickford surrounded by four puppies, signed in purple ink, “Sincerely, Mary Pickford.” Also signed in white ink by the photographer, who adds the date, “1925.” In fine condition, with a few small edge chips. Originates from the estate of Mary Pickford. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8028
8029
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Vintage matte-finish 7.5 x 9.5 Hartsook portrait of Pickford in a fulllength pose playing with a pair of kittens, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To— Knox Polk Walker, Kindest wishes, from, Mary Pickford.” In very good condition, with scattered creasing and spots of soiling. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Superb vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 D’Gaggaeri portrait of Pitts with a haunting upward gaze, signed and inscribed in white ink, “To Joan, In appreciation of your many kindnesses, always, Zasu.” Signed in the lower left in white ink by the photography studio. Trimmed and in fine condition, with some chipping to edges and light scattered silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Mary Pickford Signed Photograph
ZaSu Pitts Oversized Signed Photograph
Silent Film Era | December 15, 2016 15
8030
8032
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Uncommon vintage sepia matte-finish 8 x 10 portrait of Ralston, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To my real friend and able co-worker, Howard Greer, Always, Sincerely, Esther Ralston.” Signed in the lower right in fountain pen by the photographer, “G. Maillard Kesslere, 1/25.” In fine condition.
Appealing matte-finish 11 x 14 Maurice Seymour portrait of Rogers with a dreamy stare, signed later in gold ink, “Chas Buddy Rogers.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Charles ‘Buddy’ Rogers Oversized Signed Photograph
Esther Ralston Oversized Signed Photograph
COLLECTOR INSIGHT Greer was a Hollywood fashion designer and a costume designer in the Golden Age of American cinema; he created both personal and film wardrobes for stars including Mary Pickford, Gloria Swanson, Ginger Rogers, and Katherine Hepburn.
8031
Wallace Reid Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American silent screen actor and director (born 1891) who was referred to as ‘the screen’s most perfect lover’; died in 1923 at the age of 31 as a result of alcohol and morphine addiction. Rare vintage matte-finish 5.5 x 7.5 Degaston portrait of Reid seated and wearing a woolen coat and hat, signed in fountain pen, “Cordially, Wallace Reid.” Matted to an overall size of 11 x 14. In fine condition, with a few smudges and silvering to the darker portions. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8033
Gloria Swanson Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 9 x 12 soft-focus glamour shot of Swanson, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Winnie and Warner, affectionately, Gloria, 1936.” Also signed in the lower left in pencil by the photographer, “Hal Phyfe.” Nicely cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
16 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8035
8034
Norma Talmadge Oversized Signed Photograph
Constance Talmadge Oversized Signed Photograph
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200 Vintage glossy 9.75 x 12.75 G. Maillard Kesslere portrait of Talmadge wearing an ornate coat and headband, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Clarence Brown, Every success to you always, Sincerely, Constance Talmadge.” Reverse bears a Kesslere photography stamp. In fine condition, with trimmed edges, a few surface marks and scratches. A notable filmmaker for Universal Pictures and MGM, Brown directed several Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo movies, and is tied with Robert Altman and Alfred Hitchcock for the most Academy Award nominations for best director without a single win. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
American actress and film producer (1894–1957) of the silent era who is deemed one of the most elegant and glamorous film stars of the roaring twenties; her younger sister Constance Talmadge was also a movie star. Vintage glossy 10.75 x 13.75 Melbourne Spurr portrait of Talmadge, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Clarence Brown, With sincere good wishes for even greater success, Sincerely yours, Norma Talmadge.” Lower left corner bears a Spurr blindstamp, with the reverse featuring the photographer’s portrait stamp. Trimmed and in very good condition, with scattered surface impressions, portions of discoloration, a tear to upper right edge, and paper loss to upper edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8036
Erich von Stroheim Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Legendary director (1885–1957) whose autocratic nature and profligacy brought an end to his directorial career. He went on to enjoy success as a character actor, perhaps most memorably as Gloria Swanson’s faithful butler in the 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard. Vintage matte-finish 7.5 x 9.75 photo of von Stroheim posing in a suit and tie, signed in fountain pen, “Sincerely yours, Erich von Stroheim.” In fine condition, with some scattered spots of mild silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Silent Film Era | December 15, 2016 17
Westerns
Beginning in the silent era, Westerns would go on to become one of the most popular film genres through all the way to the sixties. For a selection of 1930s Western stars, see page 77.
8037
8039
Buck Jones Signed Photograph
Hoot Gibson Oversized Signed Photograph
Starting Bid $200 American motion picture star (1891– 1942) who made films through the 1920s to the 1940s, remembered for his work in many popular western movies; he died from injuries incurred at Boston’s tragic Cocoanut Grove fire. Vintage matte-finish 7 x 9 photo of Jones in near-profile, wearing a cowboy hat and lighting a cigarette, signed and inscribed in white ink, “To a friend o mine, Wilbur McGaugh, from, Buck Jones.” Trimmed edges, a subtle hint of silvering, and a few tiny emulsion chips to edges, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8038
George O’Brien Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Attractive vintage matte-finish 10.25 x 13.25 close-up portrait of O’Brien wearing a large hat, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Dorothy Collins, Best Wishes Always, George O’Brien.” Lightly trimmed and in fine condition, with a tiny tear to upper right corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Starting Bid $200 American rodeo champion (1892– 1962) who became a pioneer cowboy film actor, director, and producer. Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13.25 portrait of Gibson in trademark western attire, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “H. E. Hart, Kindest Regards, from, Hoot.” Trimmed and fine condition, with scattered creasing, a spot of stray ink to background, and some tiny flecks of ink loss, in no way affecting legibility. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8040
Tom Mix Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 studio portrait of Mix dressed in cowboy attire, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To My Friends Mr. & Mrs. Von Tress, Best Wishes, Tom Mix.” Affixed to a same-sized piece of thin cardstock. In very good condition, with roughly trimmed, chipped, fragile edges, and spots of staining and emulsion loss. In spite of its flaws, this remains an attractive depiction of Mix with a bold, untouched inscription. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
18 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
After thirty years of pantomime, title cards, and live orchestration, the arrival of sound forever revolutionized the cinematic experience and ushered in the Golden Age of Hollywood. Audiences groomed on the silent magnetism of Mabel Normand and startling action of William Wellman were now confronted with a more palpable style of entertainment. Realism made its way to the silver screen like never before, and its stars—suddenly alive with voice, suddenly not so distant—were skillfully marketed through the
The Golden Age of
Hollywood artistic lens of glamour photographers like Hurrell, Bull, Richee, Louise, and others. Enduring through both Depression and Second World War, the influence and popularity of the American movie star challenged that of royalty, reaching an apogee over the succeeding four decades that Hollywood has yet to replicate. Although the stars of that Golden Age have long since signed their final contracts, the Tom Gregory Collection offers a brilliant opportunity to recapture these celebrities at the peak of their prowess.
1930s HOLLYWOOD The visual elegance of the 1930s elevated the stature of Hollywood stars at a time when movies offered the nation temporary respite from the strain of the Great Depression. With the expertise of acclaimed studio photographers like George Hurrell, Clarence Sinclair Bull, Eugene Robert Richee, and Otto Dyar, actors and actresses suddenly appeared ‘larger than life.’ The role of glamour photography— constituted by high contrast lighting, sharp focus, geometric composition, expert retouching, high quality printing, and gender specific props and poses—was thrust into the limelight as the emergence of ‘talkies’ shifted the trend towards a more realistic beauty.
Exquisite oversized R.H. Louise portrait inscribed to ‘the next Garbo’ 8042
Greta Garbo Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,500 Amazing vintage circa 1927 matte-finish 10 x 13 portrait of Garbo by Ruth Harriet Louise, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Eva von Berne, Greta Garbo.” Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 17.75 x 20.75. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Hoping to discover ‘another Garbo,’ MGM production chief Irving Thalberg imported Eva von Berne from Vienna with the aim of making her a movie star—even though she knew little English and had never been on stage or screen. After much fanfare and publicity, von Berne was cast opposite John Gilbert— Garbo’s beau—in the 1928 film The Masks of the Devil. Despite respectable reviews, von Berne was soon sent back to Europe with no Hollywood future to look forward to. Before leaving, she was able to meet Garbo, her idol, and received this inscribed photograph; Garbo’s gift of a signed photo to Berne is described in multiple biographies. A truly fantastic and exceptionally rare portrait: signed photographs of Garbo are exceedingly rare—this is just the third we have offered in the past fifteen years.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com 1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 21
Hypnotic portrait of the tragic Danish actress 8043
Gwili Andre Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Danish actress and model (1908–1959) whose considerable beauty was likened to that of Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. Mesmerizing vintage matte-finish 7.25 x 9 Bachrach portrait of Andre gently holding her hands to her cheeks, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Brownie! With my best wishes, sincerely yours, Gwili Andre.” Photo bears an Ernest A. Bachrach blindstamp to the lower left, as well as a Radio Pictures ink stamp to reverse. In fine condition, with slightly trimmed edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A glowing image of the actress, this is just the fourth Andre signed photo we have ever offered.
Quintessential comedic leading lady
American actress (1900–1991) best known for her comic roles in such classics as Mr. Deeds Goes to Town and The More the Merrier. With the notable exceptions of A Foreign Affair and Shane, she effectively retired from the screen in 1944.
8044
8045
Jean Arthur Oversized Signed Photograph
Freddie Bartholomew Oversized Signed Photograph
Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 close-up portrait of Arthur, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Jimmie Starr—Wishing you as much happiness as you have given me—which is a very great deal, Jean Arth[ur].” In very good to fine condition, with lightly trimmed edges, scattered creases to facial area, a few edge dings, some light contrast to signature and inscription, and signature trailing off of edge of photo. Consignor notes this item originates from the personal collection of famed Hollywood columnist Jimmy Starr. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Starting Bid $200 British-born actor (1924–1992) whose title role in MGM’s David Copperfield made him an overnight star; he went on to appear in such classics as Anna Karenina, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and Captains Courageous. Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 MGM publicity portrait of the child star, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Raol Le Mat, Best wishes, Freddie Bartholomew.” Reverse bears a MGM credit stamp. In fine condition, with ink smudge to right border. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
22 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8046
Tallulah Bankhead Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Stunning vintage pearl finish 10.75 x 13.75 portrait of Bankhead by Eugene Robert Richee, signed and inscribed in ink, “To Nellie, with love, from, Tallulah Bankhead.” In fine condition, with a faint stain to right edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8047
Constance Bennett Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Exceptional vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 portrait of Bennett by Maurice Seymour, nicely signed and inscribed in white pencil, “To Marie Bodie, with best wishes, Constance Bennett.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8048
Jack Benny Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Amusing vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 photo of Benny looking around a corner, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Lou Landfield, Hello again! Jack Benny.” Reverse bears collector’s pencil notations of “12–23–63.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 23
8049
Joan Blondell Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 head-andshoulders portrait, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Mildred, all good wishes, Joan Blondell.” Blindstamped in the lower right by photographer Elmer Fryer. Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In fine condition, with some haloing to signature and inscription. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8051
8050
Alice Brady Oversized Signed Photograph
Beulah Bondi Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage glossy 8 x 10.25 head-andshoulders portrait of Bondi, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To W. L. Bessette, Cordially—Beulah Bondi.” Reverse bears a pair of The News Library stamps. Some scattered light surface marks and creases, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Starting Bid $200 American actress (1892–1939) during silent and sound films who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress two years before her death from cancer. Vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 half-length portrait of Brady leaning over the back of a cushioned chair, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Tommy—love and thanks, Alice.” In very good condition, with spots of discoloration and two corner bends and edge tears. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
24 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8052
Walter Brennan Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.5 close-up photo of Brennan holding a cigarette and biting his thumbnail, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Dick and Ruth, with best wishes always, Walter Brennan.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8054
Fanny Brice Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13 Thomas Catalano close-up portrait of Brice, signed and inscribed in the lower border in black ink, “To Merle Howell, with best wishes, Fanny Brice.” Lower right corner bears a Catalano blindstamp. Diagonal crease to lower left corner, scattered edge wear and dings, and a couple missing corner tips, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8053
George Brent Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Suave vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 photo of Brent in a dapper white shirt, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Best Wishes Pat, George Brent.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 25
8055
James Cagney Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Dashing vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 portrait of Cagney with his hair slicked back, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “This, Joan, is the Westmore version. If it bothers or begins to pall after a time let me know and I’ll send along something closer to the original. In any case my very best to you, Jim Cagney.” Blindstamped in the lower right by famed photographer Elmer Fryer. Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In very good condition, with a repaired central vertical tear, scattered silvering (heaviest to bottom right near the signature), and some spots of discoloration to background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A wonderful oversized portrait boasting an outstanding, self-aware inscription—the Westmore family has been involved in Hollywood makeup since the silent era.
