W. C. FIELDS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID: 283831

Three-page autograph letter to his mistress Carlotta Monti, signed by Fields as "Continental Claude", calling Hitler "full of mierda" and confiding, "like the three monkeys I see nothing, know nothing, and won't drink anything 'cept Beer." Autograph Letter signed: "Continental Claude", 3 pages, 8½x11. Bel Air, Labor Day. To "Katrinka & Claudia". ["Katrinka" was Fields' pet name for Carlotta Monti.] In full: "I suppose you are wondering why you have not received your packard as yet. And telling your friends I am not a man of my word. Give me time and I can explain anything. Practically all nations will be in the war by the time this missive arrives. But you, unfortunately for yourself contended the whole world would be at war. It was then I accepted your wager 'I'll bet you the whole world will be at war by 1940. If not you give me a packard.' It was a bet made in all fairness. I forget what I was to receive had you lost. However all is fair in something or other and war. I will pay off if it becomes real serious. I firmly believe it will be of short duration, in which case you will receive a small packard. Hitler is full of 'mierda' [Spanish for "shit"] and the unfortunate part of it for him is it is mostly in his neck and he can taste it.…"

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GEORGE "SUPERMAN" REEVES - COLLECTION WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350626

GEORGE SUPERMAN REEVES - COLLECTION WITH ROBERT SHAYNE, NOEL NEILL, STERLING - HFSID 350626

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.

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W. C. FIELDS - DOCUMENT SIGNED 11/11/1932 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 276293

W. C. FIELDS - DOCUMENT SIGNED 11/11/1932 CO-SIGNED BY: GENE TOWNE , MAURICE - HFSID 276293

The legendary comedian and actor and two others sign a six-month agreement for the production and airing of radio broadcasts starring Fields. Typed DS: "W.C. Fields" as Party of the First Part on page 4 and intiialed: "W.C.F." three times on page 3 and once on page 4, 4p, 8½x13, separate sheets, bound together onto 9x13¾ blue legal sheet (imprinted "Stephen Monteleone/Attorney and Counsellor at Law/Petroleum Securities Building/Flower Street at Tenth/Los Angeles)". Los Angeles, California, 1932 November 11. This agreement, which is for a period of six months (November 11, 1932-May 11, 1933), states that Fields, who "possesses special, unique and unusual ability as an artist", Cleary, "skilled and experienced in arranging for the production of any such performances [by Fields] and the disposal of the same for use over the radio", and Towne, who "possesses unique ability in the presentation of original stories and plays to be used [by Fields] in broadcasting the same over the radio", agree to collaborate on radio performances. Fields is to be paid 60%, Cleary will receive 20% and Towne will be given 20% of net profits and royalties.

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WILLIAM F. "BUFFALO BILL" CODY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/29/1911 - HFSID: 314417

The famous Wild West showman pens a hopeful letter to his friend, stating "New England was never big for me. But wait till we start west. I predict a big season." The letter was written during the downfall of Cody's show empire due to outside expenses draining the immense profits from his show Autograph letter signed: "Col.", 1 page, 8½x11 framed to an overall size of 25½x18½. Buffalo Bill's Wild West combined with Pawnee Bill's Great Far East. May 29, 1911. Portsmouth, [New Hampshire]. In full: "Dear Mayor Glad Light, Your letter which found me is fine health. We had two bad towns last week. Fitchburg & Newburyport. No one ever done business in either. The week hurt us at least $2000 in Lowell-sent your bank 5100 today to take up one of my notes. Been getting good deposits from the mines. Been getting in shape [illegible] or any one. I believe I'll walk a sale of the [illegible]. Note if good are doing. [illegible]. While I telegraph you for now we are all OK here-now. And barring accident we will be OK. New England was never big for me. But wait till we start west. I predict a big season. Love to you". William Frederick Cody (1846-1917) earned the name "Buffalo Bill" for killing thousands of buffalo as a hired hunter in 1867 and 1868.

