UNA MERKEL - AUTOGRAPH CO-SIGNED BY: DONALD WOODS - HFSID 342965

UNA MERKEL and DONALD WOODS
The two actors sign their names for child actor Billy Seal in pencil
Signature: "Una Merkel" and "Don Woods" in pencil. 1 page, 6x4½. UNA MERKEL (1903-1986) began in silent films. Comic roles were her specialty, but she played Anne Rutledge in D. W. Griffith's Abraham Lincoln (1930), and had a hair-pulling fight with Marlene Dietrich in Destry Rides Again (1939). She was originally signed to play Blondie in the long-running film series, but was replaced by Penny Singleton before filming began. Merkel was nominated for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress for Summer and Smoke, 1961). She made a few TV appearances, including three episodes of Burke's Law (1963-1965). DONALD WOODS (1906-1998, born Ralph Zink in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada) was an American stage and film actor with over 120 films and TV shows to his credit between 1928, with an un-credited appearance in Motorboat Mamas, and 1976. Most of his films were B-movies, such as Charlie Chan on Broadway (1937) and The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953). But there were exceptions, including The Story of Louis Pasteur (1936), Watch on the Rhine (1943) and The Bridge of San Luis Rey and third billing in Anthony Adverse (1936). His TV appearances include the titular role in Craig Kennedy, Criminologist (1952). From the album collection of child actor BILLY SEAY (1922-2012), who appeared in many films throughout the decade including The Greater Glory (1926), My Man (1928), and The Marriage Playground (1929). Seay would leave Hollywood in the early 1930s to become a noted artist and illustrator. Toned and lightly soiled. Corners rounded. Light surface creases. Binding holes in left margin. Otherwise, fine condition.