LYNN FONTANNE - CONTRACT SIGNED 12/08/1925 - HFSID 281381

LYNN FONTANNE
She commits to an exclusive contract with the Theatre Guild for the 1926-1927 season.
Documentary Letter signed: "Lynne Fontanne", 2 pages, 8½x11. New York, N.Y., 1925 December 8. On letterhead of the Theatre Guild, Inc., she signs her acceptance of a prior oral understanding that she will perform exclusively for the Theatre Guild during the 1926-1927 season, playing parts chosen by the Theatre Guild. This contract may be extended at the Guild's option for 1 or 2 more years. Her specified compensation is to vary by theater size, but will for larger venues in the first year shall be $400 per week, for a guaranteed minimum of 30 weeks, plus 5% of gross box office receipts over $8,000. English born actress Lynn Fontanne (1892-1983) was a Broadway star for nearly 50 years, beginning in 1910. She was married to her frequent co-star, Alfred Lunt, from 1922 until his death in 1977. Although the Lunts scored Oscar nominations for the film version of their Broadway performance in The Guardsmen (1931), they generally shunned films in favor of live theater. They were co-recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1964) and Lifetime Achievement Tony awards (1970). In 1980, Lynne Fontanne accepted Kennedy Center honors on behalf of the "First Couple of the Theatre". Alfred Lunt died on August 2, 1977. Top edges chipped and toned. Staple at upper left corner - in place, page1 cut at diagonal to right of staple. Pages no longer attached at staple. Right top corners missing. Edges chipped along right and bottom.