DS, three pages, 8.5 x 11, May 28, 1940. Second supplemental agreement between Mercury Productions and RKO Radio Pictures for two motion pictured not based upon either Heart of Darkness or The Smiler with the Knife, in exchange for three payments of $15,000. Signed on the last page in black ink by Welles agreeing to the amendments. Document is still stapled into its document holder. In fine condition, with some light staining to extreme edges, staples to top edge, and a rusty paperclip mark to first page.
This amazing document set the stage for Welles to film Citizen Kane, considered to be his greatest film as well as, perhaps, the greatest film of all time. Welles was initially hired in the summer of 1939 to deliver two films to RKO in which he would be able to star, direct, write, and produce. One of the projects revolved around the fall of a powerful man—based in part on newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst—with the language of this contract calling for the delivery of that mystery film by October 1, and that the picture be based upon a story already agreed upon by all parties involved. A first draft of the screenplay had already been completed by screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz about a month before this agreement was endorsed,, with Welles heavily editing the document before presenting it to RKO studio executives for approval. The film completed filming slightly behind schedule, but went on to win acclaim and cult status. Though unnamed in this document (the other unmentioned picture being The Magnificent Ambersons), these pages are an amazing link to Welles’ legacy and that of Charles Foster Kane. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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