8056
8057
Eddie Cantor Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10.25 x 13 profile portrait of Cantor in a handsome suit and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Bert and Jessie, Love, Eddie.” Trimmed and in fine condition, with some spotting to background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Ilka Chase Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 7.5 x 9.5 Talbot portrait of Chase in a lovely seated pose, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Andre Charise, with sincere good wishes, Ilka Chase, ‘Revenge with Music,’ 1934–35.” Also signed in the lower left by the studio in red ink. Reverse bears a photography studio credit stamp. Neatly trimmed and in fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
26 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8058
Maurice Chevalier Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage textured matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 close-up portrait of Chevalier wearing a tilted cap, signed and inscribed in white ink, “To Francis Lederer, who deserves everything, Maurice Chevalier.” Mounted, trimmed, and in fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8059
Claudette Colbert Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Wonderful vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 publicity portrait of a jubilantly lounging Colbert, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Malcolm, Sincere good wishes, Claudette Colbert.” Reverse bears an ink ownership notation. In fine condition, with a few chips, dings, and pinholes to edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Chevalier to Francis Lederer
Lederer was an Austrian-born film and stage actor remembered for his performances in Midnight (1939) and The Diary of Anne Frank (1958).
8060
Ronald Colman Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Intense vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 photo of Coleman clutching a cigarette between his fingers, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Clive & Mildred, With affection and most sincere regard, Ronnie.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 20. In fine condition, with an emulsion scratch to facial area, small gouge to left background, and some nicks to frame. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 27
8062
Russ Columbo Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Hollywood’s tragic crooner (1908–1934) who was killed when a friend accidentally set off a firearm, discharging a bullet that ricocheted off the table and hit Columbo in the forehead; at the time of his death, he was romantically involved with Carole Lombard. Vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 portrait of the multitalented Columbo, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To the Stars’ Friendship Club, Sincerest regards and kindest wishes always, Cordially—Russ Columbo.” In very good to fine condition, with two horizontal creases broaching the facial area and a crease to upper left and some silvering to background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Brilliant portrait of Cooper 8063
Gary Cooper Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage textured matte-finish 10.25 x 13.5 Eugene Robert Richee portrait of Cooper, signed and inscribed in black ink, “For Sam, With thanks for your help and wishing you the best—Gary Cooper, July 1930.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
28 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Joan as Remembered by Tom
Joan Crawford was the greatest star. The arc of her life is one for the history books. We watched her dance, grow, fight, work, survive, thrive, work, work, work, then just make a buck—all with great personal style and public flourish. Her life was a master class in the American dream. I bet she was tough on her kids, she was tough on herself and thrived. She was tough with me. My correspondence with Crawford began in the late sixties when I was just eight or nine. Her letters were warm, supportive, and always considerate and caring. Joan was introspective about life letting me know that she too came from a humble family. “I made my mistakes fast and learned from every one,” she once wrote. Respect and personal discipline were her constant advice. Joan always admonished me to prepare for a fruitful future. I was a lost and frightened little boy, but Joan had confidence in me. She made sure I knew she cared and that she expected great things to come of my life. Joan Crawford’s caring elevated my goals and made this pimpled kid from NJ break past perceived limitations and find contentment. I owe her for my taste, my awareness, my perpetual neatness, and my eternal love of film. Joan’s letters made me feel very special. In response to one of my letters, when I was having a very difficult time, Joan told me, “The world is your oyster. Someday you find your pearl and move on to let it go and find another and another.” Joan, I’m doing that here—letting a few pearls go. Because you knew how to model, emote, find the best photographers and the best light, your photos are consistently the most beautiful and among my most coveted. Thank you so much. I remember your soul everyday.
Lucille LeSueur muses: “Some things can be taken from us—But never beautiful memories” 8064
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Early vintage circa 1925 matte-finish 7 x 9 portrait of Crawford gazing directly into the camera, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Johnnie—Some things can be taken from us—But never beautiful memories. Love, Lu.” Blindstamped in the lower right by noted Hollywood photographer Ruth Harriet Louise. Attractively double-matted and framed to an overall size of 15.5 x 18.5. In fine condition, with a horizontal crease to the right edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A beautiful image signed by Crawford using a scarce variation of her given name, ‘Lucille.’
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 29
Hollywood’s ‘golden couple’: “Mrs. Dodo” and “Mr. Billie Bum” 8065
Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13.25 portrait of Joan Crawford posing closely with her first husband Douglas Fairbanks Jr., cryptically signed and inscribed by both in fountain pen, with Crawford writing, “Syd dear after all the years of sincere friendship you’ve given me, the only thing I can give you in return is friendship that is as equally sincere, God bless you, Always, Mrs. Dodo,” and by Fairbanks, “May Billie’s expressed sentiment be an opportunity for my or our future joint and prospective friendship—just ‘cause you’re being married tomorrow don’t think that you’re the luckiest man in the world—you’re not—I am—Best ever—Mr. Billie Bum.” In very good to fine condition, with some surface nicks and marks and photo trimmed and mounting remnants to reverse. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Crawford and Fairbanks were married from 1929 to 1933, and were deemed Hollywood’s golden couple during their briefly intense romance. Crawford’s penned surname of “Mrs. Dodo” is in reference to her husband’s nickname, Dodo, whereas Fairbanks’s playful signature likewise refers to his spouse; Crawford preferred the name “Billie” as a child growing up in Oklahoma.
8066
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Lovely vintage semi-glossy 8 x 10 heavyweight photo of Crawford with a wistful expression, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Lois Carlson, from Joan Crawford.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
30 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Hurrell portrait of Crawford gifted to a legendary MGM producer 8067
Joan Crawford Oversized Signed Photograph
Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 13 x 10 Hurrell portrait of Crawford in a lovely, dramatic pose, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Hunt Stromberg, My most profound gratitude to you and everlasting admiration & friendship, Joan Crawford.” Lower right corner bears a Hurrell blindstamp. In fine condition, with some surface marks and scuffs mainly to blank borders, and a tiny tear to middle of top edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Stromberg enjoyed a 30-year career during the Golden Age of Hollywood as a writer, director, and, most notably, a producer for films such as The Thin Man series, The Women, and The Great Ziegfeld, the latter earning him a Best Picture Oscar in 1937. After joining MGM in 1925, he became one of its key executives alongside Louis B. Mayer, Irving Thalberg, Harry Rapf, David O. Selznick, and Walter Wanger. Additionally, Stromberg produced the 1928 film Our Dancing Daughters, a movie that catapulted Crawford into stardom.
Reunion in France
In 1942, Crawford starred opposite John Wayne and Phillip Dorn in the MGM film Reunion in France.
8068
8069
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 seated portrait of Crawford by famed MGM photographer Laszlo Willinger, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Carol Davis, from, Joan Crawford.” Reverse bears an MGM–Willinger credit stamp. In fine condition, with a tiny pin hole to each corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Vintage glossy 8 x 10.25 MGM publicity photo of Crawford in a beautiful head-and-shoulders pose, signed and inscribed in green ink, “To Marie, from, Joan Crawford,” with collector’s ink notations in the lower left corner, “2/18/42.” In fine condition, with slight silvering to the darker areas. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 31
8070
8071
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Appealing matte-finish 8 x 10 George Hurrell reproduction portrait of Crawford in a lovely close-up pose, signed in blue ink, “Gratefully, Joan Crawford.” In fine condition, with an overall shade of toning. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Crawford staring directly into the camera, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Carroll Davis, from, Joan Crawford.” In fine condition, with single pin holes to upper and lower blank borders. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph
8072
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Crawford in a glamorous pose, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Hello to Richard Guziewski, Hope to see you at the Canteen again soon, Joan Crawford.” Collector’s notations on reverse indicate the signature was obtained in May 1945. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
32 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8075
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Uninscribed vintage semi-glossy 8 x 10 double-weight portrait of Crawford in a demure, seated pose, signed in fountain pen. In fine condition, with some creasing to blank borders. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8073
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Uninscribed glossy 8 x 10 double-weight photo of Crawford in a side pose and wearing a shimmering dress, signed in fountain pen. Reverse bears an MGM–Hurrell credit stamp. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8074
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Attractive vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 seated portrait of Crawford in soft light, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Victoria, from, Joan Crawford.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8076
Joan Crawford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Matte-finish 8 x 10 close-up photo of Crawford by Warner Brothers photographer Bert Six, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “Hello to Renee, from, Joan Crawford.” Reverse bears a photograph copyright stamp. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 33
8077
Bette Davis Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Attractive vintage matte-finish 10.25 x 13.5 portrait of Davis, signed and inscribed in fountain pen to noted character actor Eugene Pallette, “For Gene—I would never murder you from preference—Bette.” Mounted to a same-size piece of cardboard. In fine condition, with a couple surface dings and a light vertical crease to left side. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Del Rio wishes “worlds of happiness” Also signed by the studio, “Cannons, Hollywood.”
8079
Dolores Del Rio Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Mexican film actress (1904–1983) who was one of the premier Hollywood female stars in the 1920s and 1930s. Gorgeous vintage sepia matte-finish 9.75 x 13 soft-focus portrait of Del Rio by George Frederic Cannons, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Helen, Worlds of happiness to you, Dolores Del Rio.” Also signed in red ink by the studio, “Cannons, Hollywood.” Attractively cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 18 x 22. In fine condition, with slight irregular adhesion to signature.Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A stunning, extravagant portrayal of the beautiful cinema star.
34 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8080
Marlene Dietrich Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 studio portrait of Dietrich in a beautiful sparkling outfit, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To John Turner, my thanks and best wishes, Marlene Dietrich, 1944.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 17 x 20. In very good to fine condition, with a heavy diagonal crease to upper left, and some edge and corner tears, pinholes, and paper loss; the main image and signature area remain quite clean and attractive. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Crisp portrait of the award-winning director 8081
George Cukor Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American film director (1899–1983) best remembered for celebrated films like The Philadelphia Story, Gaslight, Adam’s Rib, Born Yesterday, A Star Is Born, and My Fair Lady, the latter of which earned him his first and only Academy Award for Best Director. Amazing vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 portrait of Cukor, signed and inscribed in white ink, “For Dorothy, with thanks and affection, George Cukor.” In fine condition, with light silvering to dark background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A wonderful oversized portrait of the Oscar-winning filmmaker early into his career.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 35
Early oversized Spurr portrait of the master film-maker 8082
John Ford Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Brilliant vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 Melbourne Spurr portrait of a young Ford, immersed in thought and with pipe in hand, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Tommy Turner, Sincerely, in appreciation, John Ford.” Lower left corner bears a Spurr blindstamp. Trimmed and in fine condition, with a spot of staining to upper right corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Ford began his directorial career during the silent era, making as many as sixty films between 1917 and 1928. Although undated, this portrait doubtlessly depicts Ford during the beginnings of a career that spanned well over fifty years. A wonderfully reflective image enhanced furthermore by the scarcity of its subject in oversized photos.
The elusive Oscar statuette designer 8083
Cedric Gibbons Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Irish art director and production designer for the film industry (1893–1960) who is credited as the designer of the Oscar statuette in 1928; he was nominated 38 times for the Academy Award for Best Production Design and won the Oscar 11 times. Rare vintage sepia matte-finish 11 x 14 studio portrait of Gibbons by Ruth Harriet Louise, signed and inscribed to the photographer in fountain pen, “For the only photographer in the world who can take pictures as beautiful as my own precious Ruth Harriet—Cedric.” Lower right corner bears the photographer’s blindstamp, with her MGM credit stamp to the reverse. In very good condition, with creases, tears, and paper loss to blank borders, cracking to emulsion near inscription area, and scattered silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT The first Gibbons-signed item we have ever offered.
36 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8084
8085
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Rare vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 soft-focus portrait of Hecht, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Aleck Smallers, who admires me too much, Ben Hecht.” Signed in the lower left in ink by the photographer, “Albert Petersen, N.Y. 31.” Trimmed, mounted, and in very good to fine condition, with silvering to edges. Only the second Hecht-signed item we have offered. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Russian-born American film producer (1884–1957) who co-founded Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios (MGM) in 1924. Vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.75 portrait of Mayer by Irving Chidnoff of New York, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my dear Nephew, Jack Cummings, with all good wishes, Louis B. Mayer, June 1930.” In fine condition, with scattered silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Ben Hecht Signed Photograph
Louis B. Mayer Oversized Signed Photograph
The first Academy Award winning writer
Prolific American screenwriter, filmmaker, and novelist (1894–1964) who won the first Academy Award for Original Screenplay for the 1927 film Underworld; he won a second Best Writing Oscar for the 1936 film The Scoundrel.
