CYD CHARISSE - AUTOGRAPH CO-SIGNED BY: VAN JOHNSON - HFSID 88833

CYD CHARISSE and VAN JOHNSON
White album leaf signed by Charisse and Johnson, with small magazine photos of both
Inscribed signatures: "Cyd/Charisse" and, on verso, "Van/Johnson/To Louie!", both in blue ink. 5¾x3¾ album leaf. Magazine photos of Johnson (b/w, 1¼x2) and Charisse (b/w, 1½x1½) to right of each signature. CHARISSE (1921-2008, born Tula Ellice Finklea in Amarillo, Texas), one of film's best dancers, spent her childhood studying ballet. At age 13, she joined the Ballet Russe. Five years later, in 1940, during a tour of Europe, she married Nico Charisse, her ballet instructor; she was later married to Tony Martin. Charisse starred with Fred Astaire in The Band Wagon (1953) and Silk Stockings (1957) and with Gene Kelly in Words and Music (1948), Singin' in the Rain (1952), Brigadoon (1954), Deep in My Heart (1954), It's Always Fair Weather (1955) and Invitation to the Dance (1956). Charisse, Astaire and Kelly costarred in Ziegfeld Follies (1946). JOHNSON emerged as a film star during World War II, later making a good transition from leading man to character roles. His prominent films include Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1943), The Caine Mutiny (1954), Divorce, American Style (1967) and The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985). Johnson could also sing, permitting him to star in the film version of Brigadoon (1954) and on many stages as The Music Man. Lightly soiled and foxed. Binder holes on one edge. Shading from photos shows through lightly on each side. Otherwise in fine condition.