ROCK HUDSON - DOCUMENT SIGNED 04/20/1971 - HFSID 169271

ROCK HUDSON
This contract, signed by Hudson, allowed him to make his first TV series, McMillan and Wife
Contract signed "Rock Hudson". 1 page, 8½x11, carbon copy. Universal City, California, April 20, 1971. This contract is a "loanout contract" allowing Hudson to be temporarily released from his employer Mammoth Films, Inc. to Universal City Studios for "a television series and in films". The television series is apparently McMillan and Wife, Hudson's first, which premiered on September 17, 1971. Hudson played San Francisco Police Commissioner Stewart McMillan, who solves crimes with his younger and slightly ditzy wife, played by Susan Saint James. The series ran until 1977. Hudson (1925-1985), was born Roy Scherer but adopted the last name Fitzgerald when his mother remarried in the 1930s. He was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for Giant in 1956. Twice voted Hollywood's top box-office draw and a favorite of fan magazines, Hudson proved he had more than good looks, turning in solid performances in such films as Magnificent Obsession (1954), Written on the Wind (1956), Battle Hymn (1956), A Farewell to Arms (1957), This Earth is Mine (1959), A Gathering of Eagles (1963), Ice Station Zebra (1968) and Darling Lili (1970). He is also known for his pairings with Doris Day in a number of light-hearted romantic comedies, including Pillow Talk (1959) and Send Me No Flowers (1964). In 1971, Hudson finally moved to the small screen, starring in McMillan and Wife, appearing on Dynasty (1981) and making a number of made-for-TV films, including a role in the 1980 TV adaptation of Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles. Diagnosed with AIDS in the early 1980s, he was the first major public figure to bring the deadly disease to world attention. Lightly toned with carbon copy markings. Two binder holes on top of page. Otherwise in fine condition.