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GEORGE "SUPERMAN" REEVES - COLLECTION WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350626

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WILLIAM F. "BUFFALO BILL" CODY - ANNOTATED ALBUM LEAF SIGNED 04/20/1899 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350584

WILLIAM F. BUFFALO BILL CODY - ANNOTATED ALBUM LEAF SIGNED 04/20/1899 CO-SIGNED - HFSID 350584

Signatures of Cody, Longstreet and other prominent Chicagoans of the era, collected on both sides of a 6x4 sheet in 1899. Signatures on both sides of a 6x4 sheet: "W.F. Cody / 'Buffalo Bill'", "Nate Salsbury", "John M. Burke /'Arizona John'", and "Allison Nailor, Jr.". Dated in unknown hand at left: "April 20, 1899." On verso: "Yours Truly/James Longstreet/July 15 '99" and "Ferdinand W. Peck". Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 40x20. William Frederick Cody earned the name "Buffalo Bill" for killing thousands of buffalo as a hired hunter in 1867 and 1868. Cody had begun his wild west career herding cattle at age nine. Five years later, he became the Pony Express' youngest rider. Throughout the Civil War, Cody worked as a government scout, extracting from life and the West all it had to offer. His western notoriety grew with his adventures, including those during the Sioux War, in which he purportedly fought a duel with Chief Yellow Hand. Cody's theatrical career was launched that same year with his re-enactments of such Indian battles. By 1883, he formed his first Wild West spectacle, becoming a master showman who toured internationally until 1903.

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GIUSEPPE F. VERDI - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/18/1889 WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 286064

GIUSEPPE F. VERDI - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/18/1889 CO-SIGNED BY: MARIA - HFSID 286064

ALS: "G. Verdi", 1p, 4½x3½. Sant'Agate, 1889 November 18. To his close friend, Maria Massari Waldmann. In Italian, partially translated. In part: "Thank you, my dear Maria, and thanks to your kind Duke for the affectionate remembrance...Greetings to the Duke and a warm handshake...." On February 8, 1872, mezzo-soprano MARIA MASSARI WALDMANN starred as Amneris in the Milan premiere of Aida under Verdi's direction. At the time of this letter, Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) spent part of the year at the Villa Verdi at St. Agata diBusseto, close to his birthplace in Le Roncole, and part in Genoa in an apartment in the Palazzo Doria. Inscription on verso of Verdi's letter, in Italian: "To my dear/friend Margherita/from/Maria Massari/Zavaglia/Ferrara, 22-1-905". There is a collection of nearly 100 letters from Verdi to Waldmann in La Biblioteca del Conservatorio "G.B. Martini" in Bologna, Italy. Lightly stained. Overall, fine condition.

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JESSE WHITE - COLLECTION WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350356

JESSE WHITE - COLLECTION WITH DANNY THOMAS, GEORGE JESSEL, MARY WICKES, NIPSEY - HFSID 350356

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.

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W. C. FIELDS - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID: 290553

Very youthful 4½x6½ image in bow tie and stiff collar Photograph signed: "W. C. Fields" B/w, 4½x6½. W. C. Fields (1879-1946) began entertaining as an amusement park juggler at the age of fourteen. He was a vaudeville headliner before he was twenty and toured Europe in 1901, giving a command performance at Buckingham Palace. His Broadway debut in The Ham Tree (1905) was followed by appearances in the Ziegfeld Follies (1915-1921) and in George White's Scandals (1922). Fields starred in Poppy on Broadway (1923) and the next year made his first film, Janice Meredith (1924). Fields' style, verbal rather than visual, and his irascible con-man philosophy made him a favorite, especially with the advent of sound, where his raspy voice provided the final touch to his comedy. He starred in movies including My Little Chickadee (1940) and Never Give a Sucker an Even Break (1941). Nobody contributed more wry quotations ("Anyone who hates children and animals can't be all bad.") to American folklore. Signature in poor contrast but legible. Light silvering. Surface creases. Corners worn and chipped. Ink stamp on verso. Multiple pencil marks (unknown hand) on verso. Finger print impressions at top right. Otherwise, fine condition.

