Certainly one of the most celebrated of American filmmakers, who ironically, was little celebrated by his peers in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences during his career. He received a long overdue special Oscar in 1974. For MGM, Hawks directed and/or produced Air Force, Ball Of Fire, Barbary Coast, Ceiling Zero, Come and Get It, Red River, Sergeant York, Today We Live and To Have and Have Not. DS, signed “Howard W. Hawks,” five pages, 8.5 x 13, December 16, 1933. In part: “This agreement made and entered into this 16th day of December, 1933, by and between Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, The Caddo Company and Howard W. Hawks, Witnesseth: Under date of July 12, 1932 Caddo and Hawks entered into a written contract under the terms of which Caddo engage Hawks to render his services for a period d of two years…Under date of July 12, 1932, Caddo, Metro and Hawks entered into a certain written agreement under the terms of which Caddo agreed to lend Metro the services of Hawks…It is the mutual desire of the parties hereto to terminate the employment of Hawks under and pursuant to said Caddo contract…Caddo and Hawks do hereby release and discharge each other of and from any and all debts, actions, causes of action…Notwithstading the foregoing termination of Hawks’ employment …Notwithstanding anything hereinabove set forth nothing herein contained shall be construed as a waiver of surrender by Metro of any right of ownership in or to any photoplay or photoplays heretofore produced in who or in part by metro with the assistance of Hawks…In consideration of the foregoing Metro has paid Hawks concurrently with the execution hereabove the sum of $17,500.00…” Signed on page five by Hawks, a Metro representative and a Caddo Representative. Hawks has also initialed one paragraph “HWH.” In fine condition, in its original presentation folder, with usual file and staple holes, scattered light creasing. R&R COA. Ê
