Lights! Camera! Action! Imagine the thrill of owning a Clark Gable photograph by Clarence Sinclair Bull, vintage autograph of Frank "the Oz" Morgan, signed letter of Katharine Hepburn, or a letter of Gregory Peck with reference to a screenplay in progress.

We carry an extensive selection of vintage Hollywood autographs and memorabilia, some going back to the days of Theda Bara and the silent screen era.

Recent inventory has featured an important-content showbiz letter of Eddie Cantor; Fanny Brice vintage signature; Frank Capra letter; and a charming, handwritten note of Jimmy Durante. We have also acquired a small but fine collection of contemporary Hollywood material from the 1980s, among which are signed photographs of James Stewart, Clint Eastwood, Kathy Bates, Richard Todd, Sir David Attenborough, Peter O'Toole, Carol Burnett, Ellen Burstyn, Robert DeNiro, Honor Blackman, and many others.

BERLE, Milton – (1908-2002) Legendary comedian and pioneer of television. In fact, he was popularly hailed as Mr. Television. Hilarious 8”x10” black and white vintage reproduction glossy character still of Berle in a brocade, full-length dress. Signed contemporaneously in blue marker pen. Fine. $65. Please note: we have two other classic signed images of Berle at $65 each.

THE ORIGINAL FUNNY LADY

BRICE, Fanny (1891-1951) (Fania Borach) Popular and influential American comedienne, singer, theatre and film actress and entertainer. Creator and star of the top rated radio comedy series "The Baby Snooks Show." The daughter of middle class Hungarian Jewish saloon owners. Portrayed on stage and screen by Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl and Funny Lady. Vintage signature on a small card professionally matted with a 8"x10" black and white vintage reproduction glossy as Baby Snooks, speaking into a NBC Radio microphone. Included in the ensemble is original sheet music for Rose of Washington Square. Wonderful display piece.

$ 225 (Payment Options)

BURSTYN, Ellen (1932- ) Academy Award-winning actress. A 8"x10" black and white glossy closeup portrait that she has signed in red marker pen "Best of Everything, Ellen Burstyn". $ 35

CANTOR, Eddie (1892-1964) Singer, songwriter, comedian, actor and author. Often referred to as “ole banjo eyes.” Certainly one of America’s showbiz legends of the 20th Century. Autograph Display Piece. Consists of an important-content Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, 1954, on his personal stationery, to renowned autograph collector Kenneth Whittemore. Reads “Just what you mean by ‘generous to his public,’ I’m not sure. If you mean must he genuinely like people, like to entertain them, and let them know that he would rather be right where he is going what he is doing than anyplace else on this earth, then I would say it is even more important than talent. Talent and ability are necessary, but they alone will never make the public want to see an entertainer. Without the public, how does one entertain?” Professionally matted in a bronze-coin motif board along with a vintage sepia-tone, oversized, photograph of Cantor in front of an NBC microphone. This is one of the finest showbiz content letters we have ever offered and a handsome display piece. $245

CAPRA, Frank (1897-1991) Film director. Began his career as a writer for Our Gang Comedies. His work as a director frequently celebrated the decency and integrity of the common man as he combats corruption in high places, and he earned Oscars for It Happened One Night (1934), Mr Deeds Goes to Town (1936), and You Can't Take It With You (1938). The film that eventually became his most popular, It's A Wonderful Life (1947), did not receive any special attention at its initial release. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, 1984, on his personal letterhead, sending his autograph. Accompanied by an unusual 8”x10” black and white vintage reproduction glossy still of Capra examining a roll of film. Professionally matted and ready to frame. $125

CLIFT, Montgomery (1920-66) Best Oscar nomination for The Search, A Place in the Sun, From Here to Eternity. Died at the age of 45. His autograph is very uncommon. Vintage signed card, professionally double-matted and framed with a handsome 4"x6" black and white, litho print photo postcard image. $350