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JESSE WHITE - COLLECTION WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350356

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JESSE WHITE - COLLECTION WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350356

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JESSE WHITE - COLLECTION WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350356

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GEORGE "SUPERMAN" REEVES - EPHEMERA UNSIGNED CIRCA 1953 - HFSID: 350552

Breakaway shirt & tie worn by Reeves in the The Adventures of Superman. Ephemera Unsigned: Shirt and tie worn by actor George Reeves on classic The Adventures of Superman television series in 1953. Accompanied by letter from prior owner when on loan to the Smithsonian National Museum of Modern History in 1987. Best known for playing the "Man of Steel" on film and on television, George Reeves (1914-1959) made his film debut in 1939. He played one of Scarlett O'Hara's hopeful beaus in Gone With the Wind (1940). Reeves' career took a turn when he was cast as Superman/Clark Kent in 1951's Superman and the Mole Men, a role he reprised in the 1953-1958 television series. In The Adventures of Superman, Reeves portrayed the character again. Reeves was neither the first nor the last film Superman, of course. Kirk Alyn preceded him, while Christopher Reeve and many others have followed. Reeves was never able to shake off being typecast as Superman; the television show ran until he was 44 years old. His death by gunshot wound on June 16, 1959, was officially ruled a suicide, but suspicions of murder have persisted. Chipped along edges of frame and at corners. Shirt exhibits yellowing and staining. Fine condition.

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GEORGE "SUPERMAN" REEVES - COLLECTION WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID: 350626

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GEORGE "SUPERMAN" REEVES - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID: 354505

Action photograph of Reeves as Superman apprehending two villains. Photograph signed: "Thank you / for watching / George Reeves / Superman". B/w, 9 x 7½. Framed to an overall size of 17½ x 28½. Fine condition. 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.

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Broadway Performers | Letters

JOE ABELES - TYPED LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 316387

The Broadway photographer writes Daniel Blum, Editor of Theatre World, sending photos from his studio on behalf of several clients Typed letter signed: "Joe", in black ink, 7x7¼. New York City, New York. In full: "Dear Dan, Here are the "Jennie" scene, plus some portraits.…"

Price: $220.00
NICK "THE REBEL" ADAMS - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 03/28/1956 - HFSID 294072

Remarkable letter to friends, describing his recent financial difficulties, his new breakthrough in films, and his desire to write about "Jimmy" (his close friend James Dean, who had died 6 months before).

Price: $700.00
NICK "THE REBEL" ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 4/1958 - HFSID 285344

Not yet a TV star, Adams used this TLS to promote his supporting role in Sing Boy Sing. Typed Letter signed: "Nick Adams", 1 page, 6x7. Hollywood, California, 1958 April (no date). On his personal letterhead to Roger Harris, Rutland, Vermont.

Price: $375.00
WESLEY ADDY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 342256

The prominent acting couple send Christmas letter to Broadway producer Charles Forsythe, discussing the upcoming season Autograph letter signed: "Wes" in blue ink and "Celeste" in black ink. 1 page, 9x6 flat, written inside Christmas card.

Price: $200.00
GEORGE ADE - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/25/1920 - HFSID 18381

TLS: "George Ade", 1p, 8½x11. Chicago, Illinois, 1920 November 25. On letterhead of George Ade, Chicago Athletic Club to C.A. Floyd Perkins, Fisher Hill, Brookline, Massachusetts. Begins: "My dear sir". In full: "I am very grateful to you for your pleasant note.…"

Price: $220.00
RICHARD ADLER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/04/1961 - HFSID 178089

Adler writes to remind his friend about a meeting with the Governor Typed Letter Signed: "Dick", 1p, 7¼x10½. New York, N.Y., 1961 May 4. On his personal letterhead to Radie [Harris]. In full: "Just a reminder that our invitation for you to meet Gov.…"

Price: $220.00
JENNY AGUTTER - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 141991

After working on a play in England, she writes about returning to film work in the U.S. Autograph Letter signed: "Jenny Agutter", 1p, 8¼x11¾. No place, no date. To Cath Haynes, Barnstaple, N. Devon (England). In full: "Thank you for your letter.…"

Price: $90.00
CHARLES AIDMAN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/04/1984 - HFSID 40476

Aidman writes regarding his adaptation of Spoon River Anthology Typed letter signed:"Charles Aidman", 1p. 6x9, no location, 1984 November 4, personal letterhead, to Todd M. Axelrod.

