GEORGE JESSEL - DOCUMENT SIGNED 11/05/1958 - HFSID 319891

GEORGE JESSEL
Performer signs agreement giving talent agency ten percent of royalties
Document signed: "George Jessel" 1 page, 8½x11. Written on typing paper. November 5, 1958. New York City, New York. In full: "Gentlemen: In consideration of your services rendered and to be rendered in connection with the finalizing of a contract between Treasure Productions, Inc. and me, dated November 5th, 1958, for the purpose of my performing for the recording of phonograph records, I agree to pay you, as and when received by me or by an person, firm or corporation on my behalf, and you agree to accept, as you compensation, a sum equal to ten (10%) percent of the gross monies payable to me under such contract and all modifications, extensions, renewals and substitutions for or additions thereto. 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. Binding holes in top margin. Staple punctures in left corner. Small fray on top edge. Light marks in left and right margins. Otherwise, fine condition.