GEORGE JESSEL - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH CIRCA 1937 - HFSID 289388

GEORGE JESSEL
Vintage publicity photograph of Jessel wearing a suit and fedora hat, Inscribed in person to collector Saul Goodman
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To my pal Saul/George Jessel ". B/w 8x10. Collector's ink stamp on verso dates signature: September 25, 1937.Multitalented entertainer George Jessel (1898-1981), 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. Jessel, who had done several silent films for Warner Bros., starred on Broadway in The Jazz Singer but when the studio refused to meet his salary demands for the film, the first "talkie", he turned down the movie role, which eventually went to Al Jolson. By 1945, Jessel, who was well known for his Broadway and nightclub work, was producing musicals for 20th Century-Fox. One of the original founding members of the California branch of the Friars Club (1946), Jessel also traveled widely to raise funds for various causes and entertained troops overseas as part of the U.S.O. In 1969, he was awarded the Jean Hershold Humanitarian Award, a special Oscar, for his charity work. Jessel, who was married to actress Norma Talmadge from 1934-1939, wrote two volumes of memoirs, So Help Me (1943) and This Way, Miss (1955), and also wrote eulogies for many of his Hollywood contemporaries. Saul Goodman (1919-2003), a New York business man by day, pursued his love of film and theatre in the evening, making friends with many celebrities. While other autograph seekers offered album leaves, Goodman presented stars with snazzy photographs, a rarity then, to sign in fountain pen. Corners lightly worn and creased. Signature has adequate contrast. Otherwise, fine condition.