Incredible DS, signed as both “Norma Jeane Dougherty” and “Marilyn Monroe,” one page, 8.5 x 11, January 21, 1947. Monroe informs Harry Lipton at the Elise Cukor-Lipton Agency of the transfer of her contract. In full: “This will notify you that under date of January 10, 1947 I mailed a registered letter with return receipt requested to National Concert & Artists Corporation, 9059 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles 46, California discharging them as my agents and stating that I wish my agency contract transferred to you at Elise Cukor-Lipton Agency, 9157 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, California. I have been informed by National Concert and Artists Corporation that my files and pictures are available for pick up. Will you please acknowledge receipt of this letter.” Document has been removably archivally sleeved in acid free Mylar. In very good condition, with uniform moderate toning to the page, a bit heavier at edges, not detracting at all from the crisp and precise signatures.
Dating to early in her career, this page shows Monroe’s allegiance to Lipton and his new agency. It was signed barely four months after the actress had signed a one-year, $125-a-month contract with Twentieth Century-Fox, and also reveals the transformation of Norma Jeane Dougherty into Marilyn Monroe. Shortly after signing with the studio, the starlet met with executive Ben Lyon, who loathed the young actress’s name and suggested ‘Marilyn’—after 1920s performer Marilyn Miller—as a new moniker. For her part, Norma Jeane suggested her mother’s family name, Monroe. Lyon liked the alliteration of Marilyn Monroe, and an immortal legend was born. This scarce document reflects the metamorphosis of a young actress into an icon. Finding ‘Norma Jeane’ and ‘Marilyn’ signing together on a single document is remarkably scarce. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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