WALT DISNEY Signed reproduction of an original celluloid drawing used in Alice in Wonderland. Printed Image Mount signed: "Walt Disney" in green crayon. Color, 11x8, matted to 17x20 (two surfaces). The success of Walt Disney's first full-length cartoon feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (December 1937), led to additional cartoon films, including the popular Alice in Wonderland, released in 1951. This printed illustration was most probably released by Walt Disney Productions in Burbank, California. Typical of these reproductions is a label affixed to their backs issued by Walt Disney Productions in Burbank. There is a remnant of a label on the verso of this image that appears to be the same size as ones we have previously seen. These labels are the official information and authenticity that accompany the print. The studio typically issued only 100 of the reproductions for a specific image. The labels always stated: "This is a reproduction of an original celluloid drawing, actually used in the Walt Disney production...Celluloid paintings are the final step in the creation of the Walt Disney animated picture." This charming print is signed by the innovative American animator. read more...

AFTER A CONTRACT BATTLE, VALENTINO ASSIGNS HIS EARNINGS TO HIS WIFE   RUDOLPH VALENTINO. Typed DS: "Rudolph Valentino", 1p, 8x10½. No place, 1924 January 30. On his personal letterhead in letter form to Famous Players-Lasky Corp., New York City. Begins: "Gentlemen". In full: "In consideration of the advance to me by my wife, Natalie Guglielmi, I desire to assign, and do hereby assign to said Natalie Guglielmi any earnings which may accrue to me under the contract entered into and signed by myself on January 15th, 1924. Any salary due me is to be made payable to my wife, Natalie Guglielmi." Also signed: "John J. Barry" as Notary Public. Romantic film leading man Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926), born Rodolpho Alphonso Raffaelo Pierre Filibert Guglielmi di Valentina d'Antonguolla, signed this request in 1924 for the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation (later Paramount) to remit his earnings to his wife, former actress Natasha Rambova. At this time, Valentino was filming Monsieur Beaucaire, his first film after settling his 1922 contract dispute with Jesse Lasky. read more...

W. C. FIELDS and FLO ZIEGFELD Both sign a contract for Fields' appearance in the play "J. P. McEvoy's Comic Supplement". Not a standard form contract, this one has been written with Fields in mind. Contract signed: "Flo Ziegfeld", "W. C. Fields", 4 pages, 7¼x10½. Also initialed by both at a minor correction: "F.Z.", "W. C. F." New Amsterdam Theatre, New York, N.Y., 1924 November 10. On Ziegfeld's personal letterhead, Fields signs his acceptance of a commitment to appear in a play bearing the temporary title "J. P. McEvoy's Comic Supplement," to be produced on or before January 15, 1925. Fields is guaranteed top billing in the play credits and all advertising, and will receive $1, 750 per week for the full run of the play. He must attend five weeks of rehearsals without compensation. Clause 5 is of special interest: "You agree to get in touch promptly after the execution of this agreement with the author of this play, Mr. McAvoy and to aid and facilitate him and co-operate with him in every matter to the end that the parts to be assigned to you shall be adapted to your special talents and ability. You agree to render such services without any additional compensation. read more...

WALT DISNEY The business pioneer has inscribed and signed this printed illustration of Goofy. It's framed with an unsigned photo of Disney surrounded by many of his beloved animated characters Printed Illustration Inscribed and Signed: "To/ Ann/ Sincerely -/ Walt Disney". B/w, 7¼x9¼. Image of two cartoon drawings, one full-size and one of the head of "Goofy". Goofy, who became the symbol of "Everyman" in Disney cartoons, first appeared over six decades ago in "Mickey's Revue" (1932). Then a bit player, he was named Dippy Dawg until he got his "official" name for his goofy work in "Orphan's Benefit" (1934). Goofy became a star in the 1935 cartoon, "Moving Day", and his popularity resulted in his own line of Disney merchandise. Teamed with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in a number of cartoons, Goofy had his first starring role in 1939's "Goofy and Wilbur". Goofy later went on to appear in his own series of comic books (1953). read more...