CORNELL, Katharine (1898-1974) American actress, born in Berlin but spent her early years in Buffalo, New York. Cornell was one of the greatest stage actresses of the 1920s through 1950s. She made her debut in 1916 with the Washington Square Players. In 1921 she married Guthrie McClintic, a producer-director. From their first production together, The Green Hat in 1925, they proved to be a successful team, with such productions as The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1931, repeated on television, 1956), Saint Joan (1936), Candida (1937), The Doctor's Dilemma (1941), and The Three Sisters (1942). She was often able to carry a weak production on the basis of her strong voice, expressive face, and acting style. Cornell played Mrs. Patrick Campbell in Dear Liar on Broadway in 1960. After McClintic's death in 1961, Cornell retired from the theater. Haunting 8”x10” black and white, matte-finish, Vandamm portrait (circa 1936). Very boldly signed in blue fountain pen “Best wishes, Katharine Cornell.” There is some minor chemical disintegration of the corners in two places. Professionally matted in jetblack, acid-free, matboard. An uncommon image of this great American thespian. $125

CORNELL, Katharine - Stunning 8"x10" sepia tone glamour shot, dedicated to Eleanor. In fine condition. An uncommon shot of the actress in a floral batik strapless gown. $125

DAVIS, BETTE – (1908-89) Two-time Academy Award winning actor of film, television and theatre. A showbiz legend. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, July 1975, on her quaint personalized “My Bailiwick” letterhead. Written to the (then) president of Howard Payne University, Dr. Roger L. Brooks. Letter Reads: “Dear President Brooks: ‘The World of Carl Sandburg’ show is in a book of the same name published by Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc. It was a most exciting show to do. I hope you’re able to find a copy of this book. The stage presentation and the book were planned and written by Norman Corwin. Thank you so much for your letter and thank you for liking my book ‘The Lonely Life.’” Comes with original envelope. Miss Davis refers to one of her autobiographical works published in 1962. Other than usual folds, letter is in near mint condition. $ 175

(BROOKS, Dr. Roger L. – 12th President of Howard Payne University (Brownwood, Texas). Served as president from 1973-79. Brooks was born April 14, 1927 in Arkansas. He served served in the U.S. Naval Reserve 1945-51 and was, at his accession to the presidency, a major in the USMC Reserve. He received his BA from Baylor in 1949 in English and History; his MA from Illinois in 1950 in English, and his PhD from Colorado in 1959 in English. Serving as associate dean of the graduate school at Texas Tech 1964-67, he was from 1967, until his accession to the presidency, dean of the college of arts and sciences at East Texas State University (now TAMU-Commerce). A Baptist deacon, Brooks and his wife Martha had five children. The formal inauguration was held during Homecoming, October 19-20, 1973. The ceremony was scheduled for 2:00 P.M. at the Brownwood Coliseum with a reception in the Gold Room of Sid Richardson Hall. The homecoming activities concluded at 7:30 P.M. with the Jackets battling Tarleton State at Cen-Tex Stadium (now Gordon Wood Stadium.) (HPC won 31-0.). In her July 1975 letter to President Brown, Miss Davis refers to a staged production of “The World of Carl Sandburg” (staged reading), State Theatre, Portland, ME,1959, then performed at Henry Miller's Theatre, New York City, 1960).

DAVIS, BETTE - An "unusual," somewhat "plain" looking Davis featured in a 8"x10" black and white, matte-finish, informal portrait (closeup). Mint condition. Not dedicated but boldly signed in black marker pen. This photograph was presented to Dr. Brooks to whom Miss Davis wrote the above letter. $ 150