Rare multi Oscarwinning composer 8086
Max Steiner Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Prolific Austrian-born American film composer (1888–1971) who won three Academy Awards from a total of 26 nominations. Among his best-known scores are those for King Kong, Gone With the Wind, and Casablanca. Scarce vintage sepia matte-finish 7.75 x 9.75 studio portrait of Steiner, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my favorite recorder, Paul Neal! affectionately, Max Steiner, Xmas 1937.” In fine condition, with tape remnants to each corner tip. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Constantly creating, Steiner composed scores for eleven films in 1937, including titles like Lost Horizon and A Star Is Born. Steiner remains uncommon across all signed formats, with this example only being the third photo we have encountered.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 37
8087
Marie Dressler Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Uncommon vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 portrait of Dressler smiling with clasped hands, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “with fond regards, Marie Dressler.” Trimmed and in fine condition, with some surface impressions to middle of left edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8088
Irene Dunne Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Attractive semiglossy 10 x 13 studio portrait of Dunne wearing a pearl necklace, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Dore— All good wishes, Irene Dunne.” Reverse bears a printed caption for Dunne’s 1943 film A Guy Named Joe. In fine condition, with some moderate creasing near signature and inscription area. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8089
Jimmy Durante Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage pearl-finish 10 x 13 Hurrell portrait of a young Durante chomping on a cigar in profile, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To T. H. Baker—This is Durante seeing that you fix that pool right—my best, your pal, Jimmy Durante.” Blindstamped in the lower right by the photography studio, with a pair of MGM stamps for photographer and subject on the reverse. In very good to fine condition, with some creasing and surface marks. An iconic portrait of the versatile young ‘schnozzola’ actor. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
38 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The only signed portrait of Entwistle— the tragic ‘Hollywood sign’ ingenue— we’ve encountered in 40 years 8091
Peg Entwistle Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Actress (1908–1932) who appeared in several stage productions and a single film, Thirteen Women. Struggling with depression and difficulty finding roles, she committed suicide in September 1932, jumping from the 50-foot-tall letter ‘H’ in the Hollywood sign. Extremely rare vintage glossy 8.25 x 13 portrait of Entwistle by the White Studio of New York, affixed to its original studio mount, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mr. Sanford, Very Sincerely, Peg Entwistle.” The photo itslef is in fine condition, with two thin emulsion cracks to facial area; the mount is chipped in places, and missing its lower right corner, with no affect whatsoever on the image. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Entwistle remains exceedingly rare across all formats, and we’ve previously encountered only a single signature from the tragic actress. As such, this lovely signed photo exists as perhaps one of the rarest early Hollywood items we have ever offered. In an ironic turn of fate, the day after Entwistle’s death, her uncle received a letter offering the actress a role as a young woman driven to suicide. A rare and hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the tragic ingenue.
Tom Gregory discovered this incredible oversized signed photograph of Entwistle by chance on eBay—it is the only such example RR Auction has ever encountered and remains one of the most fantastic finds within his vast collection.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 39
8092
Frances Farmer Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 ender circa 1942 glossy 8 x 10 Paramount Pictures publicity portrait of Farmer, signed in black ink, “best wishes, Frances Farmer.” In very good condition, with binder dings to right edge and scattered creases and surface marks. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Dated 1942, this photo was signed during the period Farmer’s family involuntarily had her committed to the Kimball Sanitarium in La Crescenta.
Frances Farmer
American actress (1913–1970) whose promising career was cut short by alcoholism; during what should have been the prime of her career, she spent several years in mental institutions before attempting an acting comeback in the late 1950s.
Rare portrait of Farmer during her summer stock year of 1937 8093
Frances Farmer Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Scarce vintage pearl-finish 11 x 14 studio portrait of Farmer as she appeared in the 1937 production of Golden Boy, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Fred, with all love and gratitude, Frances.” Reverse bears a Group Theatre Production stamp. In fine condition, with light rippling and a few creases and spots of discoloration to background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Eager to boost her reputation as a serious actress Farmer left Hollywood in 1937 to perform in summer stock productions in Westchester, New York. After earning initial middling reviews, Golden Boy became a huge hit behind the box-office appeal of Farmer and took off on a national tour the following year. A solemn, oversized portrait of the sought-after actress.
40 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8094
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 soft-focus portrait of Fairbanks against a white background, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Bert Kalman, Jr., Grateful appreciation and friendly admiration for your talents—‘Doug’ Fairbanks, Jr.” Blindstamped in the lower right by great Hollywood photographer Elmer Fryer. Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 18.75 x 21.5. In fine condition, with a spot of discoloration to facial area. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8095
Stepin Fetchit Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage glossy 7.75 x 9.75 Fox Film publicity portrait of Fetchit by Otto Dyar, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Best wishes to Walter Markel, Stepin Fetchit.” Reverse bears a photography studio credit stamp. Trimmed and in fine condition, with scattered surface creasing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 41
8096
W. C. Fields Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Versatile American comedic actor and writer (1880–1946) who, despite often playing a misanthropic and hard-drinking egotist, remained a popular and sympathetic character. Vintage sepia matte-finish 10 x 13.75 three-quarter-length portrait of Fields by Strauss–Peyton, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my friend Bill Kurth, from his friend, Bill Fields, Nov. 21—1919.” Reverse bears a Strauss–Peyton copyright stamp. In very good condition, with trimmed edges, scattered soiling, a light crease from the left edge to Fields’ chest, and areas of silvering to central portion of image and the lower edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Fonda as Abraham Lincoln 8097
Henry Fonda Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Impressive vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 photo of Fonda in the title role of John Ford’s 1939 film Young Mr. Lincoln, signed and inscribed in the lower right corner in fountain pen, “For Artie—Sincerely, Henry Fonda.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 20.75. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
42 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8098
8099
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Henry Fonda Signed Photograph
Uncommon glossy 8 x 10 Walter Wanger Productions publicity photo of a young Fonda, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Wally—Best wishes, Hank Fonda.” In fine condition, with some minor edge creases and tears. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Joan Fontaine Oversized Signed Photograph
Charming vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 close-up portrait of Fontaine by Ernest A. Bachrach, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To dear Eddie Stevenson, with eternal gratitude, Joan Fontaine.” Lower right corner bears a Bachrach blindstamp. Trimmed and in very good to fine condition, with edge and corner creases, and adhesive residue to top two corner tips. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8100
Janet Gaynor Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 photo of Gaynor seated, signed and inscribed in fountain pen against the light background, “To R. E. Maury, With best wishes, from Janet Gaynor.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 43
Gone With the Wind
One of the most enduring films of all time, Gone With the Wind—a Civil War romance epic based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel—received ten Academy Awards, including one for Best Picture of 1939.
The iconic Scarlett O’Hara
8101
Gone With the Wind: Vivien Leigh Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300
Spectacular vintage glossy 7.25 x 9.25 photo of Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind, signed in the lower left in fountain pen, “Vivien Leigh.” Handsomely cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 15 x 17. In fine condition, with a few mild surface creases. A fabulous, incredibly desirable portrait from this classic role. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
44 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Rare photo of Gable as Rhett Butler 8102
Gone With the Wind: Clark Gable Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300 Superb vintage glossy 10.5 x 13.5 photo of Gable as Rhett Butler from the 1939 film Gone With the Wind, showing the dapper leading man during the ‘horse jail’ scene playing cards and smoking a cigar, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Fred—Shades of the past—for both of us—Clark G—.” Mounted to a same-size piece of cardboard, with the reverse bearing an affixed caption. Trimmed and in very good to fine condition, with overall light scuffing, and light corner and edge wear; portions of the signature and inscription have been inexplicably embellished in an unknown hand with black felt tip. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Signed photos of Gable from the Victor Fleming classic remain exceedingly scarce, with this image—originally issued as a studio publicity still—existing as only the third such example we have offered
Remarkable early Keystone Studio portrait of Gable 8103
Gone With the Wind: Clark Gable Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Early vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 Keystone Studio publicity portrait of the young leading man, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Winnifred: My best wishes for your success & happiness always, Sincerely, Clark.” Blindstamped in the lower right by the studio. In fine condition, with a small chip to upper right corner and a hint of very subtle silvering to darker portions. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT With debonair slicked back hair and reluctant smile, this is a sensational portrait of Gable as an emerging actor.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 45
8104
Gone With the Wind: Leslie Howard Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage sepia semi– glossy 10.5 x 13.5 soft-focus portrait of Howard, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Bob Rend—A Friend! Most sincerely, Leslie Howard.” Also signed in the lower right in black ink by the photography studio, adding the date, “5–11–32.” Reverse bears an affixed caption, as well as a De Mirjian Studio stamp. Trimmed and in very good to fine condition, with scattered wrinkling and surface impressions. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8105
Gone With the Wind: Olivia de Havilland Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 Elmer Fryer portrait of the stunning actress, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mildred, best wishes, Olivia de Havilland.” Lower right bears a photography studio blindstamp. In fine condition, with some corner creases, mainly to upper right. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Spectacular portrait of the Oscar-winning Mammy—“G.W.T.W., 39” 8106
Gone With the Wind: Hattie McDaniel Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300 Rare vintage matte-finish 7 x 9 head-and-shoulders portrait of McDaniel as Mammy in Gone With the Wind, beautifully signed in fountain pen, “Best Wishes From Hattie McDaniel, G.W.T.W., 39.” Attractively cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 12.75 x 14.5. In fine condition, with a small spot of discoloration to background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Exceptionally rare and highly desirable, this is just the fourth photo of McDaniel in her iconic role that we have ever offered—and the first signed in the year of the classic film’s release. Filming for Gone With the Wind finished on July 1, 1939, and post-production continued until November 11, before it premiered at the end of the year. In winning an Academy Award for her role as Mammy, McDaniel earned a place in Hollywood history as the first African-American performer to win an Oscar.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com 46 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8107
Gone With the Wind: Thomas Mitchell Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Actor (1892–1962) who portrayed Scarlett O’Hara’s father in Gone with the Wind and Uncle Billy in It’s a Wonderful Life. Vintage glossy 7.75 x 9.75 publicity portrait of Mitchell, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “With all good wishes, Thomas Mitchell.” Reverse bears a Visam Magazine and Book Shop stamp. In very good to fine condition, with scattered creasing and lines of crazing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Pork from Gone With the Wind 8108
Gone With the Wind: Oscar Polk Signed Candid Photograph Starting Bid $200 African-American actor (1899–1949) best known for his role as Pork in the classic film Gone With the Wind. Extremely rare vintage glossy 2.75 x 3.75 deckle-edge photo of the actor in a straw hat looking over his right shoulder at the camera as he signs an album, boldly signed in fountain pen, “Oscar Polk.” A few very minor surface marks and small flaws inherent to original negative, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Consignor notes that the photo was originally contained in an album on a page indicating that it was obtained during Polk’s engagement in the 1941 play Mr. Big. Given his limitations as an African-American actor and his death at the age of 49, items signed by Polk are among the most elusive and sought-after for Gone With the Wind enthusiasts.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 47
The sought-after Academy Award-winning GWTW director 8109
Gone With the Wind: Victor Fleming Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Superlative vintage pearl-finish 14 x 11 Eugene Robert Richee photo of a smiling, seated Fleming with an open book on his lap, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Jeanne—When you are a long way from home and ain’t happy at all—Come home—’Cause we miss you a lot, Victor Fleming.” Lower right corner bears a Richee blindstamp. In fine condition, with missing upper corner tips and a small marginal stain to lower left corner (easily matted out). Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Fleming remains rare across all formats, with signed photos of himself all but impossible to locate—only the second Fleming-signed photo we’ve offered in more than a decade.
The Golden Age’s sought-after producer 8110
Gone With the Wind: David O. Selznick Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Pioneering film producer (1902–1965) responsible for all-time classic films like Gone With the Wind and Rebecca, both of which earned him Oscars for Best Picture. Vintage glossy 8 x 10.25 United Artists publicity photo of Selznick, signed in fountain pen, “D. O. Selznick, May 1937.” Collector’s ink notations on reverse indicate that the signature was obtained on May 10, 1937. In fine condition, with a few scattered light surface impressions. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Selznick produced three films in 1937—The Prisoner of Zenda, Nothing Sacred, and A Star Is Born—with the latter earning him an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, already the fourth of his career. Less than two years later, Selznick would make cinema history with the groundbreaking release of Gone With the Wind. The famed producer remains exceptionally scarce and sought-after in signed photos.
48 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Dashing portrait of a young Cary Grant 8112
Cary Grant Oversized Signed Photograph. Starting Bid $200 Fabulous vintage matte-finish 9.75 x 12.75 close-up portrait of a young Grant, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To—Jack Clarke, Cheerio! Cary Grant.” Neatly trimmed and in fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A remarkably clean, captivating image of the handsome leading man, made all the more desirable by its uncommonly large size.