Price: $220.00
ALNEY ALBA - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/20/1953 - HFSID 317099

The stage performer signs a typed letter to founder Daniel Blum, forwarding her publicity materials to appear in a forthcoming Theatre World Autograph letter signed: "Alney Alba," in black ink 1 page, 5x7. No place, May 20, 1953. On personal letterhead. To "Dear Mr.…"

Price: $280.00
EDWARD ALBEE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/25/1986 - HFSID 175192

He sent this signed handwritten letter to a friend letting him know his whereabouts during the month of January Autograph Letter Signed: "Edward Albee", 1p, 8½x11. New York, N.Y., 1986 June 25. On his personal letterhead from "The Office" to Henry.

Sale Price $340.00

$400.00
EDWARD ALBEE - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 8/3 - HFSID 132079

He sends a typed letter of thanks for the donation which will be used for a future production Typed Letter Signed: "Edward Albee" as Director, 1p, 8½x11. New York City, no year, August 3. On letterhead of The Playwrights Unit to Mr. Robertson.

Sale Price $187.00

$220.00
JACK ALBERTSON - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/19/1972 - HFSID 48575

TLS: "Jack Albertson", 1p, 8½x11. Los Angeles, California, 1972 October 18. To John D. Buchanan, Agincourt, Ontario, Canada. In full: "It was nice of you to write and express your interest in me and my career. You will find enclosed an autographed photo.…"

Sale Price $144.00

$160.00
MARIO ALCALDE - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/31/1953 - HFSID 317098

The screen and stage actor types and signs this letter to founder Daniel Blum, forwarding along publicity materials to appear in the forthcoming issue of Theatre World Typed letter signed: "Mario Alcalde", in black ink, 1 page, 8½x11.

Price: $280.00
ROBERT ALDA - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/12/1982 - HFSID 160117

ALS: "Robert Alda", ¾p, 8½x11. Pacific Palisades, California, 1982 August 12. To David. In full: "Thank you for your letter, which reached me, believe it or not, by way of NICARAGUA! Some one threw it in the wrong mail bag!…"

Sale Price $187.00

$220.00
JANE ALEXANDER - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 05/01/1977 - HFSID 24591

Jane Alexander writes a letter about what she has learned about Eleanor Roosevelt to portray her. Autograph Letter Signed: "Jane Alexander", 1p, 7¼x10½. No place, 1977 May 1. On her personal letterhead to "Dear Paul".

Price: $320.00
JANE ALEXANDER - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 10/01/2001 - HFSID 287916

Regrets letter to Kitty Carlisle Hart, acquired from her estate Autograph Letter signed: "Jane", 1 page, 6¼x4¼. No place, 2001 October 1. On personal note card to "Dear Kitty". In full: "Ed and I are sorry we cannot be present at your gala Hart serenade.…"

Price: $200.00
JANE ALEXANDER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/24/1994 - HFSID 325127

The National Endowment for the Arts chairwoman sends letter of appreciation to a fan, signs name in black ink Typed letter signed: "Jane Alexander" in black ink. 1 page, 8½x11. Written on National Endowment for the Arts letterhead. Washington, D.C. November 24, 1994.