DURANTE, Jimmy (1893-1980) Popular American comedian of stage, screen and TV, known as “Snozzle Durante.” Began his career as a saloon pianist on Coney Island before partnering two vaudevillians in a club act. Opened Club Durant in NYC in 1923. He went on to become a popular and versatile entertainer on Broadway and the radio. In the 1950s and 60s he enjoyed great success on television with his own variety show. Late in his career, the Snoz appeared in the films Jumbo and It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, no date, on Sheraton-Astor Hotel, NY letterhead. Reads “Dear Julia, Was happy to hear from you sure I remember you and your Dad, Uncle Bob and when you were all over to the house in Flushing. Wish I could get over to see you and Sandy but I don’t get home till (sic) three in the morning and, by the time I get to bed, it’s 5 o’clock. Thanks for your invitation … my very best wishes to you and yours. Jimmy Durante.” This charming letter has been professionally matted in Fiore Grotto grey marbled board along with an original, 1950s, black and white glossy publicity photo of the Snoz sitting at the piano, smiling into the camera. This vintage original photograph has been interestingly framed in an octagonal style. Overall dimensions are 19”x14.25”. A wonderful collectible of this great vaudevillian and TV star. $250

FAIRBANKS JR., (Sir) Douglas Elton (1909-2000) American film actor (son of the legendary Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.) and a highly decorated WWII pilot. Signed photograph, measure 4.5"x7". A handsome black and white photo signed on the lower mount and dated 1995 (Fairbanks late in life). $ 75

FIELDS, W. C. (1879-1946) Celebrated film actor and screenwriter. Fields' popularity has survived his demise, and he remains one of the archetypal American comedians. Vintage signature on small card. Professionally double-matted along with a 3"x5" black and white litho print photo-postcard of Fields in character from "David Copperfield". Accompanied by a plate of commemorative stamps. Encased in museum conservation glass and a high end wooden frame. $ 825.00 SALE PRICE $ 700 (Nominal additional amount for shipping due to weight and dimensions.) (Payment Options)

GABLE, Clark (1901-60) Celebrated American film legend. Document Signed, being a check which is typewritten and signed by Gable. No cancellation marks near signature. Professionally double matted along with an oversized color lithoprint vintage reproduction lobby card for "Gone With the Wind," as well as a smaller, black and white litho reprint photo of Gable from an original by Hurrell. Encased in museum conservation glass and a high end wooden frame. Investment-grade collectible. $895.00 SALE PRICE $700

GIELGUD, (Sir) John (1904-2000) Arguably the greatest Shakespearian actor of the 20th Century. A highly distinguished and prolific performer on stage and screen. Signed Photograph; 8”x10” color glossy character still from Prospero’s Books, nicely signed in blue marker pen. Photograph in very good to excellent condition. $100

GLEASON, Jackie (1916-87) and PRYOR, Richard (1940-2005) The “Great One,” a legendary comic and star of stage, screen and TV; and an edgy, sometimes controversial, always funny African-American stand-up comic and actor; his life tragically cut short by multiple sclerosis. A groundbreaking talent; certainly the first African American stand-up comedian to speak candidly and successfully to integrated audiences using the language and jokes blacks previously only shared among themselves when they were most critical of America. Signed Photograph; 10”x8” measure black and white glossy character still, 1982, from the Columbia Pictures release The Toy. Boldly signed by both Pryor and Gleason. Pryor is decked out in a maid’s outfit with Gleason smiling. Photograph is in excellent condition. Very uncommon signed by both. $165 (Payment Options)

GREY, Joel – (1932- ) American star of stage and screen. Best remembered as the master of ceremonies in the film “Cabaret”. Signed photograph; 8”x10” black and white glossy which the actor has signed later in life. Very good. $50

HEPBURN, Katharine (1907-2003) Acclaimed American actress of stage and screen. Legendary actor who won four Oscars and was long associated with actor Spencer Tracy. Among her greatest works are: Morning Glory, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Lion in Winter and On Golden Pond. Excellent vintage fountain pen signature on a small brown-colored card in excellent condition. Professionally double matted along with an oversized black and white, litho print portrait of Hepburn. This autograph is from the collection of Franz Berger of Vienna, Austria who was a 40 year collector who traveled internationally and acquired autographs in person. Nota bene: the signed card has been professionally deacidified and backed with acid-free paper under an acid-free matboard. Encased in glass and a high-end, wooden frame. Stunning display piece. $425 (Payment Options)