Rare dual-signed photo of Grant and Scott 8113
Cary Grant and Randolph Scott Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Sought-after vintage glossy 7 x 9 photo of Scott and Grant enjoying themselves on the side of a swimming pool, signed in fountain pen, “Regards from Randolph Scott and“ and “Cary Grant.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 14.25 x 16.75. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A sensational photo of the handsome leading men, both of whom remain exceedingly scarce on dual-signed items.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 49
8114
Oliver Hardy Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10.25 x 13.25 portrait of Hardy in appealing soft focus, signed in fountain pen, “I like your crack–ter ‘line,’ Always your pal—Oliver Hardy, 1933.” Neatly trimmed and in fine condition, with upper right corner tip repaired on reverse with tape, and irregular ink adhesion due to textured surface. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Elegant Chidnoff portrait of 1930s ‘Blonde Bombshell’ 8115
Jean Harlow Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300 Vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.25 full-length portrait of Harlow by Irving Chidnoff of New York, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Viola, The best of luck and a world of happiness is my wish for you—Sincerely, Jean Harlow.” In very good to fine condition, with some moderate contrast to portions of the handwriting, lightly trimmed edges affecting the final stroke of the signature, trivial paper loss to top right corner tip, and adhesive remnants to reverse. Accompanied by an invitation to Harlow’s wedding to Paul Bern. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A particularly beautiful oversized image of Harlow, an actress who remains scarce in signed photos, especially of this size and caliber.
50 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Stunning early Bachrach photo of Hepburn 8116
Katharine Hepburn Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Lovely vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 Ernest Bachrach photo of a young Hepburn, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Ruth, with best wishes, Katharine Hepburn.” Bachrach has also signed in the lower border in pencil. In fine condition, with a small tear to left blank border, a crease to top right corner, and pin holes to both opposing diagonal corners. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT An outstanding early portrait of the silverscreen legend, enhanced furthermore by its atypically large size and the presence of her trusted RKO photographer.
8117
Phillips Holmes Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Dashing vintage matte-finish 10 x 12.75 portrait of a young Holmes, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To ‘Jack’ Clarke, Sincerely, Phillips Holmes.” Permanently affixed to a slightly larger sheet. In fine condition, with scattered light silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 51
Horror
A particularly popular genre amongst autograph collectors, Horror is one of the highlights of the Tom Gregory Collection. Choice examples include: Lugosi as Dracula and Karloff and Clive in character from Frankenstein. For a selection of 1940s Horror stars, see page 86.
Sought-after portrait of “Count Dracula” 8119
Dracula: Bela Lugosi Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300 Vintage pearl-finish 7.25 x 9.25 studio portrait of Lugosi in a white tie and dark jacket and giving his finest vampiric stare, signed and inscribed in dark fountain pen, “To ‘Betty,’ with admiration, Count Dracula.” Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 13.25 x 15.25. In fine condition, with some minor surface creasing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Photos signed by Lugosi as his most recognizable character remain exceedingly rare, with this example augmented greatly by its bold writing and appropriately unnerving imagery. A unique treasure for fans of early cinema and horror alike.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com 52 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Early portrait of the rare horror actor inscribed to his wife 8120
Dracula: Dwight Frye Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300 Character actor (1899–1943) who played the lunatic Renfield opposite Bela Lugosi in Dracula, as well as Colin Clive’s assistant Fritz in Frankenstein. Rare matte-finish sepia 8.25 x 11.75 portrait of Frye by White Studio of New York, signed and inscribed to his wife in black ink, “Laurette, You, by any other name would be as sweet, Dwight.” Reverse bears an ink ownership notation by Dwight David Frye, the only child of Frye and his wife Laura Mae Bullivant, “Property of Dwight Frye, Bucksport, Maine.” Trimmed and in fine condition, with two small right edge tears and tiny portions of signature and inscription nipped by the trimming. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT After several successful years as a New York stage actor, Frye and his wife headed to California in 1929. Following a brief stint with Warner Brothers, Frye was picked up by Universal and memorably cast as the insane Renfield in Tod Browning’s classic 1931 film Dracula. A wonderful photo of the elusive character actor, who remains exceedingly rare in any format, with oversized photos of such clarity amongst the most sought-after.
8121
The Black Cat: Cecilia Loftus Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Multitalented Scottish actress and musician (1876–1943) best remembered for her roles in The Blue Bird and The Black Cat. Vintage sepia glossy 8 x 12.25 White studio portrait of the actress with a beatific expression, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mr. Emerling with very best wishes, Cecilia Loftus, 1927.” Reverse bears a photography studio stamp. In fine condition, with trimmed edges, a few surface creases, and a couple of corner creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 53
Karloff’s iconic Frankenstein’s monster 8122
Frankenstein: Boris Karloff Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Exceptionally rare vintage matte-finish 7.25 x 9.25 photo of Karloff in his iconic role as Frankenstein’s monster, signed in white ink, “Best wishes, Boris Karloff.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 12.25 x 14.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/ DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Signed images of Karloff in his most famous role are rare and highly coveted; featuring an ‘action shot’ of the monster in motion, this is a superior example.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com 54 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8123
Frankenstein: Colin Clive Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage glossy 7 x 9 portrait by Lennes-Gordon showing Clive with a cigarette dangling between his fingers, signed and inscribed in the lower right in bold black ink, and dated February 25, 1936, in another hand. Attractively matted and framed to an overall size of 14.5 x 16. In very good condition, with scattered creasing, silvering to dark areas of the image, and a heavy line of vertical crazing near facial area. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Colin Clive
English actor (1900–1937) remembered for his portrayal of Dr. Henry Frankenstein in James Whale’s classic Universal horror films.
Rare photo of Clive as Dr. Henry Frankenstein 8124
Frankenstein: Colin Clive Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300 Exceedingly rare vintage glossy 5.5 x 7.25 photo of Clive as Dr. Frankenstein signed in fountain pen, “Every best wish, Colin Clive.” Trimmed in size and in good to very good condition, with overall moderate to heavy creasing, and some mild silvering to darker areas. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Rare across all formats, a signed photo of Clive as his most recognizable character remains one of the most sought-after collectibles for vintage horror enthusiasts.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 55
8125
Charles Laughton Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage sepia matte-finish 11 x 14 close-up portrait of Laughton wearing a fedora, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Lily, with love, from, Charlie Laughton.” In fine condition, with toning to right blank border and absent lower right corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Uncommon oversized portrait of the comedy legends 8126
Laurel and Hardy Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 13.25 x 10.5 photo of the comedic duo posing side-by-side in their bowler hats, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Kindest regards always Lew & Lenord [sic], Stan Laurel,” and “Oliver Hardy.” In fine condition, with a few unobtrusive bends (affecting background only), light silvering to some of the darker areas, and slight trimming to edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT The legendary pair remain exceedingly uncommon in dual-signed photos of such large size.
56 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Gorgeous oversized Otto Dyar portrait of ‘Carole Lombard’ 8127
Carole Lombard Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Stunning vintage heavyweight glossy 10.75 x 13.75 Otto Dyar portrait of Lombard artfully bathed in shadow, signed and inscribed in white ink, “For Peggy, Wishing you always the best, Sincerely, ‘Carole Lombard.’” Blindstamped in the lower right corner by the photography studio. Reverse bears a pair of Paramount Pictures stamps, as well as collector’s ink notations indicating that the photo was taken during production of a film she starred in with future husband William Powell. In fine condition, with some minor surface creases and marks, and a pin hole to three corner tips. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Lombard and Powell starred in three films together: Man of the World and Ladies’ Man, both released in 1931 only weeks before their wedding, and My Man Godfrey, released in 1936, a full three years after the couple divorced. Signed by Paramount in 1930, Lombard was first credited with the revised screen name, “Carole Lombard,” with the added ‘e,’ in the film Fast and Loose; her wry usage of quotations suggests that the actress was still adjusting to her new name, making this a particularly early and uncommon example.
8128
Carole Lombard Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Desirable vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Lombard looking comfortable in a furred robe and pillowed lounge, signed in green fountain pen. In fine condition, with a bend to lower left, tiny edge chipping and two pinholes to blank border, a small gouge to lower portion of image, and a bit of staining to jacket area. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 57
8130
Jeanette MacDonald Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 Clarence Sinclair Bull portrait of the fetching MacDonald, nicely signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen, “To Emily, with appreciation, Sincerely Jeanette MacDonald, ‘The Merry Widow,’ 1934.” Lower right corner bears a Bull blindstamp, with a studio photography credit stamp to the reverse. In fine condition, with mild corner creasing and a small tear to right edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Adapted from a Franz Lehar operetta, The Merry Widow starred MacDonald opposite Maurice Chevalier, and is best remembered for winning the Academy Award for Best Art Direction.
8131
Fredric March Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage textured matte-finish 10 x 13.25 studio portrait of the two-time Oscar winner, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Doctor Goodman with sincere thanks—Fredric March.” Affixed to a same-sized mount. Trimmed and in fine condition, with slight corner wear. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8132
Myrna Loy Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Enchanting vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 portrait of Loy by Preston Duncan, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To B. D. Burne, Cordially, Myrna Loy.” Also signed in dark green ink by the photographer, with the reverse bearing his Hollywood studio stamp. In very good to fine condition, with a few moderate creases (most noticeably to lower left near inscription), and silvering to darker portions of edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
58 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8133
8135
Billy and Bobby Mauch Signed Photograph
Chester Morris Oversized Signed Photograph
Starting Bid $200 Glossy 8 x 10 photo of the smiling twins posing back to back, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint by both, “To Richard, Sincere best wishes...your books are great, Bill Mauch” and “For Richard, Best to you and yours in all your pictures, Bob Mauch.” Reverse bears a Longworth–Warner Bros. photography stamp. In very good condition, with scattered creases, surface impressions and marks, and a tear to upper right edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Starting Bid $200 V i n t a g e matte-finish 11 x 14 portrait of Morris by Gene Kornman, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Estella— All good wishes, Chester Morris, 1933.” Reverse bears a Kornman photography stamp. In fine condition, with moderate silvering to dark background and some surface impressions to right edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8134
Robert Montgomery Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 9.25 x 12.5 Clarence Sinclair Bull portrait of Montgomery, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Powell—all good wishes—Robert Montgomery.” Mounted to a smaller piece of cardboard intended for support. Trimmed and in very good to fine condition, with chips, tears, and pinholes to edges and corners. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 59
8136
Paul Muni Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American stage and film actor (1895–1967) considered Warner Brothers’ most prestigious actor during the 1930s; he won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the 1936 film The Story of Louis Pasteur. Fantastic vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 George Maillard Kesslere portrait of Muni with an intense stare, nicely signed and inscribed in white fountain pen, “To Mr. and Mrs. Julio Sanchez, a most charming and friendly pair, my best wishes, Paul Muni, 7/18/37.” Also signed in the lower right by the photographer. Reverse bears a Kesslere copyright stamp. In fine condition, with corner creasing, chipping to emulsion at edges, and spots of silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Mysterious German Beauty
German singer and actress (1906–1937) who was immensely popular in the early 1930s. Her sudden death at the age of 31 was initially attributed to epilepsy, but after the end of World War II, witnesses suggested that she had been murdered by Gestapo officers after she refused to appear in Nazi propaganda films.
8137
Renate Muller Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage 3.5 x 5.5 postcard photo of Muller in a full-length pose, signed in fountain pen. Scattered silvering to background of image, and light vertical postal cancellations to right side, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8138
Laurence Olivier Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.25 portrait of Olivier in a handsome suit and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Fred, Kindest and most appreciation—regards, from, Larry Olivier.” In fine condition, with a tear to right edge and chipping to upper left edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
60 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Our Gang
Beginning as Hal Roach’s silent American comedy short films in 1922, the Our Gang series—which chronicled the escapades of a bunch of neighborhood kids—really hit its stride in the early 1930s and lasted through to 1944.
