Original Prohibition-era W.C. Fields comedy sketch. Manuscript Comedy Sketch titled and signed: "One of the six best Cellars/By/W.C. Fields", 13¼p, 6x8¼, separate sheets. No place, no date. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect on January 16, 1920. As of that date, "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited." Prohibition is the topic of this comedy sketch, One of the Six Best Cellars, which is written with a bit of satire. The phrase "six best cellars" was an expression first used in 1920 referring to the best hideaways where liquor was stored during Prohibition. The phrase was used in a "Los Angeles Herald" story on December 8, 1920 stating that actress Mabel Normand, known to be a heavy drinker, had one of the "six best cellars" of Prohibition liquor in the Hollywood film colony. Although not dated, this comedy sketch was likely written during the Prohibition era. In the early 1920s Fields wrote many comedy sketches while performing in New York's vaudeville, most notably in the Ziegfeld Follies.

He signs a replica 40-inch Japanese katana on the handle, adding ""Kill Bill'". Ephemera signed: "David Carradine "Kill Bill"". Between his name and the film title, he has drawn a yin/yang symbol. Replica Japanese katana, 40" long, with cloth wrapped handle, decorative blade collar and red scabbard, signed on the scabbard in silver ink. The eldest son of actor John Carradine, stage, screen and television actor David Carradine, born John Arthur Carradine, is best known as the Chinese-American Shaolin monk Kwai Chang Caine in TV's Kung Fu (1972-1975). Carradine, who took a strong interest in the Asian martial arts and the philosophy behind them when he began the role, has produced action films, two exercise videos and a book, Spirit of Shaolin, on the subject. Carradine, who earned critical acclaim for his portrayal of Woody Guthrie in the film Bound for Glory (1976), made his film debut in 1964's Taggart, and has appeared in such films as Boxcar Bertha (1972), The Long Goodbye (1973), Mean Streets (1973), Death Race 2000 (1975), Gray Lady Down (1977), The Long Riders (1980) and Bird on a Wire (1990), and he found success later in his career in the two "Kill Bill" movies (2003-2004).

Chastened by a messy divorce from his first wife, the famed director signs a prenuptial agreement with his bride to be, Evelyn Baldwin, who has also signed here. Document signed: "David Wark Griffith", "Evelyn Baldwin", 2 pages, 8½x13. No place, 1936 March 2. In anticipation of his pending marriage to Evelyn Baldwin, Griffith irrevocably transfers to her all rights to an annuity contract with the Aetna Life Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut, yielding annual income of $5,632.80 for the rest of her life. In exchange, Baldwin releases Griffith, along with his heirs and assigns, from any additional claims except for assets freely given to Baldwin by Griffith. The agreement is to become effective only on the consummation of the Griffith-Baldwin marriage. David Llewelyn Wark GRIFFITH (1875-1948) directed his first film in 1908, and in 1910 became the first to shoot a film in Hollywood. His Judith of Bethulia (1914) was among the first feature films, and the controversial Birth of a Nation (1915), became the first blockbuster movie hit, inspiring the movie industry that we have known since. Griffith co-founded United Artists studio with Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Five of his movies are deemed important enough for preservation in the US Film Registry.

Amazing collection of signed photographs of the early Superman cast, framed to an overall size of 38¼ x 41½. Signed photograph of Reeves in character as Clark Kent. Photograph signed: "George Reeves". B/w, 9x7. Best known for playing the "Man of Steel" on film and on television, George Reeves (1914-1959), born George Bessolo, made his film debut in 1939. Reeves played Stuart Tarleton, one of the Scarlett O'Hara's hopeful beaus, in David O. Selznick's Civil War epic, Gone With the Wind. Making an excellent impression in that role, in 1940, Reeves was cast in 17 films, including Knute Rockne, All American, Virginia City, The Fighting 69th, 'Til We Meet Again, Pony Express Days and Meet the Fleet. Shown with his girlfriend, played by Jan Clayton, and her unwelcoming father (Grant Mitchell), Father is a Prince (1940). Reeves' career took a fateful turn when he was cast as Superman/Clark Kent in 1951's Superman and the Mole Men, a role he reprised in the 1953-1957 television series. Reeves' death by gunshot wound on June 16, 1959, was officially ruled a suicide, but suspicions of murder have persisted. Signature has light contrast, otherwise fine condition.

