FRANCES MCCANN - AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: BETTY GEORGE - HFSID 22075

FRANCES McCANN and BETTY GEORGE
Extremely rare signature from the ill-fated Broadway actress and opera star, signed beside a smiling image of her in costume. Signed on the verso by actress Betty George, who had appeared with McCann in a production of Kiss Me Kate
Autograph note signed: "To Kayo-/Sincerely/Frances McCann", on verso: "Betty George", in blue ink, 4¼x3. Affixed to the left of McCann's signature is an unsigned newspaper photograph. Once an uprising opera star and actress, FRANCES McCANN (1922-1963) was the subject of newspaper headlines when she was murdered while touring in Italy. Beginning as a light opera singer with the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra, McCann eventually began performing to much popularity on Broadway, appearing in the plays Rosalinda (1942), The Vagabond King (1943), and The Chocolate Soldier (1947). She was also signed to a contract with MGM in the 1940's, though she was never given a film by the company. McCann still had a magnetism towards the opera stage, and extensively throughout Europe and the United States. It was during the last years of her contract with the Berlin Opera House that she was shot in her Italy hotel room by a German businessman who had been stalking her, turning the gun on himself shortly after. He died of pneumonia two weeks later, taking McCann during the prime of her life. She left behind a husband and four children. The versatile BETTY GEORGE (1926-2007) performed with Glen Gray and his Casa Loma Orchestra in the early 1940's - a swing band that disband in 1945. Able to transition to theater, she has credits in musical comedy on stage: Heaven on Earth (1948), As the Girls Go (1948-1950) and Ankles Aweigh (1955). She made television guest appearances on The Arrow Show (1949), Cavalcade of Stars as a vocalist and comedy performer (1952) and Girl Talk (1965). Toned. Irregular top edge. Soiled across George's signature. Corners slightly worn and creased. Otherwise, fine condition.