8139
Our Gang: Ernest ‘Sunshine Sammy’ Morrison Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Multitalented American actor (1912–1989) who performed under the stage name ‘Sunshine Sammy,’ who was the only black member of the East Side Kids, an original Our Gang kid, and a sidekick to Harold Lloyd and Snub Pollard. Scarce vintage glossy 8 x 10 close-up portrait of the cheerful actor by the Nasib studio of New York, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my friend Mr. Graves, from, ‘Sunshine Sammy,’ 10/15/31.” In very good condition, with scattered creasing, crazing, and several pinholes. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8140
Our Gang: Darla Hood Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Child actress (1931–1979) best known for her role in the Our Gang film series. Vintage matte-finish 5 x 7 portrait of the child star in a cute hat and coat, signed in black ink, “Darla.” In fine condition, with silvering to right side and mounting remnants to reverse. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8141
Our Gang: Jean Darling Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American child actress (1922–2015) who was a regular in the Our Gang short subjects series from 1927-29. Vintage glossy 8 x 10 portrait of the curly haired Darling, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “With lots of love to Mme. Saunders, from your little friend, Jean Darling, 9–1–32, ‘Our Gang Comedies.’” Reverse bears a H. Golden stamp. In very good to fine condition, with a few single pin holes to blank borders, and emulsion loss to lower left edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 61
8142
Our Gang: Scotty Beckett Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American actor (1929–1968) best known for his juvenile appearances in the popular “Our Gang” film series and for his role as the teenaged Al Jolson in The Al Jolson Story. Vintage matte-finish 7 x 5 photo of Beckett as a child, his arms folded under his chin, signed and inscribed in fountain pen in his printed childhood hand, “To Dulcie, Scotty.” Light scattered soiling, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8143
Our Gang: Joe Cobb Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Original vintag e gl os s y 7.75 x 9.5 Hal Roach fulllength photo of Cobb as he appeared in Our Gang, signed and inscribed vertically over his image in fountain pen, “To the best what is, Frankie Masters, from your pal, Joe Cobb, 9-11-28.” Blindstamped in the lower right by Hal Roach Studios, with a ‘Rascals’ stamp on the reverse. In fine condition, with scattered surface creases and a single pinhole to each corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8144
Our Gang: William ‘Buckwheat’ Thomas Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Our Gang star (1931–1980) best remembered for his wide-eyed double takes and pigtails that would stand on end when he was ‘ascared.’ Scarce vintage matte-finish 4.5 x 6.25 photo of the adorable Our Gang ‘rascal’ in a straw hat, signed in fountain pen during his childhood, “Buckwheat.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 10 x 11.5. In fine condition, with a light vertical crease through the facial area. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
62 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8145
Barbara Pepper Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Breathtaking vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 photo of Pepper in a revealing profile pose, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Billie & Julio, Two of the dearest people in the whole world, Always, Barbara Pepper.” In fine condition, with toning and corner dings. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8146
William Powell Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Brilliant vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 Clarence Sinclair Bull portrait of Powell seated with a wry smile and holding a cigarette, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Brown—with cordial regards and thanks from William Powell.” Lower right corner bears a Bull blindstamp, with a photography credit stamp to the reverse. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 63
8147
Tyrone Power Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 close-up photo of the young actor, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Franzie, With my every sincere wish for happiness, Always, Tyrone Power.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 20.5. In fine condition, some mild staining to background in the upper right. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8148
Basil Rathbone Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 7.75 x 10 portrait of Rathbone in a seated pose, signed and inscribed in dark fountain pen, “To Ethel Hard, Cordially, Basil Rathbone.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/ DNA.
64 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8149
8150
Shirley Ross Oversized Signed Photograph
Sabu Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200 American actress and singer (1913– 1975) best known for her performances in Waikiki Wedding opposite Bing Crosby, The Big Broadcast of 1938, Thanks for the Memory, and Some Like It Hot, all with Bob Hope. Dramatic vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 glamour portrait of Ross, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Ken: who will always be one of my dearest friends, no. 3 or no no. 3 Lovingly, Shirley.” In fine condition, with mild corner wear and moderate contrast to signature and inscription. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Indian actor (1924– 1963) best remembered for his roles in The Thief of Bagdad and Black Narcissus; he was the first Indian to achieve great success in Hollywood. Uncommon glossy 9.5 x 13 Coburn portrait of the young actor, signed and inscribed in blue ink, “To Ed, I want to thank you for a swell job as M. C., from, Sabu.” Reverse bears a photography stamp. Trimmed and in very good condition, with heavy scattered creasing, edge chips and tears, and a large tear to bottom right edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8152
8153
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Norma Shearer Oversized Signed Photograph
Exceptional vintage pearl-finish 11 x 14 half-length publicity portrait of Shearer in a striking winter coat, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Mr. Bert Burnes, Sincerely, Norma Shearer.” Reverse bears a MGM stamp. In fine condition, with minor corner creasing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Sylvia Sidney Oversized Signed Photograph
Vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 Paramount Pictures publicity portrait of Sidney in a gorgeously coy pose, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Mr. R. McLeish, Sincere good wishes, Sylvia Sidney.” In very good to fine condition, with corner and edge creases, heaviest to bottom left, and paper loss to lower right corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 65
8154
James Stewart Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Crystal-clear vintage pearl-finish 7 x 9 studio portrait of the dapper young actor, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Wally, Sincerely, Jim Stewart.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 15. In fine condition, with a thin stray ink mark to background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Barbara Stanwyck Fay
Stanwyck was married to comedic actor and first husband Frank Fay from 1928 to 1935; they were introduced during the 1927 production of Burlesque.
8155
Barbara Stanwyck Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 Bert Longworth portrait of the effervescent actress, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mildred Smith—Kindest regards, Barbara Stanwyck Fay.” Blindstamped in the lower right corner by the photography studio. In fine condition, with a mild horizontal crease near forehead area. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8156
Robert Taylor Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Dramatic vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 Ted Allen closeup portrait of the handsome young actor, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Raoul Le Mat—My very best wishes, Robert Taylor.” Reverse bears MGM stamps for both photographer and subject. In fine condition, with mild corner creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
66 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Adorable Hurrell portrait inscribed to “Doc,” Temple’s trusted publicity agent 8157
Shirley Temple Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage glossy 10.75 x 13.5 Hurrell photo of Temple posing with her elbows propped in a book, neatly signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Doc Bishop, love, Shirley Temple, 1–13–36.” Reverse bears a Hurrell credit stamp. Trimmed and in fine condition, with a few tape pieces to edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT In addition to serving as Temple’s publicity agent, Bishop became a close friend of his pint-sized employer, often playing games of ‘squares’ with Temple when he wasn’t acting as her personal assistant or fending off press. A wonderfully clear, boldly signed photo of the curly-haired bookworm. This exact photo was chosen as the cover of the March 2010 Autograph Magazine issue highlighting Tom Gregory’s collection.
Unique signed photo of Temple as ‘The Blue Boy’
8158
Shirley Temple Series of Portraits and Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Superlative vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 photo of Temple posing as Thomas Gainsborough’s iconic painting ‘The Blue Boy,’ signed and inscribed in fountain pen with her printed childhood signature, “To Mrs. Quigley, Love, Shirley Temple.” Reverse bears an affixed caption. In fine condition, with a paperclip impression to top left edge. COLLECTOR INSIGHT This photo is one of a series dating from the 1930s, in which Temple posed in the guise of various art masterpieces. While the photographer is unidentified, the elaborate costuming and staging is suggestive of the work of Twentieth Century-Fox, Temple’s studio throughout the 1930s. Four additional unsigned photos from the same series, each an original printing, are also included, with each bearing an affixed caption on the reverse. The additional images include: ‘The Helping Hand’ by Emile Renouf; ‘The Age of Innocence’ by Sir Joshua Reynolds; ‘Her First Sermon’ by Sir J. E. Millais; and ‘Her Second Sermon’ by Millais. A rarely seen image enhanced greatly by the early signature and unusually large size.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 67
Stooges portrait of the ‘Dizzy Doctors’ signed by Moe, Larry, and Curly in 1938
8159
Three Stooges Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Vintage glossy 10.25 x 8 publicity still of the Three Stooges holding bottles Brighto during production for the episode ‘Dizzy Doctors,’ signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To Gus, Sincerely, The 3 Stooges, Moe,” “Larry Fine,” and “Curly.” Collector’s pencil notations on reverse indicate that the signatures were
obtained by Gus Hartman, the manager for New Jersey’s Clementon and Stanley Theatres, on May 29, 1938. In fine condition, with scattered surface creases and surface impressions along bottom from notations on reverse. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Obtained during the slapstick trio’s halcyon years at Columbia Pictures, this fully signed portrait exists as a true Stooge scarcity.
68 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8160
Three Stooges: Vernon Dent Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American comic actor (1895–1963) who appeared in over 400 films, but is best remembered for his roles in many short films for Columbia Pictures, frequently as the foil to The Three Stooges. Rare vintage matte-finish 7 x 9 early portrait of Dent by Witzel of New York, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To my friend, Harvey Jansman, Sincerely, Vernon Dent, 8/6/20.” In very good to fine condition, with some chipping to rough, trimmed edges (touching end of the signature and inscription). Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8161
Thelma Todd Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American actress (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. Lovely vintage matte-finish 7.75 x 10.75 portrait of Todd wearing a dazzling barrette, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To R. E. Mawry, With kindest regards, Thelma Todd.” Trimmed, mounted, and in very good condition, with some silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8162
Franchot Tone Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage mattefinish 11 x 14 Hurrell portrait of the smiling Tone, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Julie Carter—with my very best wishes—Franchot Tone.” Lower right bears a Hurrell blindstamp, with the reverse featuring the photographer’s MGM credit stamp. In fine condition, with mild corner tip dings and faint creases to upper left corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 69
8163
Arthur Treacher Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Attractive vintage matte-finish 7.25 x 9.5 photo of Treacher contentedly reading under lamplight, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “‘For’ John Hall Bolles, with sincere best wishes, from, Arthur Treacher.” Trimmed and in fine condition, with some silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8165
Johnny Weissmuller Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Fantastic vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 George Hurrell portrait of a shirtless Weissmuller, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Well Dean am I your pal or am I your pal, Johnny.” Lower right corner bears a Hurrell blindstamp. In fine condition. A highly desirable and amusingly inscribed image of the famed Tarzan actor. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8164
Lupe Velez Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Mexican and American stage and film actress (1908–1944) who became one of the first successful Latin American actresses in the United States; she tragically overdosed from Seconal at the age of thirty-eight. Wonderful vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 close-up portrait of Velez wearing a fur shawl and cloche hat, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Constance Riquer, with my sympathy and affection, Lupe Velez.” Lower right corner bears a Charles E. Bulloch blindstamp. In fine condition, with chipping and tears to edges, and creasing to top left corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
70 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8166
Mae West Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Magnificent vintage glossy 10 x 13 full-length photo of West in a dazzling sequined gown, signed and inscribed in white fountain pen, “To Eddie and Fannie Cavanaugh, Sincerely, Mae West.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.25. In very good to fine condition, with scattered surface creasing and rippling. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Two gorgeous Hurrell portraits 8167
8168
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Appealing vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 Hurrell portrait of Wray, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Margaret Sandry, Every good wish, from, Fay Wray, London 1935.” Lower right corner bears a Hurrell blindstamp. In fine condition, with minor corner dings and spots of silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Glamorous vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 Hurrell portrait of Wyman revealing a shoulder under soft lighting, nicely signed in white ink, “All the best, Jane Wyman.” Lower right corner bears a Hurrell blindstamp. In fine condition, with a few surface marks and pinholes and a paperclip impression to top edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Fay Wray Oversized Signed Photograph
Jane Wyman Oversized Signed Photograph
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 71
Wizard of Oz
A Hollywood collection would not be complete without reference to the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, and, as usual, Tom’s taste is impeccable. His collection boasts the incredible rarities of portraits of both Glinda and The Wizard signed in character.
Incredibly rare portrait of the Good Witch of the North 8169
Wizard of Oz: Billie Burke Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Extremely rare vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Burke as Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To darling Cady, All the lovely things in the world to her, dear lady, Billie.” In fine condition, with light rippling, small diagonal scratch to the upper background, and two acid-free cloth tape remnants along top edge of reverse from previous framing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Although Burke is considered a prolific signer, signed photos of her most recognizable character remain exceedingly difficult to obtain—we’ve offered a mere handful of examples in the past decade. A simply ideal portrait.
72 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Morgan as the elusive Wizard of Oz—the singular example we’ve ever offered 8170
Wizard of Oz: Frank Morgan Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,000 Immensely desirable vintage glossy 8 x 10 MGM publicity portrait of Morgan as the eponymous character of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Albert, from, ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Kindest regards, Frank Morgan.” Collector’s date notations on reverse indicate that the signature was obtained on August 3, 1946. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Signed photos of Morgan as his most memorable character remain exceedingly rare and highly sought-after by collectors, with this example further elevated by Morgan’s ever-desirable addition of “The Wizard of Oz”—this is the only such example we’ve ever encountered in 40 years.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 73
8171
Wizard of Oz: Frank Morgan Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 9 x 11.5 head-and-shoulders of Morgan in a suit and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To George, with many thanks—for lots of favors, Frank Morgan.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In fine condition, with some light contrast to signature against the dark background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8172
Wizard of Oz: Charley Grapewin Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Character actor (1869–1956) best known for his role as Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz. Desirable vintage matte-finish 10 x 12.75 portrait of Grapewin wearing a tuxedo, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To a real guy & Ceb Cohen himself, Charley Grapewin.” Trimmed and in fine condition, with a paperclip mark to upper left corner tip. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
74 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Exceedingly rare portrait of Oz’s Aunt Em 8173
Wizard of Oz: Clara Blandick Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Character actress (1876–1962) remembered for her role as Aunt Em in The Wizard of Oz. Vintage sepia 7 x 9 portrait of a young Blandick in profile, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To ‘the boys’ at Camp Lewis—With very best wishes of Clara Blandick, A.E.F.— France, 1918–’19.” Blindstamped by the photographer in the lower right, “Ira L. Hill’s Studio, New York City.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 15 x 17. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Extremely rare in signed photos, this is only the third example of Blandick we have encountered in this format.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 75
8174
Wizard of Oz: Margaret Hamilton Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Glossy 8 x 10 photo of Hamilton casting a ghastly shadow as the Wicked Witch of the West, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “To Mike Roberts—this is obviously a make-up still…For fun the still-man turned out not just a try-out of the make-up but the most popular still of all. Best wishes—Margaret Hamilton.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Wizard of Oz producer
Oscar-winning American director (1900–1987) of such classics as I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang and The Bad Seed; he also famously produced The Wizard of Oz.
