GEORGE JESSEL - DOCUMENT SIGNED 11/05/1958 - HFSID 145094

GEORGE JESSEL. Carbon Typed DS: "George Jessel" in ink, 1p, 8½x11. No place, 1958 November 5. The multitalented entertainer directs his recording company to forward payments and materials relating to his record contract to the William Morris Agency. In letter form to Treasure Productions, Inc., 33 Carlton Avenue, Mt. Vernon, New York. Begins: "Gentlemen". In full: "In connection with my recording agreement with you, dated the 5th day of November 1958, and all extensions, modifications, renewals and substitutions for, or additions to the same, and for my services furnished thereto, I hereby irrevocably direct you to send all payments, statements and/or notices, in connection with the aforesaid, to and in the name of William Morris Agency, Inc., 1740 Broadway, New York 19, New York, as my agent, in connection with same, for my account. Very truly yours." 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. Lightly creased and soiled. Staple holes at upper left blank corner, 2 file holes at upper blank margin. Overall, fine condition.