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.…"

The two offer an inducement for the film Serpico (1973) to proceed Document Signed: "Al Pacino" and "Martin Bregman" both in black ink, 1p, 8½x11. No place, July 24, 1972. In letter form to Produzione DeLaurentiis International Manufacturing Company, Rome, Italy. Begins: "Gentlemen". In full: "Reference is made to the Memorandum Agreement between you and CHAL Productions, Inc. and Artists Entertainment Complex, Inc. dated July 24, 1972, relating to the production of a motion picture based on the life of Frank Serpico and the book SERPICO written by Peter Maas. In consideration of the execution of said Agreement by you and as additional inducement to you to execute the same, the undersigned, Al Pacino and Martin Bergman, hereby expressly accept and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of said Memorandum Agreement applicable to them. The undersigned shall be directly liable hereunder without your first being required to pursue and/or exhaust any remedy within your power and you shall not be required to proceed against CHAL Productions, Inc. and Artists Entertainment Complex, Inc. prior to proceeding against the undersigned. Very truly yours".

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.

Signed photograph of Reeves in character as Superman Photograph signed: "George / Reeves". B/w, 6¾ x 8¾. 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. Minor chip at top of frame. Framed to an overall size of 12x14. Fine condition.

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. However, I am enclosing you a check for a hundred dollars for a light coat - in all probability you have the coast in question here and haven't enough to send for it.…"

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.

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.

Striking matted presentation of individual photographs signed by three of the stars of the classic Western, including a rare signature of Dan Blocker. Comprises: (1) MICHAEL LANDON. Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Tobi,/Best Wishes/Michael/Landon". B/w, 6¾x8¾. Minor surface creases. Light vertical striation at facial image. Fine condition. (2) LORNE GREENE. Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Tobi-/Best Bonanza Wishes/Lorne Greene". B/w, 6¾x8¾. Minor surface creases and smudges (most not evident head on), light creases at facial image. Overall, fine condition. (3) DAN BLOCKER. Photograph inscribed and signed: "My best to/Tobi -/Dan Blocker". B/w, 6¾x8¾. Some writing is light (completely legible). Minor surface creases and striations (most not evident head on). Fine condition. Bonanza, the story of the Cartwright family, who lived and worked on their sprawling Ponderosa ranch, ran on NBC from 1959-1973. Bonanza was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best TV Show in 1964.

In the best year of his career, Mitchell is loaned out to play Scarlett's father. Document signed: "Daniel T. O'Shea" on behalf of Selznick International Pictures, 3p, 8½x11. Also signed by a Vice President of Columbia Pictures (name illegible). Hollywood, California, 1939 January 26. Loan-out agreement by which Columbia Pictures loans to Selznick International Pictures the services of Thomas Mitchell - currently working on Columbia's film Plane No. 4 to portray "Gerald O'Hara" in the feature film, Gone with the Wind. Lightly toned. Paperclip impression in upper left. Staple holes in two pages. Otherwise, fine condition. Accompanied by unsigned photo of Thomas Mitchell (b/w, 8x10). Minor surface flaw in lower left corner. Otherwise, fine condition. In 1939, the epic film, Gone With The Wind, based on Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel of the same name, broke box office records and won ten Oscars (against stiff competition). The saga of the old South remains one of the most beloved films of all time.

He signs a contract with Disney Productions and inscribes a photo of himself as Zorro's comic foil. Collection of two items: 1) Document signed: "Henry Calvin", 8¼x11. Burbank, California, 1958 July 23. On letterhead of Walt Disney Productions, Calvin signs his acceptance of a documentary letter from Disney Productions loaning him a copy of the Zorro episode "Garcia Stands Accused" for a period of five years and in exchange for $10. Calvin had requested permanent possession of a print of the episode, but Disney policies forbade that. Calvin promises not to make commercial use of the print. Lightly toned. Mailing folds. Staple holes in upper left corner. Ink note (unknown hand) on verso shows through faintly in upper right corner. Otherwise, fine condition. 2) Photograph inscribed and signed: "11-15-73/Billie, Dearest!/This is simply to/say 'Happy Birthday or and/to let you know/I LOVE YOU!!/Always/Henry". B/w, 8x10. Shown as Sergeant Garcia in a publicity photo. Captioned in lower margin. Light corner creases. Otherwise, fine condition. Calvin (1918-1975), who appeared in many Disney projects, was best known as Sergeant Garcia on Zorro, televised on ABC from 1957-1959.

Pantaloons owned by Jean Harlow which were given to her as a joke from Clark Gable. White pantaloons with a large "JH" embroidered in red at the top and lace trim at the legs. Small piece of embroidery missing from the lower right of the "H". These pantaloons, originally obtained from Jean Harlow's agent, Arthur Landau, were given to JEAN HARLOW (1911-1937) by Clark Gable, her co-star in five films, as a joke. The blonde bombshell, who was known for her sizzling on-screen performances and sexy styles, fell in love with the pantaloons and wore them on many occasions, including at a Halloween party, to which she had come dressed as a saloon girl. Includes PROVENANCE: (1) Partly Printed ALS: "Richard Wilson", 1p, 8½ x 11. Chevy Chase, MD, 1999 July 14.  Printed at right: "Celebrity/Memorabilia/Norma's Jeans/Buy-Sell, Collect,/Appraise, Search". In full: (typed) "To Whom It May Concern:" (handwritten) "Jean Harlow pantaloons, white with lace and decoration at legs and large 'JH' embroidered at top. Given to her as a prank by Clark Gable. Originally obtained from Jean's agent Arthur Landau by Sally Cramier's mother, later obtained from Sally by Norma's Jeans.…"