HOPKINS, (Sir) Anthony (1937- ) Welsh-born acclaimed star of stage and screen. Signed Photograph; a 8”x10” color glossy character still from The Remains of the Day, very boldly signed in silver marker pen. Professionally double matted in hues of teal and silver. Mesmerizing image. Accompanied by a smaller image on the reverse of Hopkins at the signing session. $145 (Payment Options)

HUNTER, Tab - City Confidential: the Making of a Movie Star. Publisher: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2005. Signed By Tab Hunter First Edition. Hardcover. As New. $ 75 (in-person signing 2006; details of provenance included). We have two copies.

LEWIS, Jerry (1926- ) American comedic actor of stage, screen and television. Signed Photograph, being a 8”x10” black and white, matte-finish image of Lewis in shirt and shoes, sans trousers, standing in front of a dressing room makeup counter. Hilarious and uncommon image. Boldly signed and dated 1993. Professionally double matted in black and teal. Wonderful item from this comic legend. $95 (Payment Options)

"Nobody Gets In To See The Wizard,

Not Nobody, Not No How"

MORGAN, Frank (1890-1949) American film actor. Made dozens of films but is best remembered for playing the title role in The Wizard of Oz. His autograph is extremely uncommon and the hardest to obtain for a Wizard of Oz collection. Vintage sentiment and signature on a small card, accomplished in fountain pen. Morgan has added “the Oz” making this even more desirable. The signature is delightfully paired with a 8”x10” black and white litho print character still of Morgan as “the great and mighty Oz,” along with two smaller color litho prints from the film. The ensemble has been double-matted in “yellow brick road” and red liners, encased in museum conservation glass, and a high-end wooden frame. Magnificent. $1,495 SALE PRICE $1,250

NOVARRO, Ramon (1899-1968). Mexican actor who achieved fame as a “Latin lover.” At the height of his film career in the 1920s and 30’s, Novarro was earning upwards of $100,000 per film. Throughout his life, Novarro constantly struggled with his deep Roman Catholicism and homosexuality, central themes in his life. There are rumors that MGM mogul Louis B. Mayer tried to coerce Novarro into a "lavender marriage", which he refused. However, some— including Novarro biographer André Soares— assert that there is no evidence that Mayer tried to coerce Novarro into a contractual marriage. Novarro died, tragically, on October 30, 1968 when, inviting two brothers to his home for a sexual liaison, Novarro was brutally murdered in a botched burglary attempt. The brothers were arrested but received probation shortly thereafter. They were re-arrested on charges unrelated to the killing of Novarro. Not unlike the double-mirror life of Rock Hudson, Sal Mineo and Montgomery Clift, Novarro constantly lived among shadows, fearful that his film career would be cut short by revealing his sexuality. Vintage signature accomplished in fountain pen ink, on the reverse of the calling card of an Argentian gentleman. Accompanied by a vintage, sepia-tone, photo-postcard of Novarro at the prime of his career, circa 1925. Both would make for a handsome display piece. $ 125

PECK, Gregory (1916-2003) American film icon. Typewritten Letter Signed, one page, 1982, written to a producer about the prospects to bring a play to the screen. In part reads “…if I had my druthers, I think I would start it modestly, off Broadway, but with nothing less than perfect casting. Personal charm a requisite in these parts…” Nicely signed “Greg.” Professionally matted in silver board along with a handsome 8”x10” black and white, matte-finish, casual portrait of the screen legend wearing a houndstooth check jacket. Overall measure 20”x13.5”. $250

