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.

George Burns' smoking jacket, size Medium, style 0783. Red and black silk with black pinstriped belt. Label, 2¾ inches by ¾ inches, of fashion designer Fernando Sanchez sewn in. George Burns  was a well-known cigar smoker. In 1994, Arthur Marx, son of Groucho, interviewed Burns for "Cigar Aficionado Magazine" and asked him why he started smoking cigars. Burns' answer: "I smoked them because I wanted people to think I was doing well. When they saw me walking down the street smoking a cigar, they'd say, 'hey, that 14-year-old kid must be going places.' Of course, it's also a good prop on the stage. That's why so many performers, including your father, use them. When you can't think of what you are supposed to say next, you take a puff on your cigar until you do think of your next line…If I'd taken my doctor's advice and quit smoking when he advised me to, I wouldn't have lived to go to his funeral." Burns died in 1996 at age 100. Fine condition.

Superman Star George Reeves Signs Vintage Black And White Photograph Of Himself in His Military Service Uniform. 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. Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Jack / George / Reeves". B/w, 6¾ x 9 Framed to an overall size of 31 x 20½. Minor chips on corners of frame. Fine condition. Accompanied by PSA/DNA LOA.

This signed 28-page contract confirms that the singer will star in the 1958 film Kings Go Forth Contract signed: "Frank Sinatra" in ink on last page. Twenty-eight pages. 8½x11. Separate sheets. California. Dated August 20, 1957. Contract between Frank Ross-Eton Productions and Hobart Productions, Inc. for Sinatra to star as Sam Loggins in a film tentatively titled Kings Go Forth at a salary of $200,000. Contract in Part: "Hobart agrees to furnish to Employer the services of Artist...to act, play and perform the role of Sam Loggins in the motion picture photoplay tentatively entitled 'KINGS GO FORTH'...employer agrees to pay to Hobart...the sum of $200,000, payable at the rate of $20,000 per week...it is agreed that the name of Artist shall be above the title of the photoplay, and Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, and Frank Ross shall be the only other parties who shall receive credit above the title of the photoplay" Also signed by representatives from Frank Ross Productions, Eton Productions, Inc. and Hobart Productions, Inc. Frank Sinatra starred as First Lieutenant Sam Loggins in Kings Go Forth, which was released in 1958. That year, he was also seen on the big screen in Some Came Running. His production company, Hobart Productions, Inc.

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.…"

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.

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.

The famous actor is shown in a still from the 1961 film One-Eyed Jacks, which was also used as the cover for the Radio Times Magazine, in 1983! Photograph Signed: "Marlon Brando" in black felt tip. 8x10. Color. Marlon Brando (1924-2004) was nominated for the 1989 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (A Dry White Season) and for seven Academy Awards for Best Actor: 1951 (A Streetcar Named Desire), 1952 (Viva Zapata!), 1953 (Julius Caesar), 1954 (On the Waterfront), 1957 (Sayonara), 1972 (The Godfather) and 1973 (Last Tango in Paris); he won in 1954 and 1972. He refused to accept the award for the title role in The Godfather because he believed that the U.S. and Hollywood were discriminating against the Indian people. He is frequently cited as the greatest and most influential actor of all time. Lightly soiled on verso. Corners slightly rounded. Otherwise, fine condition.

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.

Partly printed DS: "Humphrey Bogart," 1p, 8-3/8x11. No place, 1949 March 3. To the News Syndicate Co., Inc., 220 East 42nd Street, New York (Daily News building). A printed "Release Form" letter. In full: "In consideration of the publicity to be given to me and which may arise herefrom, my consent is hereby irrevocably given to you, your assignees and licensees, and to the Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate, Inc., and its subscribers and licensees, to use my name, picture, or portrait, in publications for editorial or promotional purposes, excluding, however, commercial advertising." Bogart's films include High Sierra, The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Key Largo, and The African Queen for which he was awarded the 1951 Academy Award for Best Actor. Fold at lower left blank corner, small (nail-head size) stain at lower right blank corner, else fine.

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.