8175
Wizard of Oz: Mervyn LeRoy Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Uncommon mattefinish 11 x 14 Ed Henderson portrait of LeRoy seated in front of several large stacks of film canisters, signed and inscribed within the clip board in blue ballpoint, “For Dorothy, what can I say but love and thanks, Mervy.” Reverse bears a faint Warner Bros. photography stamp. In fine condition, with minor corner creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8176
Wizard of Oz: Ray Bolger Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish sepia 10.25 x 13.25 Maurice Seymour portrait of a young Bolger with his arms crossed, signed and inscribed in black ink, “Florence:—If they even build anyone sweeter than you, they’ll have to show’em to me—and still I wouldn’t believe it, Best always, Ray Bolger.” In very good condition, with significant chipping, tears, and paper loss to corners and edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
76 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Westerns
Westerns were one of the most popular Hollywood genres from the silent era all the way through to the 1960s. For early silent era Western stars, see page 18.
8178
Fantastic Spurr portrait of the gun-toting Hoppy
Gabby Hayes Oversized Signed Photograph
8177
Starting Bid $200
William ‘Hoppy’ Boyd Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Classic vintage textured matte-finish 11 x 14 Melbourne Spurr photo of Boyd clad in dark cowboy garb and nonchalantly wielding a revolver, signed and inscribed in white ink, “To Frances, ‘Angelo’s is always our favorite spot’—Hello to all—Hoppy.” In fine condition, with slightly trimmed edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Quintessential vintage matte-finish 11 x 13.75 photo of Hayes resting on a fence, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Dick, Sincerely, Gabby Hayes.” In fine condition, with a bit of light edge wear and a few corner tip dings and creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA COLLECTOR INSIGHT Hayes remains decidedly uncommon in signed photos of this size.
Ideal early photo of the Duke 8179
John Wayne Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Desirable matte-finish 8 x 10 head-and-shoulders photo of Wayne in western attire, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “For the Molers, John Wayne.” In fine condition, with scattered light surface creases. An atypically young depiction of cinema’s classic frontier hero. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1930s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 77
1940s HOLLYWOOD The early years of World War II expectedly proved detrimental to the American film industry. However, with television not yet a household commodity, cinema was relied upon to educate the public; the creation of the Bureau of Motion Picture Affairs coordinated the production of patriotic and morale-boosting features. With the war over, Hollywood experienced a four-year window of historic success before postwar disillusionment and communistic dread set in. Naturalism and gritty realism took hold, and the industry gave way to noir and the release of classics like Citizen Kane, Rebecca, and The Best Years of Our Lives. Glamour remained a focal point for photographers like Hurrell and Richee, with portraits of the 1940s continuing the gradual progression from soft-focus imagery to a more defined, smooth, and precise style of photography. Glossy photos became more prevalent, and the advent of color added to the marketing appeal of both star and fashion.
8181
Mary Astor Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 7.25 x 9.5 publicity portrait of Astor, signed and inscribed in black fountain pen, “To Mr. and Mrs. Albert Chestnut, sincerely, Mary Astor.” Slightly trimmed and in fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8182
Lauren Bacall Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Appealing vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 close-up photo of Bacall, nicely signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Fond Regards to Dr. Gaona—Lauren Bacall.” Attractively cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 79
Bogart’s captured by Hurrell in promotion of 1940’s Brother Orchid 8183
Humphrey Bogart Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300 Uncommon vintage glossy 7.5 x 9.25 Hurrell publicity portrait of Bogart as Jack Buck from the 1940 film Brother Orchid, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Gus, best wishes, Humphrey Bogart.” Reverse bears a Warner Bros.–Hurrell license stamp. In fine condition, with trimmed edges and few light surface impressions. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT One of five films that Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart made together, Brother Orchid is a crime/ comedy centered around a retired racket boss who seeks safety in a monastery after old alliances make a hit on his life. A particularly warm image of the typically brooding Bogart, an actor who remains particularly scarce and sought-after in signed photos, with this example enhanced furthermore by the reputation of its famous photographer.
80 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8184
Ingrid Bergman Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Stunning vintage matte-finish 6.75 x 8.75 portrait of Bergman looking skyward, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To the bridge gang of the U.S.S. Cusabo—Best wishes! Ingrid Bergman, 1946.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 12.5 x 14.5. In fine condition, with a mild surface crease toward the bottom. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
MGM portrait of Barrymore by Bull 8185
Lionel Barrymore Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage semi-glossy 10 x 13 MGM publicity portrait of Barrymore by Clarence Sinclair Bull, signed and inscribed in blue ink, “To dear Louella, Sincerely, W. C. Fields? (by Lionel Barrymore).” Reverse bears an MGM-Bull credit stamp, as well as a printed MGM caption for Barrymore. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 81
8186
8187
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Joan Bennett Oversized Signed Photograph
Vintage matte-finish 9.5 x 12.5 soft-focus portrait of Bennett by Preston Duncan, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mr. Barker, In appreciation of all your help and kindness to Miss Lucy, Sincerely, Joan Bennett.” Signed below in green pencil by the photographer, whose Hollywood studio stamp is on the reverse. Trimmed and in fine condition, with impressions to left side (touching hairline). Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Jack Carson Oversized Signed Photograph
Vintage mattef i n i s h 11 x 13.75 portrait of Carson, prominently signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen, “To Johnny, Sincerely, Jack Carson.” In fine condition, with some corner and edge wear and a smudge to end of signature. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8188
Linda Darnell Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Attractive vintage glossy 10.5 x 13.25 photo of the actress in a strapless gown, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Neil, My best regards, Linda Darnell.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19. In very good condition, with a trimmed top edge, light overall surface marks and dings, and a couple small mounting remnants to bottom edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
82 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8189
8190
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Vintage mattefinish 11 x 14 Bert Six portrait of Clark in a cool and casual halflength pose, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “You ought to be in pictures too, Freddy—Dane Clark.” Reverse bears a Warner Bros. copyright stamp. In fine condition, with some trivial corner wear. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Vintage glossy 8 x 10 James J. Kriegsmann publicity photo for Doris Day, set to be featured with Les Brown and his Orchestra, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Eddie, with my sincere wishes and good luck, always, Doris Day.” Collector’s pencil notations on reverse indicate the signature was obtained in New York on July 26, 1944. In fine condition, with scattered creasing and surface impressions. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Dane Clark Signed Photograph
Doris Day Signed Photograph
“Joe Average”
American actor (1912–1998) who is best remembered for his roles in war movies like Action in the North Atlantic, Destination Tokyo, and Pride of the Marines; he was reportedly given his screen name by Humphrey Bogart.
8191
John Garfield Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Oscar-nominated actor (1913–1952) who appeared in such classics as The Postman Always Rings Twice and Gentleman’s Agreement, and was later blacklisted in Hollywood during the McCarthy Era. Vintage glossy 10.5 x 13.25 double-weight Warner Bros. publicity portrait of Garfield by Scotty Melbourne, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Albert—Good luck, John Garfield.” Reverse bears an affixed promotional caption, as well as a photography credit stamp. In very good condition, with lightly trimmed edges, scattered surface marks and creases, and a small tear to left edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 83
8192
8193
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
American actress and gossip columnist (1885–1966) who penned the column Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood for the Los Angeles Times; during the McCarthy era, she named suspected Communists. Vintage glossy 7.75 x 9.5 half-length seated portrait of Hopper wearing a floral hat, signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen, “To Mrs. Colette Woods, Here’s looking at you—Hedda Hooper, ‘1963.’” Reverse bears a Seawell–Paul A. Jesse Studios stamp. In fine condition, with scattered creasing. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
A m e r i c a ’s f i r s t movie columnist (1881–1972) whose columns were read by 20 million people. Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Parsons in a fur stole and fancy hat, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Rafael… Brewster, With my very best wishes, Louella Parsons, Feb. 2, 1942.” Reverse bears a Tom Kelley photography stamp. In fine condition, with repaired diagonal tear to lower right. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Hedda Hopper Signed Photograph
Louella Parsons Signed Photograph
8194
Rouben Mamoulian Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Director (1897–1987) known for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Mark of Zorro, and Queen Christina. Vintage matte-finish 7.25 x 8.75 photo of Mamoulian posed in front of a camera and studio lights with a cat in his lap, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Mr. Marius Risley and his friends in the U.S.O.—with sincere greetings, Rouben Mamoulian, X-1943.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 14.5 x 16. In fine condition, with silvering to dark areas of the image. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
84 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8195
Josef von Sternberg Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Austrian-American director (1894–1969) whose notable achievements include the discovery of Marlene Dietrich and a body of work that includes The Blue Angel, Shanghai Express, and Blonde Venus. Vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 close-up portrait of the director, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Grace from Jo, 1941.” In fine condition, with mild corner creases and rippling to top edge. Signed photos of von Sternberg, particularly those of such impressive size, remain uncommon. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Youthful Karsh photo inscribed to the wife of a contemporary 8196
Yousuf Karsh Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Amazing vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 full-length portrait of acclaimed Hollywood photographer Wallace Seawell, signed and inscribed in white ink, “To Mrs. Alice Seawell, with the homage of Yousuf Karsh.” Housed in the original Seawell presentation folder. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT From one photographer to another, this is an incredible photo of Seawell taken and gifted by Karsh to the former’s wife. Seawell repaid the honor in 1978 when he took several well-known seated portraits of Karsh.
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 85
Horror
The genre of Horror is one of the prized portions of Tom Gregory’s collection. For selections of iconic 1930s Horror films Dracula and Frankenstein, see page 52.
8197
Wolfman: Lon Chaney, Jr Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Uncommon vintage matte-finish 4.25 x 6.25 portrait of Chaney in a light button-down shirt, boldly signed across the bottom in fountain pen, “Lon Chaney, Jr.” Handsomely cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 15.25. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
8198
Wolfman: Maria Ouspenskaya Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Oscar-nominated, Russian-born actress (1876–1949) best remembered for her portrayal of Maleva, the old fortune teller in the 1941 horror classic The Wolf Man. Vintage glossy 8 x 10 publicity photo of a contentedly seated Ouspenskaya wearing an ornate top, vertically signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Reggie McCallom, Maria Ouspenskaya.” In fine condition, with a tiny ding to lower left corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Strange’s monster 8199
Frankenstein: Glenn Strange Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Sought-after glossy 8 x 10.25 full-length photo of Strange as the Frankenstein Monster, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, “For Blackie, Regards, Glenn Strange.” In fine condition, with some scattered light surface creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Strange is uncommon across all formats, and signed photos of his most recognizable character are seldom encountered.
86 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8201
Hedy Lamarr Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 9.25 x 12.25 photo of Lamarr wearing four strands of pearls, beautifully signed and inscribed in bold fountain pen, “To Bernard Evens, Sincerely, Hedy Lamarr.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 17 x 20.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre Beloved American actor (1884–1950) who won an Academy Award for his role in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, directed by his son, John.
