WALLACE "WALLY" FORD - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH 12/22/1937 - HFSID 19638

WALLACE FORD
Sepia-toned publicity photo of Ford from the shoulders up in a suit-and-tie, signed "Most Sincerely" in 1937
Inscribed photograph signed "To/Perry/Most Sincerely/Wally Ford/" Dec. 22/37". With pencil notations on verso. B/w sepia-toned, 7¾x10 overall, 7¼x9¼ image, one surface. Ford (1898-1966, born in Bolton, Lancashire, England) was an English actor with almost 160 movies and TV shows to his credit between 1930 and 1965. Ford made his show biz premiere in vaudeville and music halls at 11; he made his Broadway debut a decade later as Higgins in The Poppy God (1921). He debuted on the silver screen in 1930 and put bread on the table with wisecracking lead roles in B-movies, with an occasional foray into critical approval (The Informer, 1935, and Shadow of a Doubt, 1943). He also appeared on Broadway frequently during the 1920s, and he created the part of George, the friend of slow-witted Lennie, in the Broadway adaptation of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (1937-1938 performing 207 times). Later in his career, he found work in middle-aged character roles, playing wistful drunks and wise good-for-nothings, ending his career with a powerful performance as Ole Pa in A Patch of Blue. Ford was orphaned while still a baby; his search for his parents in the 1930s drew worldwide attention and headlines. B-movie fans may recognize Ford from his leading role as Phroso in Tom Browning's legendary film Freaks (1932). Lightly toned, creased and bowed. Light tear at top edge. Worn and rounded edges. Otherwise in fine condition.