JIMMY "SCHNOZZOLA" DURANTE - CONTRACT SIGNED 10/06/1972 - HFSID 169261

JIMMY DURANTE
Jimmy Durante signs a contract with Independent Television Corporation and Jewel Productions limited to appear on The Julie Andrews Hour.
Carbon Contract signed: "Jimmy Durante" in ink as Performer, 2p, 8½x11, front and verso. California, 1972 October 6. "Standard AFTRA Engagement Contract" between Independent Television Corporation and Jewel Productions Ltd. and Jimmy Durante for his appearance as a "Principal Performer" on The Julie Andrews Hour. Durante was to be compensated $7,500 plus $2,500 cameo appearance plus 6.5% on $10,000 for his appearance to be taped at ABC Studios in Hollywood. Rehearsals were scheduled for January 8-12, 1973, pre-recording was to be held on January 12, 1973, and the show's scheduled air date was January 27, 1973. Also signed by a representative of Independent Television Corporation and a representative of Jewel Productions Ltd. The representative for Jewel Productions Ltd. has also initialed in a box next to a change in Durante's compensation. In the year he signed this contract, Durante had appeared twice on the TV variety show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. 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". Lightly creased with folds, not at signatures. Staple holes at upper left blank corner, 2 pinhead-size holes from removal of staples. 2 file holes at upper margin, 1 nicks typed date. Black marks from carbon at blank left margin and at upper edge. Overall, fine condition.