8202
8203
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Vintage mattefinish 8 x 10 MGM publicity portrait of Huston by William Grimes, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Bill, good luck my lad and success, Walter Huston.” Reverse bears a MGM–Grimes photography stamp. In fine condition, with an irregularly trimmed lower left corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Vintage mattef i n i s h 11 x 14 seated glamour portrait of Lamour wrapped in white fur, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Bill & Wilma—Best wishes, Dorothy Lamour.” In fine condition, with some minor corner and border creases, and a small tear and a bit of staining to left edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Walter Huston Oversized Signed Photograph
Dorothy Lamour Oversized Signed Photograph
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 87
8204
8205
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Vintage mattefinish 8 x 10 photo of a mirthful Lawford, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Shirley— Sincere best wishes, Peter Lawford.” Reverse bears a MGM stamp. In fine condition, with trivial rippling and a small stain touching first letter of surname. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Vintage mattefinish 8 x 10 Dyar–Engstead portrait of MacMurray, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Helene—‘The pride of Palladium,’ Best of luck, Fred MacMurray.” Lower right bears the studio blindstamp. Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 11.75 x 13.75. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Peter Lawford Signed Photograph
Fred MacMurray Signed Photograph
8206
Peter Lorre Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Ideal vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 portrait of Lorre, neatly signed in fountain pen. Noticeable vertical crease to right side through two letters of signature, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
88 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8207
James Mason Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Handsome vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.5 portrait of Mason, signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen, “To Bud, It was so nice bumping into you on that one way street. I’ll be looking out for you. All good wishes & thanks for the witch hazel, James Mason.” In fine condition, with a surface indentation to lower left background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT The recipient of the photo was noted make-up artist Bud Westmore, who is credited on over 450 movies and television shows, including To Kill a Mockingbird, Man of a Thousand Faces, The Andromeda Strain, and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
8208
Marjorie Main Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Character actress (1890– 1975) best known for her ro le as M a Kettle. Uncommon vintage semi–glossy 8 x 10 photo of Main resting a hand on her chin, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mr. Bill Ludlow, from, Marjorie Main.” In fine condition, with some minor adhesive remnants along bottom border. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8209
Victor Mature Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage mattefinish 11 x 14 studio portrait of Mature turning his attention to the camera, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Ralph—The only guy I know who hasn’t gotten me a cover—Best, Vic Mature.” In fine condition, with rippling and two tiny chips to top border. Pre-certified PSA/ DNA.
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 89
8210
Roddy McDowall Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 studio portrait of McDowall from very early in his career, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Ralph, my very best wishes, Roddy McDowall, November 1941.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT In 1941, a 12-year-old McDowall made his film debut in John Ford’s film How Green Was My Valley. The film’s success and subsequent Best Picture Oscar catapulted the young star into the national spotlight. An ideal image signed in his breakthrough year.
‘The Queen of Technicolor’
Dominican-American actress (1912–1951) whose exotic persona made her an audience favorite in the 1940s. After appearing in more than two dozen films, she suffered a heart attack and drowned in her bathtub at the age of thirty-nine.
8211
Ray Milland Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage mattefinish 11 x 14 portrait of Milland leaning on an elbow and wearing a handsome suit and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Oscar, The ‘King of Kings,’ Ray Milland.” In very good to fine condition, with border wear including creases, tears, and pin holes, and a bit of spotting to background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8212
Maria Montez Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Gorgeous vintage glossy 10.5 x 13.25 portrait of Montez in a lovely white dress, affixed to its original studio mount, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Joe, Best wishes, Maria Montez.” Reverse of mount bears two Joseph Jasgur photography stamps. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
90 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8213
Conrad Nagel Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American screen actor and matinee idol of the silent film era and beyond (1897–1970) who hosted the Academy Awards on three occasions; he was given an Honorary Academy Award for his work with the Motion Picture Relief Fund. Vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 MGM publicity portrait of Nagel by Ruth Harriet Louise, signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen, “To Ruth Nolander, with my best wishes, Sincerely, Conrad Nagel.” Lower right corner bears a Louise blindstamp, with a Louise–MGM photography credit stamp on the reverse. In fine condition, with absent upper left corner tip. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8214
8215
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Exceptional vintage matte-finish 11 x 13.75 Bert Six portrait of the handsomely clad Morgan with pipe in hand, signed in blue fountain pen, “From one handsome devil to another! Dennis Morgan.” Reverse bears a Warner Bros. photography stamp. In fine condition, with light rippling to top edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Vintage mattefinish 10 x 13 MGM publicity photo of the young pigtailed actress seated in a chair and wearing a striped outfit, signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen, “To Mr. Alfonso Gaona, love, Margaret O’Brien.” Reverse bears a MGM stamp. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Dennis Morgan Oversized Signed Photograph
Margaret O’Brien Oversized Signed Photograph
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 91
8216
Gregory Peck Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Handsome vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Peck in a suit and tie, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Dr. and Mrs. Thompson—Sincere regards—all the best to you and Marsh, Gregory Peck.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8217
Walter Pidgeon Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 9.5 x 12.5 MGM publicity portrait of Pidgeon wearing a handsome suit and tie, signed and inscribed in dark fountain pen, “Greetings to Herman Meiselman, from, Walter Pidgeon.” Reverse bears a MGM photography stamp. Trimmed and in fine condition, with minor rippling and creasing to lower edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8218
Claude Rains Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 studio portrait by A. L. Schafer, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Helen, from, Claude Rains.” Reverse bears a Columbia Pictures credit stamp. In fine condition, with slightly trimmed edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
92 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8219
8222
Donna Reed Signed Photograph
Jane Russell Oversized Signed Photograph
Starting Bid $200 Glossy 7.25 x 9.5 Columbia Pictures publicity photo of Reed for the 1951 film Saturday’s Hero, signed in black ink. Reverse bears an affixed promotional caption, as well as a 1950 photography copyright stamp. Trimmed and in fine condition, with a few light surface marks and bends. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Starting Bid $200 Alluring matte-finish 11 x 14 portrait of Russell by Alexander Kahle, signed and inscribed in black ballpoint, “To the Day family, God bless you one & all, Jane Russell.” Blindstamped in the lower left corner by the studio. In fine condition, with silvering to lower left corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8221
8223
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Rosalind Russell Oversized Signed Photograph
Provocative vintage mattefinish 10 x 13 portrait of Russell by Laszlo Willinger, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Buelah [sic], with my every good wish—now & always, Rosalind Russell.” Reverse bears a MGM–Willinger credit stamp. In fine condition, with a few spots of silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Ann Sothern Oversized Signed Photograph
Vintage mattefinish 11 x 14 Hurrell portrait of Sothern artfully framed i n s h a d o w, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Eddy—who has really been through the worst with me!—Love & kisses—Ann.” Blindstamped in the lower right by the photography studio. In fine condition, with some corner and edge wear and creasing to upper left. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 93
8224
8225
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Barbara Stanwyck Oversized Signed Photograph
Lovely vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 Warner Brothers publicity photo of Stanwyck by Bert Six, signed and inscribed in ink, “To Stanley Berman, Good luck & best wishes, Barbara Stanwyck.” Reverse bears a Warner Bros. copyright stamp. In fine condition, with light rippling and a hint of subtle silvering confined to bottom edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Gene Tierney Oversized Signed Photograph
Attractive mattefinish 11 x 14 portrait of Tierney wearing a striped collared shirt, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Al—with my very best! Gene.” In fine condition, with scattered surface creases and signature contrast. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8226
Lana Turner Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Stunning vintage matte-finish 9.25 x 12.25 photo of Turner in a beautiful halterneck top, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For Bernie Evens, Best wishes always, Lana Turner.” Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 18 x 22. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
94 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8227
Ethel Waters Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Multitalented singer and actress (1896–1977) who worked in the blues, jazz, and gospel genres; she was the second African-American to be nominated for an Academy Award, and the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Emmy. Vintage matte-finish 10 x 13 portrait of Waters by Murray Korman, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Deborah—a sweet & lovable Pal, sincerely, Ethel Waters, 7/19/42.” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19.5. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Ideal portrait of the Citizen Kane director 8228
Orson Welles Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $300 Handsome vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 publicity portrait of Welles, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To May Neilson, regards, Orson Welles.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Likely taken during his formative Citizen Kane period, this vivid oversized portrait captures Welles in all his brilliant, brooding intensity.
1940s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 95
Wood in the year of her movie debut 8229
Natalie Wood Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Desirable vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 studio portrait of Wood at the start of her career, signed in fountain pen as a child, “Thanks for all the nice stories and pictures. Natalie Wood, 1946.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Wood earned her first credited movie role in the 1946 film Tomorrow Is Forever, starring as a German orphan opposite Orson Welles and Claudette Colbert. The following year, Wood became one of the biggest child stars in Hollywood with the release of Miracle on 34th Street. An adorable early portrait of the tragic actress.
Natalie Wood
For a stunning Rebel Without a Cause-era photo of Wood, see lot number 8258 on page 110.
8230
Loretta Young Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Radiant vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 portrait of Young, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Alta, Sincerely, Loretta Young.” Partially trimmed and in fine condition, with slightly indistinct contrast to a few letters against background. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
96 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
1950s HOLLYWOOD The emergence of a commodity culture added to the influence and popularity of Hollywood in the 1950s, with mass marketing and advertising producing a certain standardization found in many of the period’s publicity stills. While Frank Powolny and Bruno Bernard added artistry and glamour to the postwar pinup craze, newer photographers adopted a more photojournalistic approach where studio backdrops were replaced by city skylines. With television battling cinema in the war for public opinion, the stars of the decade grew bigger and brighter with the rise of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and James Dean.
Fabulous oversized East of Eden portrait 8232
James Dean Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,500 Incredible vintage semiglossy 9.5 x 12.5 photo of Dean on the set of East of Eden, signed and inscribed in purple fountain pen, “To Cindy, With my best wishes, James Dean.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered creasing and cracks to emulsion, and a heavier bend to upper right corner. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from the James Dean Memorial Gallery. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT In early 1954 Dean received first major role, cast to play the loner Cal Trask in Elia Kazan’s screen adaptation of Steinbeck’s East of Eden. Leaving New York for the bright lights of Hollywood, Dean embraced the part and turned in one of cinema’s great emotional performances to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Portraying him during the production of this iconic film, this is a remarkable photograph in both size and content—signed photos of Dean are rare in general, with oversized examples exceedingly so.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
98 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Piercing photo of Clift in his prime 8233
Montgomery Clift Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Highly regarded American actor (1920–1966) best known for his Oscar-nominated turns in such classics as Judgment at Nuremberg, From Here to Eternity, and A Place in the Sun. Handsome vintage glossy 8 x 10 publicity portrait of a young Clift, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Jim, Monty Clift.” In fine condition, with a slight central vertical surface bend, mainly visible at an angle, and scattered surface creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Taken at the peak of his celebrity, this is a superb, piercing depiction of Clift, a revered method actor who remains scarce in photos of this size.
8234
Dorothy Dandridge Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 African-American actress (1922–1965) who earned an Academy Award nomination for her leading role in the 1954 film Carmen Jones. Lovely glossy 8 x 10 publicity photo of Dandridge looking over her shoulder, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “Mr. & Mrs. Estrella, The very best of every thing always & most sincerely, Dorothy Dandridge.” In good to very good condition, with moderate overall creasing, spots of toning to background, and two edge tears, one of which has been repaired with tape at bottom left corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1950s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 99
The largest Disney-signed photo we have offered 8235
Walt Disney Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Remarkable circa mid-1950s vintage matte-finish 13.5 x 16.25 studio portrait of Disney in a relaxed pose, prominently signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Lou— with my best, Walt.” Slightly trimmed and in fine condition, with scattered surface creasing and a spot of adhesive residue well above inscription, mainly visible at an angle. Pre-certified PSA/ DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Dated to around the period Walt Disney Studios expanded into the television realm, this huge, warm portrait of the animation pioneer is one of the finest and largest Disney-signed photos we have ever offered. A simply ideal depiction.
100 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8236
Bobby Driscoll Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Adorable vintage matte-finish 4 x 5 portrait of Driscoll resting his head on his hands, signed in purple fountain pen. In fine condition, with a neatly trimmed bottom edge and a trivial bit of soiling to right blank edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Popular child star (1937–1968) best known for his roles in Song of the South and Treasure Island, and for voicing the role of Peter Pan in Walt Disney’s animated classic. After briefly joining Andy Warhol’s art community the Factory, he succumbed to his recurring drug addiction at the age of thirty-one.
8237
Zsa Zsa Gabor Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Fabulous vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.5 Wally Seawell portrait of Gabor wearing a floral-themed gown and posing in front of a mirror, affixed to its original Paul A. Hesse studio mount, signed and inscribed to the photographer in white ink (spelling and grammar retained), “To Wally with so so so much thanks for his wonderfull tast and and knowledg about fotographie, Zsa Zsa Gabor.” Lower portion bears a Seawell blindstamp, and the reverse of the mount features a Seawell–Hesse studio stamp. In fine condition, with scattered mild surface scratches. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Seawell was an American photographer best known for his portraits of Hollywood stars such as Bette Davis, Audrey Hepburn, and George Burns.
8238
Susan Hayward Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 portrait of Hayward posing against a stone wall, signed and inscribed in red ink, “To Sheldon, Best wishes, Susan Hayward.” In fine condition, with mild wrinkling to top edge, a small tear to right edge, and single pin holes to top and bottom edges. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1950s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 101
Beautiful portrait of Audrey as Sabrina 8239
Audrey Hepburn Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Gorgeous vintage glossy 7 x 8.75 Paramount publicity photo from 1954 for Hepburn’s iconic role as Sabrina Fairchild, boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Gerard, Audrey Hepburn.” Nicely matted and framed to an overall size of 13 x 15. In fine condition, with a few scattered light surface marks. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8240
Charlton Heston Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage glossy 8 x 10.25 close-up photo of a young, wavy-haired Heston, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Dave—with sincere gratitude—Charlton L. Heston.” In fine condition, with rippling to left edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
102 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Crystal-clear oversized portrait of the Hollywood heartthrob 8242
Rock Hudson Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Sharp vintage matte-finish 10.25 x 13 close-up photo, neatly signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “For Allen, With Very Best Wishes, Rock Hudson.” Handsomely double-matted and framed to an overall size of 16.5 x 19. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Jesus Christ in King of Kings
Actor (1926–1969) best known for playing Jesus Christ in King of Kings, and Captain Christopher Robin Pike on Star Trek.