10¼x13 rare, stunning image of the ill-fated star, signed "for the lovely hair", from the estate of Hollywood hairdresser Wally Wallace! Exceptional item from Farmer, who is rare in any format! Photograph signed: "For the lovely hair/Frances F.". B/w, 10¼x13. FRANCES FARMER (1913-1970) had a reputation as a talented, but demanding and rebellious, actress who battled the studios, alcohol and other addictions and mental illness. At the time of the release of her film Son of Fury, costarring Tyrone Power, in 1942, the 29-year-old actress was arrested and convicted of drunk driving. Inundated with negative publicity, she traveled to Mexico. However, by leaving the U.S., Farmer was found in violation of her probation. Put on trial and deemed mentally ill, Farmer was committed to a mental institution where she underwent shock treatments, hydrotherapy baths and reportedly received a trans-orbital lobotomy. Over the next few years, her physical and mental health deteriorated; she developed a debilitating dependency on alcohol and suffered from a series of nervous breakdowns. Her best films included Come and Get It (1936) and Son of Fury (1942). A film about her life, Frances, starring Jessica Lang, was released in 1982.

Garbo filled out and signed this application for a title search on a property in Beverly Hills (1944). Partly Printed DS: "Greta Garbo". 1 page, 8½ x 11. No place, 1944 September 8. Title Insurance Application for use by the Title Company in searching the records in connection with the purchase of property at 603 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, California. She has filled in her name, birthplace, address, and occupation. In 1954, Garbo was awarded a Special Academy Award "for her unforgettable screen performances" in films such as Anna Christie, Anna Karenina, Camille and Ninotchka. After four Oscar nominations, she retired in 1941 at the age of 36. A millionaire many times over, Garbo had no need to act, nor any desire to conduct an active social life. Even after her death in 1990, the legend of Garbo was undiminished. To her devotees, she was not so much film legend as film goddess. Lightly creased. Fine condition. Anything signed by the reclusive Garbo is rarely encountered. Framed to an overall size of 32 x 18½.

EXTREMELY RARE BRUCE LEE SIGNED ESSAY. INCLUDES 180 WORDS IN HIS OWN HAND! AMONG EARLIEST KNOWN WRITING EXAMPLES. Autograph Manuscript signed: "Bruce Lee", blue ink, 2p (front and back), 6½x8. Headed: "Dictation", circa late 1950's. This essay appears to be an English dictation exercise, likely written during Lee's time (1956-1959) at St. Francis Xavier College in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Found throughout are Lee's own handwritten corrections to grammar or spelling showing is dedication to proper language use. Writing reflects Lee's famous flowing signature and graceful writing style. Uneven tearing to left-side edge, with minor creasing throughout; light markings present at upper left corner, not affecting text. Overall, fine condition. Accompanied by Beckett letter of Authenticity. In part: "The history of aviation is full of adventures, and their happy outcome has proved how great is man's ability to brave the dangers which confront him. Not long ago an aviator, while flying over a part of Africa, met with engine trouble at a time when visibility was poor, and was compelled to descend in an swamp at the edge of a large lake. His machine turned upside down and became deeply embedded in the mud.…"

This extremely rare piece is a 1924 yearbook from John Wayne's 1924 Glendale Union High School in Glendale, California. It shows the future Oscar winning actor as junior class vice-president and in football gear in the football section and is signed with his birth name Marion Morrison! Items signed with Wayne's birth name are both extremely rare and highly desirable! Book signed "Marion/Morrison" on page 121, with other signatures in unknown hands. B/w, 228 pages, bound in brown paper covers. Titled: "Stylus/1924". This book is a copy of the 1924 Stylus yearbook from Glendale Union High School in Glendale, California. It's autographed by junior class vice-president John Wayne with his birth name, Marion Morrison, on the junior class introduction page on page 121. It also has an unsigned photo of him in football gear in football team section on page 159. Wayne (1907-1979, born Marion Michael Morrison in Winterset, Iowa) appeared in more films (over 250) than any other star. Best known for his roles in Westerns and war movies, he was the embodiment of the American hero in over 200 films, fighting (on screen) for his country in many of them.

