JEAN HERSHOLT - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH CIRCA 1939 - HFSID 289372

JEAN HERSHOLT
Publicity photograph of Hersholt wearing a suit and tie, Inscribed in person to collector Saul Goodman
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Saul/From/ Jean Hersholt". B/w 8x10. Collector's ink stamp on verso dates signature: January 28, 1939.Danish actor Jean Hersholt's (1886-1956) screen image was altered permanently in 1936 when he was cast as Dr. Dafoe, the Canadian obstetrician who delivered the celebrated Dionne Quintuplets, in 20th Century-Fox's The Country Doctor. Plans to create a Dr. Dafoe movie series were blocked by the real Dafoe, but Hersholt was anxious to sustain the characterization of a beneficent, lovable small-town doctor. Thus Dr. Christian, named for Hersholt's favorite author, Hans Christian Andersen, was born. The actor created the role of Dr. Christian on radio in 1937 and then filmed a series of six Christian movies for RKO (1939-1941). Extending the ethics and generosity of Dr. Christian into his private life, Hersholt set up the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which provided medical care and a livable income for actors, directors and other studio employees who were no longer able to care for themselves. While serving as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he received two honorary Academy Awards for his charity work (1940, 1950). After the actor's death in 1956, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award was set up by the Academy to honor conspicuous acts of selflessness and kindness in the movie industry. 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. Surface creases. Otherwise, fine condition.