8243
Jeffrey Hunter Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 14 close-up portrait of Hunter, signed and inscribed in white ink, “For Donald Fiske, with my sincere thanks and good wishes always, Truly, Jeffrey Hunter.” In very good condition, with trimmed edges, creasing, and slight fading to inscription and signature. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8244
Burt Lancaster Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 publicity portrait of Lancaster posing in a dark polo shirt, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “For George Langiewicz, Burt Lancaster.” In fine condition, with three binder holes to right edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1950s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 103
Landon as a teenage werewolf 8245
Michael Landon Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Rare vintage glossy 8 x 10 photo of Landon as the transformed Tony Rivers from the 1957 film I Was a Teenage Werewolf, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint. In fine condition, with a small notation to lower border. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Signed photos of Landon as the werewolf remain exceedingly rare.
8246
Sal Mineo Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American film and theatre actor (1939–1976) best known for his performance opposite James Dean in the 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause; he was twice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for his roles in Rebel Without a Cause and Exodus. Mineo was tragically stabbed to death at the age of thirty-seven. Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 publicity portrait of Mineo by Bruno of Hollywood, signed and inscribed in purple ballpoint, “To Graham, All the best, Sal Mineo, ‘Exodus.’” In very good to fine condition, with the signature and inscription a shade or two light but completely legible, three dings to left edge, and a few surface creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
104 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
Glamorous, boldly signed 1953 Powolny portrait of Marilyn 8247
Marilyn Monroe Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,000 Sultry vintage mattefinish 7.5 x 9.5 portrait of Monroe taken during a Frank Powolny glamour shoot in 1953, signed and inscribed in white ink, “To Jimmie, Best regards, Marilyn Monroe.” In fine condition, with scattered surface creases and a moderate crease to the lower left corner. Pre-certified PSA/ DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Monroe and Powolny most famously teamed up in 1953 for a series of stunning, artfully framed publicity stills for the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Immortalized for 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 production of Something’s Got to Give, one week before her death in 1962. A gorgeous image elevated by the contrast of Monroe’s white signature and the deepness of the unlit background.
1950s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 105
8248
Audie Murphy Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American soldier and actor (1924–1971) whose heroism during World War II earned him the Medal of Honor. After the war, Murphy began a respectable film career, appearing in a string of westerns and war dramas; he died in a plane crash at the age of 46. Vintage matte-finish 11 x 13.75 publicity portrait of Murphy in a suit and tie, signed in dark fountain pen, “All the best, Audie Murphy.” Mounted to foam core and in fine condition, with minor edge chipping and spots of toning. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8249
Eleanor Parker Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Pretty vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 Welborne portrait of Parker, lengthily signed and inscribed in French in blue fountain pen, “Eleanor.” Reverse bears a Warner Bros. copyright stamp. In fine condition, with light corner wear and scattered silvering. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8250
Vincent Price Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Nice textured matte-finish 11 x 14 close-up portrait of Price, signed and inscribed in ballpoint, “For Jayne, Love and Luck, Always, Vincent Price.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered creasing (heaviest to lower right), tear to upper right corner tip, moderate signature contrast, and silvering to lower left. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
106 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8251
Elizabeth Taylor Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Taylor leaning forward in a low-cut dress, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Susan, Best wishes to you always, Elizabeth Taylor.” Reverse bears a MGM–Taylor stamp. In fine condition, with a bit scattered light discoloration. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8253
I Love Lucy: Elizabeth Patterson Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American character actress (1875–1966) best known for her role as the elderly neighbor Matilda Trumbull on I Love Lucy. Rare vintage matte-finish 9.5 x 7.5 fulllength photo of Patterson standing outside next to a gorgeous dark automobile, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Henrietta— with appreciation & many good wishes, Elizabeth Patterson.” In fine condition, with a trimmed top edge and tape remnants to three corners. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1950s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 107
Supremely rare portrait in character as, “George ‘Superman’ Reeves” 8254
Superman: George Reeves Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Actor (1914–1959) best remembered for his role as Superman in the popular 1950s television series. His homicide at the age of 45 remains one of the great unsolved mysteries of Hollywood lore. Amazing glossy 8 x 10 full-length photo of Reeves standing arms akimbo as Superman, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Ann, thanks for watching, George ‘Superman’ Reeves.” In very good condition, with moderate overall creasing, and a small light red mark to upper left background.Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Despite playing the last son of Krypton for all six seasons of the television show Adventures of Superman, Reeves remains quite rare in signed photos. Imposing full-length portraits of Reeves as his most famous character, such as this very example, are virtually nonexistent, with this photo augmented furthermore by Reeves’ addition of “Superman.”
108 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
8255
Ernie Kovacs Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Brilliant entertainer (1919– 1962) whose freewheeling sense of humor and sense of visual style made him one of the most distinctive personalities in the early days of television. Vintage glossy 7 x 9 seated photo of Kovacs relaxing with a cigar, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Dear Miss Ebert, Thank you so much, Ernie Kovacs.” In very good condition, with trimmed edges, scattered surface marks and impressions and some light crazing to finish. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8256
The Nelsons Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of the Nelson family, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To—Olivia, with best wishes from all the Nelsons, Harriet,” “Ozzie,” “Rick,” and “David.” In fine condition, with a few light surface creases and some soiling above Ozzie’s signature. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8257
Gig Young Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 American actor (1913–1978) who won the 1969 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his memorable role in They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? Plagued by increasingly acute alcoholism, Young killed himself and his fifth wife in a murder-suicide just three weeks after their marriage. Vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 publicity Portrait of Young, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “Good luck, Jerry, Gig Young.” Reverse bears a Welbourne–Warner Bros. copyright stamp. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1950s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 109
Inscribed by the “littlest Rebel” to her talent agent 8258
Natalie Wood Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Magnificent vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 portrait of the lovely young star, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint to agent Henry Willson, “To Henry, The best agent in the world and a wonderful friend. Your littlest Rebel, Natalie ‘Tiger’ Wood.” Matted and framed to an overall size of 17.5 x 19.5. In fine condition, with creasing to lower right corner. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Though Wood, under Willson’s guidance, landed roles in such memorable films as Rebel Without a Cause and The Searchers, Wood fired him for failing to support her in securing the lead in Marjorie Morningstar (1958), one of her first major ‘adult’ roles. The “Rebel” in the inscription clearly alludes to her role in the James Dean classic, while “Tiger” was Wood’s nickname at the time.
View image of frame online at www.RRAuction.com
Natalie Wood
For an adorable Miracle of 34th Street-era photo of Wood, see lot number 8229 on page 96.
110 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
A gift from DeMille to Parsons, “The little lady with the potent pen” 8259
Cecil B. DeMille Oversized Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Wonderful vintage matte-finish 11 x 14 portrait of DeMille by William Davis Pearsall, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Miss Louella Parsons, The little lady with the potent pen— Cecil B. deMille.” Reverse bears a photography credit stamp. In fine condition, with creasing and mild bits of staining to blank borders, light silvering to dark background, and a small tear to bottom edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT An amazing oversized image and an exceptional association piece between the Queen of Hollywood and the founding father of film.
8260
8261
Starting Bid $200
Starting Bid $200
Vittorio de Sica Signed Photograph
Academy Award–winning Italian director (1901– 1974) best known for his definitive 1948 ‘neorealist’ masterpiece The Bicycle Thief. Vintage glossy 5.25 x 7 head-and-shoulders photo of de Sica, boldly signed in fountain pen and dated 1955. In fine condition, with mild surface creases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Walter Winchell Oversized Signed Photograph
American newspaper and radio gossip commentator (1897– 1972) who famously used his New York Daily Mirror syndicated gossip column, On-Broadway, to expose exciting or embarrassing information about celebrities. Vintage matte-finish 10.75 x 13.5 Wallace Seawell portrait of Winchell with his reflection, affixed to the original studio mount, signed and inscribed to the photographer in white ink, “To Wally: My idea of an artist! Walter Winchell.” Lower right bears a Seawell blindstamp. Reverse of mount bears a Paul A. Hesse Studios stamp. In fine condition, with mild corner tip dings to mount. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1950s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 111
1960s HOLLYWOOD With Italy and France joining Hollywood as titans of the cinematic world, a ‘youth’ movement had begun to counter the overtly feminine photography of the previous decade. As studio portraits and film stills became more common, Hollywood companies wisely injected a more authentic and marketable campaign style for their stars, one that complemented the liberal trend of current film. By decade’s end, the role of television, the plight of the Vietnam War, and various shifts in American culture resulted in both paltry ticket sales and a disinterest in the moviegoing experience, soundly marking an end to the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood.
Stunning portrait of the tragic starlet 8263
Sharon Tate Signed Photograph Starting Bid $1,000 Promising American actress (b. 1943) and wife of director Roman Polanski who was propelled into infamy when she was murdered by the Manson Family at the age of 26 in the notorious killing spree that shook the nation in the summer of 1969. Marvelous vintage glossy 8 x 10 close-up photo of Tate, signed and inscribed in blue fountain pen, “Peter, Warmest Wishes, Sharon Tate.” In fine, crisp condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Tate remains rare across all signed formats, with photos of the gorgeous actress of the utmost desirability. A particularly enchanting example.
Vin Tanner from The Magnificent Seven 8264
Steve McQueen Signed Photograph Starting Bid $500 Scarce and superb vintage glossy 8 x 10 photo of McQueen as Vin Tanner from the 1960 film The Magnificent Seven, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint, “To Raye from Steve McQueen.” Collector’s ink notation on the reverse dates the signature to May 2, 1960. In fine condition, with a neatly trimmed left edge, creasing and bit of tape at lower left corner, and a small piece of transparent tape to top edge. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT Signed the very year The Magnificent Seven was released, this is a wonderful and neatly inscribed photo of McQueen, an actor who remains decidedly uncommon in signed photos.
1960s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 113
8265
Paul Newman Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Vintage glossy 8 x 9.75 publicity portrait of the young actor, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Frank, Best wishes, Paul Newman.” Light corner bends and a few surface impressions, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Iconic portrait of Hitchcock with his profile sketch 8266
Alfred Hitchcock Signed Photograph With Sketch Starting Bid $200 Wonderful glossy 8 x 10 publicity portrait of the famed director, signed and inscribed in black ink, “To Paul, from, Alfred Hitchcock,” adding a delightful profile sketch of his immediately recognizable self-portrait. Reverse is stamp-dated August 7, 1959. In fine condition, with scattered surface creases and marks and portions of toning. Accompanied by a press release for the NBC television series Suspicion. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. COLLECTOR INSIGHT A fantastic photo of Hitchcock with the ever desirable presence of a self-portrait sketch, an addition rarely seen on such a format.
114 Tom Gregory Collection | www.RRAuction.com | (603) 732-4280
The unnerving Norman Bates 8267
Anthony Perkins Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Glossy 8 x 10 Paramount Pictures publicity photo of Perkins as Norman Bates in the 1960 film Psycho, vertically signed in blue ink. Reverse bears collector’s notations indicating the signature was obtained at the Plymouth Theatre on February 13, 1976. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8269
Margaret Rutherford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Character actress (1892– 1972) who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1963 for her role as the Duchess of Brighton in The VIPs. Vintage semi-glossy 3.25 x 5 photo of the acclaimed British actress, signed in fountain pen, “Yours sincerely, Margaret Rutherford, My very best wishes for your work!” Cloth-matted and framed to an overall size of 8.5 x 10. In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
8270
Inger Stevens Signed Photograph 8268
Robert Redford Signed Photograph Starting Bid $200 Early glossy 8 x 10 MCA publicity photo of a young Redford in a close-up pose, signed in black ink, “With Best Wishes, Robert Redford.” In fine condition, with scattered surface creases and some brushing to signature. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
Starting Bid $200 Popular Swedish-American actress (1934–1970) best known for her role in the 1960s TV series The Farmer’s Daughter. Stevens died of an overdose of drugs and alcohol at the age of 35. Vintage glossy 8 x 10.25 MGM publicity portrait of Stevens, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Peter, Best wishes, Inger Stevens.” In fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
1960s Hollywood | December 15, 2016 115
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Tom Gregory HOLLYWOOD AUCTION December 15, 2016 | www.RRAuction.com