GENE AUTRY - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 255099

GENE AUTRY
B/w movie still of Gene Autry mushing a dogsled, signed with his "Best wishes"
Inscribed photograph signed "Best wishes/Dale/Gene Autry". B/w, 10x7¾ overall, 9½x7¼ image, one surface. According to notes affixed on verso, this is a movie still from a Republic Pictures movie called California Skies. However, Autry doesn't seem to have made any movies called California Skies. Besides, this scene seems a little wintry for sunny California. Autry (1907-1998, born Orvon Grover Autry in Tioga, Texas), the original singing cowboy, appeared in his first western in 1934. He was the only western star to be listed among the top ten moneymakers from 1938 to 1942. In 1942, Autry was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song for Be Honest With Me from his film Ridin' on a Rainbow. The Gene Autry Show was televised on CBS from 1950 to 1956, and The Adventures of Champion, which starred Autry's horse, also ran on CBS from 1955 to 1956. Scheduled opposite the popular series Rin Tin Tin, it was cancelled in mid-season. Autry's business interests included a radio and TV chain, ranches, oil wells, a flying school, a music publishing company (he wrote 200 songs including Here Comes Santa Claus) and the California Angels baseball team. Lightly toned, soiled, creased and bowed. Lightly torn in lower left corner. Tack holes at blank corners. Light impressions on image (not visible head-on). Otherwise in fine condition.