PRESLEY, Elvis - The undisputed King of Rock N'Roll. Signed 4"x6" color litho print photo postcard signed in ballpoint pen "Thanks, Elvis Presley." Acquired in-person at The International Hotel, Las Vegas, 3 February 1970. Small repaired tear in top of card, well away from image or signature. Otherwise fine. $ 895

PRICE, Vincent (1911-93) American-born star of stage, screen and TV; author; epicurean; art authority. One of the great Renaissance men of American show business. Hand-drawn and signed profile accomplished in ballpoint pen. Professionally double-matted in blue and yellow with a 8”x10” color character still of the actor as “Egghead” from Batman. Encased in glass and a sleek, metallic, frame. $425

RAFT, George (1895-1980) American leading man of film often cast as a tough guy. Vintage signature on a pale pink album leaf, professionally matted in a grey on grey pinstripe board along with a 8”x10” black and white vintage reproduction glossy pose (uncharacteristically softer model image). Overall measure 11”x16”. $135 (Payment Options)

TODD, Richard (1919- ) British leading man of stage and screen. Appeared in 70 films. Signed photograph; a 4"x5.75" black and white litho print which the versatile actor has signed Best wishes, Richard Todd. $ 65

SYDOW, Max Von (1929- ) Academy Award-nominated Swedish actor. Handsome 8"x10" black and white glossy closeup head shot which the acclaimed actor has boldly signed in blue marker pen. This is a striking image. $ 45

TOMLIN, Lily - Comedienne, actress, author. She's done it all and very successfully. A 4"x6" color casual shot, signed in black marker pen. Nice image.

$ 25. Please note: We also have a larger signed image which is a black and white litho print from an original by Annie Liebowitz. Priced at $95

WEST,Mae - (1893-1980) American actress, playwright, screenwriter and sex symbol. Famous for her double entendres. Somewhat camp 8"x10" black and white vintage glossy photograph which the glamorous dame has signed in black marker pen. Choice. $ 135

WILDER, Billy – (1906-2002) Director, writer, producer. Created more than 50 films. Unique Signed Photograph, a 4”x5.75” color glossy close up portrait, which Wilder signed in black marker pen at the bottom (late in life). A fascinating image. $65

GREAT VAUDEVILLIAN,CLOWN , FILM AND TV STAR,

HAILED AS “THE PERFECT FOOL”

Dedicated and signed “To Mother, from Sonny Ed” 1934

WYNN, Ed (1886-1966) Ed Wynn began his showbiz career at age 13 by joining a traveling medicine show. Wynn went on to achieve fame in vaudeville. His father, who disapproved of his son’s choice of a profession, urged him to change his name lest he bring shame on the family. Appeared in 25 films and nearly 50 TV episodes. Host of “The Ed Wynn Show” (1949). Acclaimed as the “perfect fool” for his fluttery voice, vulnerable, bumbling, prattle and manner. He achieved special notoriety in the early days of television as the Texaco Sky Chief. More of a clown than comedian, Wynn brought vaudeville to television in its waning days. Oscar nominee.

Rare 14”x11” sepia-tone, matte-finish Vandamm studio portrait of the clown, inscribed, signed and dated 1934. “To Mother, from Sonny Ed, Ed Wynn, 1934.” In excellent condition. Bears the studio blind stamp in the lower right corner and their mark on the reverse. Vandamm Studio was the leading theatrical photographic studio in New York City from the 1930s through the 1950s. Founded in the 1920s by Florence Vandamm and her husband, George Robert Thomas, the studio eventually overshadowed White Studio photographing approximately 75% of the productions that reached the Broadway stage." (New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, 1995). When this amazing photograph came to our attention we did not hesitate to acquire it. Other than a barely perceptible crease in the upper left hand corner, this studio photograph is in beautiful condition. The discerning collector of vintage Hollywood will cherish this image. $425 (Payment Options)

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Gloria Swanson

Bela Lugosi

Marlene Dietrich