JIMMY "SCHNOZZOLA" DURANTE - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 254064

JIMMY DURANTE
Jimmy Durante signs a black and white with sepia hue publicity photograph of scene form his movie Hopeful.
Photograph inscribed and signed: "To Murray -/Hot Cha/Jimmy Durante". B/w with sepia hue, 8x10. Typed caption on verso: "HOPEFUL...Jimmy 'Schnozzle) Durante, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's ace comedian, goes athletic with the bar-bells in hope[es] that he may obtain the next 'Tarzan' role when he unmasks his perfect torso and bulging biceps." Jimmy Durante (1893-1980), known to family, friends and fans as "The Schnozzola", "Schnozzle" or simply "the Schnoz" because of his Cyrano-sized nose, began his career as a piano player on the Lower East Side of New York City. He and his partners, dancers Eddie Jackson and Lou Clayton, had become overnight sensations on vaudeville, and Durante later lent his talents to films, radio and television as well as being a popular performer in nightclubs and on stage. His act included telling jokes, playing the piano and singing in his raspy voice. Two of his most popular songs were "Inka Dinka Doo" and "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?", and Durante was also well known for his trademark sign off line, "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are." An active life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, he often performed pro bono with the proceeds that would have been his pay, going to the Children's Fund. All he asked in the way of pay was that people, "Help Da Kids". Creased, soiled and stained at blank margins. Minor surface creases and scratches (not evident head on). Collector's stamp on verso, which is soiled and stained.