JAMES "RIP" BROWN
The actor signs this album leaf as "Rip", his character on TV's Rin Tin Tin.
Inscribed Signature: "Hi Dora!/And always best/wishes./James Brown/(Rip)", 6x4¼ album leaf. Ink note (unknown hand) in lower right corner: "10-16-69." Also signed on verso: "To/Dora/Best Wishes/From Hardy Amies/Dick Frank". Ink notes (unknown hand): "10-18-69 Pres. Hardy Amies." A former tennis pro, JAMES L. BROWN (1920-1992) had starring roles in several films in the 1940s (Going My Way, 1944; Objective Burma, 1945) before securing his best remembered role as Lieutenant "Rip" Masters in the TV series, Rin Tin Tin (1954-1959). The series, which aired on ABC, was set at Fort Apache in 19th-century Arizona. Brown, who also appeared in made-for-TV movies and made guest starring appearances on a number of TV shows, had a recurring role as Detective Harry McSween on Dallas (1978-1989), and he made his last TV appearance on an episode of Murder, She Wrote in 1988. In addition to his acting career, Brown successfully marketed body-building equipment and headed customer relations for Faberge cosmetics. English fashion designer and clothier Hardy Amies founded one of the most prestigious firms on London's Savile Row. Sir Hardy, designed dresses for Queen Elizabeth II, uniforms for the British Olympic Team, and costumes for Kubrick's SF film, 2001: a Space Odyssey. Focused on fashion, he left the day-to-day operation of the company to others. Dick Frank's history with the firm requires further research, however. Tiny binder holes at left edge. Otherwise, fine condition.