JOHN BARRYMORE SR. - AUTOGRAPH SENTIMENT SIGNED CO-SIGNED BY: JOE PENNER - HFSID 287829

JOHN BARRYMORE SR. CO-SIGNED BY: JOE PENNER
The film star Barrymore and Comedian Penner sign opposite sides of an album leaf
Autograph Note signed: "To Joseph -/Sincerely/John Barrymore" and on verso "To Joseph/from/Joe Penner", 5x4½ album leaf. 1¼x1¾ newspaper photograph of Barrymore affixed (two surfaces) on front. On verso a 1½x2¼ newspaper photograph of Penner is affixed (two surfaces). John Barrymore Sr. (1882-1942) debuted on Broadway in 1903 and in films in 1914. With talkies, Barrymore's days as a romantic lead had passed but his exquisite voice and superb bearing guaranteed him stronger film roles than he had in the silents. His heavy drinking caused him to degenerate into a man old before his time. He was 60 when he died of pneumonia and cirrhosis of the liver. Joe Penner (1904-1941), born Jozsef Pinter in Hungary, was a featured comedian on Rudy Vallee's radio show, beginning in 1933. By 1936 he had his own program, The Joe Penner Show. Radio historian Elizabeth McLeod calls Penner "the ultimate Depression-era zany." His signature lines, "Wanna buy a duck?" and "You naaaasss-ty man!" became immensely popular. Although adults eventually tired of his shtick, he remained popular with children, inspiring wind-up toys and other novelties. He appeared in a few films, including College Rhythm (1934) and Millionaire Playboy (1940). Toned. An ink note (unknown hand) identifying each signer is present on both sides. Otherwise, fine condition.