GENE AUTRY - DOCUMENT SIGNED 05/15/1950 - HFSID 259197

GENE AUTRY
For $523.86, he can show at home six of his early Republic films.
Carbon DS: "Gene Autry" in ink, 2p, 8½x11. North Hollywood, California, 1950 May 15. In letter form, signed by an officer of Republic Productions, giving Autry the right to show six of his own movies in his home. Autry has signed the letter, agreeing to its contents. In part: "We hereby grant you the right to show the 16mm prints of the photoplays entitled: THE SINGING HILLS, RIDIN ON A RAINBOW, DOWN MEXICO WAY, HEART OF THE RIO GRANDE, THE OLD BARN DANCE, STARDUST ON THE SAGE which are herewith furnished by us to you, during the remainder of the terms of the copyrights of said photoplays and any renewals thereof, in consideration of the payment to us of the sum of Five Hundred Twenty Three and 86/100 Dollars ($523.86) and subject to each and all of the following conditions: (a) Said prints may be shown only for non-profit, private entertainment purposes in your own home and may not be shown in any home other than your own...(b) You shall have no right whatsoever to cause or permit reproductions to be made...." Gene Autry was Republic Pictures' resident cowboy star. Though he couldn't ride, shoot or even act at first (he could sing, however), he improved steadily as he went along and by the late 1930s he was Hollywood's number one box-office attraction. Aware of his value to Republic, Autry insisted upon huge salary increases, prompting Republic to develop another singing cowboy, Roy Rogers, just in case. During WWII, Autry served with distinction as an Air Force flight officer. Upon returning to Hollywood, he realized he'd outgrown Republic and after 54 features with the studio, set up his own production company, Flying A, in 1947. The six films mentioned in this contract were made by Autry between 1938-1942. Autry received his only Academy Award nomination for one of the six, for writing, with Fred Rose, the song "Be Honest With Me" from Ridin' on a Rainbow. Lightly creased. Folds, light horizontal fold touches the tops of the "G", "A" and "t". Staple holes and light paper clip impression at upper left corners, 2 file holes at upper margin. Pencil notes (unknown hand) at upper left margin of first page. Fine condition.