B/w movie still from one of Charlie Chapin's later film, with Chaplin and other old man sitting at a tea table and looking startled (and with Chaplin tossing the sugar cubes in the air, of course) Photograph signed "Chas Chaplin". B/w, 9¾x8. The first great screen comedian, and arguably the best of all time, Chaplin (1889-1977, born Charles Spencer Chaplin in London, United Kingdom) 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). Chaplin was less consistently successful in the talking era, the great strength of his character the Little Tramp having been physical comedy, but his later noteworthy films included Modern Times (1936), The Great Dictator (1940) and Limelight (1952). Lightly toned, creased and bowed. Errors in negative were reproduced in photo. Light scratches on image (not visible head-on). Otherwise in fine condition.

The first black actress to win an Academy Award is shown standing in a living room and wearing a fur coat in this sepia photograph, signed in blue felt tip. Inscribed Photograph Signed: "Best Wishes/Always To/Miriam Hutchinson/From/Hattie McDaniel/9-3-46" in blue felt tip. Sepia, 8x10. Hattie McDaniel (1895-1952) was the first Black actress to win an Academy Award, capturing the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1939 for her role of Mammy in Gone With the Wind. McDaniel had a strong film resume even before Gone With the Wind, especially in light of the limited opportunities for black actors in that era, beginning with small roles in films like Mae West's I'm No Angel (1934) and Shirley Temple's The Little Colonel (1935), working up to major roles in Saratoga (1937) and The Shopworn Angel (1938). She was also the first Black woman to sing on American radio, and after many performances on such radio programs as Amos 'n Andy and the Eddie Cantor Show, she starred in the title role of Beulah on the radio. Because of other commitments, she appeared in only six 1952 episodes of the television version, which ran from 1950-1953. Autographs of McDaniel are scarce and desirable. Minor crease at lower right background. Lightly soiled at right background, edges slightly worn.

Original self-caricatures drawn by these legendary comedians. Collection comprised of 7 pieces of signed original artwork that includes: 1.) Original Artwork signed “George/Jessel”. 5x7. Fine condition. George Jessel (1898-1981, born in New York City), who became known as the "Toastmaster General of the United States" for his frequent role as Master of Ceremonies at entertainment and political gatherings, appeared in vaudeville (he was a partner of Eddie Cantor at age 11) and on Broadway before having a radio show, That's My Kid. 2.) Original Artwork signed “M. Kahn”. 5½ x 9. 2 horizontal creases, otherwise fine condition. Operatically trained, Madeline Kahn (1942-1999) achieved her greatest successes in manic comedy roles, earning Best Supporting Actress nominations for Paper Moon (1973) and Blazing Saddles (1974). She garnered a Golden Globe nomination for her short-lived TV sitcom, Oh, Madeline! (1983) and won a Tony for her performance in The Sisters Rosenzweig (1992). 3.) Original Artwork signed “BETTE”. 5¼ x 8¼. Fine condition. Midler is a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning singer, and stage and film actress known for her vibrant personality on and offstage.

Four legendary actors draw caricatures of themselves and sign them in ink, completing this incredible framed collection Comprises: 1) Self-caricature signed: "Ernest Borgnine" 7½x6½ visible. Lightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition. 2) Self-caricature signed: "John Gielgud/ 1985". 2¾x4½. Fine condition. 3) Self-caricature signed: "Good Wishes/ Alec Guinness/ 1981". 5½x8. Fine condition. 4) Self-caricature signed: "Ch". 5¼x8. Fine condition. These four actors - two Brits, two Americans - dominated the screen and stage on both sides of the Atlantic for decades. JOHN GIELGUD (1904-2000) was born a generation before the other three. He performed on Broadway and London stages for many years, eventually becoming an accomplished theatre director as well. He was the fourth person to win at least one individual Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award. ALEC GUINNESS (1914-2000), much like Gielgud, earned acclaim on the stage and transitioned to film and television right after WWII. One of his most famous screen roles is that of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the first trilogy of Star Wars films.