RUDOLPH VALENTINO The foremost sex symbol of the 1920s pens a letter to a fan to express his admiration for a story told by her, signed in green ink Autograph Letter Signed: “Rudolph Valentino” in green ink. 7¼x10½. One page. Written on personal letterhead. In full: “Dear Mrs. Lindsay, Please permit me to express my appreciation of your splendid story in Monday's 'Express'. In looking forward to review our acquaintance at an early date permit me to present you my kindest regards”. Rudolph Valentino (1895-1926) was the great romantic screen idol of the 1920s, the epitome of the "Latin lover." The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse had opened on March 5, 1921, followed by Uncharted Seas on April 21, 1921, and The Conquering Power on July 8, 1921. Camille opened on September 11, 1921 and The Sheik opened on October 30, 1921. He was a very busy actor in 1921. read more...

W. C. FIELDS Handwritten letter to his mistress Carlotta Monti, signed as "The Great Man". Monti is not spared Fields' caustic wit: "You say your voice has improved ... Thank Christ you never took up the cornet." Autograph Letter signed: "The Great Man", 2 pages (integral leaf), 8½x11. No place, 1939 January 11. To "Dear Carlotta". In full: "You say your voice has improved, but if you cannot commercialize on it, it will do you very little good, and cause others who have to listen to it quite a bit of business. Thank Christ you never took up the cornet. I will ask mickey mouse or pals to meet you at the station with station wagon. So look for either upon your arrival. [next 3 sentences written in cramped script in margin.] I will call you up at 8th St. Don't be fretting about your birthday. You know money is very good and I hate to hear anyone mention it. I will be out of town as the painters come in Monday. We will be most anxious to see you and have you tell us about London, Berlin, Paris, Moscow, etc. Carlo-Ta-Carlo-Ta". W.C. Fields (1879-1946) began entertaining as an amusement park juggler at the age of fourteen. read more...

CHARLIE CHAPLIN, MARY PICKFORD, DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS and SAMUEL GOLDWYN The famed founders of United Artists update a distribution agreement. Carbon Document Signed: "Charles Chaplin", "Mary Pickford", "Douglas Fairbanks" and "Samuel Goldwyn" in ink on last page, 3p, 8½x13, onion skin paper. Los Angeles, California, 1936 July 22. Update of a distribution agreement with Alexander Korda, defining more precisely the conditions under which United Artists or Korda could terminate the agreement. The first great screen comedian, and arguably the best of all time, CHARLIE CHAPLIN (1889-1977) was also a talented director and screenwriter. In the silent era, his many outstanding films included Tillie's Punctured Romance (1914), The Kid (1921), Gold Rush (1925) and City Lights (1931). He was less consistently successful in the talking era, the great strength of "the Little Tramp" having been physical comedy, but his noteworthy films included Modern Times (1936), The Great Dictator (1940) and Limelight (1952). read more...

W. C. FIELDS Letter to his mistress Carlotta, lambasting New York weather, music lovers, and his latest movie, which he calls "an abortion." Fields signs ironically as "The Great Man." A vivid example of Fields' view of the world! Autograph Letter signed: "The G. Man", 3 pages, 8½x11. No place, no date, but mailing envelope is postmarked postmarked April 13, 1939, with his handwritten return address of "Bel Air, Cal". To "Dear Katrinka" [Carlotta Monti], in full: "Thanks for your letter which was despondent indeed. N. Y. will make one so. I do not want to go all over these items, again, and again, but I must divest myself of a few more - more weather pro[g]nostications. Spring in N.Y. is most capricious. One day it will snow, and the next day it will be real warm. Warm sunshine will greet you in the morning and a cold rain will follow within a few hours or vice versa. Therefore you need a light coat and my suggestion would be no sweater. The brown overcoat I gave you is ideal for an eastern spring coat. It is semi rain proof and will keep out the chill wind. read more...

WILLIAM F. CODY ("BUFFALO BILL") 4x5 photo of Cody, signed and signed on the 7x9 photo mount in 1903 as both W.F. Cody and Buffalo Bill Photograph Mount inscribed and signed: "W.F. Cody/'Buffalo Bill'/To Ormsby Trench/1903". B/w, 7x9 overall, image 3¾x5½ (two surfaces). Photo by Marceau Studios, 258 Fifth Avenue, New York. William Frederick Cody earned the name "Buffalo Bill" for killing thousands of buffalo as a hired hunter in 1867 and 1868. Cody's theatrical career was launched in 1872 with re-enactments of Indian battles. By 1883, he formed his first Wild West spectacle, becoming a master showman. Vintage mount is lightly foxed, soiled and slightly stained with some wear at edges. Photo is lightly soiled and slightly foxed. Signature and inscription in fine condition. read more...