Sale Price $162.00

$180.00
TERENCE ALEXANDER - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 44385

The actor is glad his correspondent enjoyed a play, even though he confused Alexander with another actor, Tony Britton. Autograph Letter signed: "Terence Alexander", 2 pages (front and verso), 7x5½ Vaudeville Theatre, Strand WC2 [London], no date, circa 1971. To "Dear Mr.…"

Price: $220.00
MARTINE ALLARD - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 09/09/1986 - HFSID 314925

Theatre Award-winning actress sends editor John Wills her thanks and offers her help and talents Autograph letter signed: "Martine/ '86'" in blue ink. 1 page, 6¼x9¼. Original envelope included. September 9, 1986. New York City, New York. In full: "Dear Mr.…"

Sale Price $162.00

$180.00
DION ALLEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/01/1951 - HFSID 317103

Actor writes to Daniel Blum, founder and editor of Theatre World, about his biography Typed letter signed: "Dion Allen" 1 page, 7½x10½. May 1, 1951. In full: "Dear Mr. Blum: Thank you very much for letter of April 27th.…"

Price: $120.00
STEVE ALLEN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED WITH CO-SIGNERS - HFSID 270129

The two actors send an autograph letter to Phyllis Diller of congratulations on being back home Autograph Letter Signed: "Steve", 1p, 8½x11. Van Nuys, California, no date. On Allen's pictorial stationery to comedienne and actress Phyllis Diller.

Sale Price $306.00

$360.00
STEVE ALLEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/14/1993 - HFSID 270132

Steve Allen sends a typed letter to Phyllis Diller inviting her to accept an award from the Portals. Typed Letter Signed: "Steve", 1 page, 8½x11. Van Nuys, California, 1993 January 14. On imprinted letterhead to comedienne and actress Phyllis Diller, Los Angeles, California.

Price: $260.00
STEVE ALLEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/17/1991 - HFSID 290766

Belated thank you letter to Edie Adams, who came to see him perform in Cinderella Typed Letter signed: "Steve", 1 page, 8½x11. Van Nuys, California, 1991 January 7. On personal letterhead.

Price: $220.00
STEVE ALLEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/14/1984 - HFSID 270135

Steve Allen sends a typed letter to Phyllis Diller of thanks for the letter about his interview with United Airlines. Typed Letter Signed: "Steve", 1p, 7¼x10½. No place, 1984 May 14. On stationery imprinted with his name to comedienne and actress Phyllis Diller.

Price: $260.00
STEVE ALLEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 06/25/1984 - HFSID 270134

Steve Allen sends a typed letter to Phyllis Diller of thanks for the letter and her comments on an article he feels the editor butchered. Typed Letter Signed: "Steve", 1p, 7¼x10½. Van Nuys, California, 1984 June 25.

Price: $260.00
STEVE ALLEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 06/29/1994 - HFSID 270131

Steve Allen sends a typed letter to Phyllis Diller about working with her and loaning out to her The Wake. Typed Letter Signed: "Steve", 1 page, 8½x11. Van Nuys, California, 1994 June 29.

Sale Price $187.00

$220.00
STEVE ALLEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 07/21/1998 - HFSID 270130

Typed Letter Signed: "Steve", 1p, 8½x11. Van Nuys, California, 1998 July 21. On his imprinted letterhead to comedienne and actress Phyllis Diller. Begins: "Dear Phyllis".

Price: $260.00
STEVE ALLEN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/11/1986 - HFSID 290765

Thank you letter full of corny jokes, to fellow entertainer Edie Adams for a charity performance. From Adams' personal estate Typed Letter signed: "Steve", 1 page, 8½x11. Van Nuys, California, 1986 December 11. On personal letterhead to Eydie [sic] Adams, Los Angeles.

Price: $260.00
STEVE ALLEN - TYPED LETTER UNSIGNED 09/24/1984 WITH JOE EARLE - HFSID 270133

Steve Allen sends a typed letter signed by his assistant, Joe Earle to Phyllis Diller about some tapes Steve Allen wanted to be sent out to a few select friends. Typed Letter Signed: "Joe Earle" as Assistant to Steve Allen, 1p, 7¼x10½.

Price: $80.00
BILL ALLSBROOK - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 314888

The actor writes to John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, asking for a form to submit to his publication Autograph letter signed: "Bill Allbrook", in black ink, 8¼x5¾ open flat, 4x5¾ closed. In full: "Dear Mr. Willis, I am a member of the cast of "Applause".…"

Price: $120.00