DS, fifteen pages, 8.75 x 14, February 14, 1939. Agreement between Selznick International Pictures Inc., and Ingrid Bergman for Bergman “to render her services in the English language exclusively throughput the entire time this agreement is operative.” Thirty-two item agreement details Bergman’s future with the company for several films, including Intermezzo. Document reads, in small part: “The term of the Artist’s employment hereunder in connection with her role in ‘INTERMEZZO’ shall begin no later than the tenth day of May 1939, and shall continue for a period of eight weeks…On condition that artist shall fully perform each and all of the terms and conditions on her part to be performed hereunder, Producer agrees to pay Artist for all rights herein granted…salary at the rate of Two Thousand Five hundred dollars…per week throughout the principal period…Producer shall have the right to ‘dub’ or ‘double’ the appearance, acts and voice of Artist without limitation …” The tenth article goes into detail about several one year option periods as follows: “An option to employ Artist as actress, performer or entertainer in one /1/ photoplay to be produced during a period of one year beginning on the 1st April, 1940…Artist shall receive salary at the rate of…/$2,812.50/ per week…in two /2/ photoplays to be produced during a period of one year beginning on the day following the expiration…Artist shall receive salary at the rate of…/$3125.00/ per week…in one /1/ or two /2/ photoplays to be produced during a period of one year beginning on the day following the expirarion…Artist shall receive salary at the rate of…/$3750.00/ per week…in one /1/ or two /2/ photoplays to be produced during a period of one year beginning on the day following the expirarion…Artist shall receive salary at the rate of…/$4370.00/ per week…in one /1/ or two /2/ photoplays to be produced during a period of one year beginning on the day following the expirarion…Artist shall receive salary at the rate of…/$5000.00/ per week …” Signed on the last page by Bergman who has also initialled the document 24 times. Punch holes to top edge, edge tears and chips to first page as well as a corner crease and rusty paperclip mark, uniform toning, and wear to bottom edges, otherwise fine condition.
Though she would soon gain film immortality in Casablanca, Bergman’s introduction to American audiences came with her starring role in the English remake of the love story Intermezzo, with this contract securing that eventual reality. Her portrayal of Anita Hoffman made her an overnight star, and led producer David O. Selznick to dub her ‘the most completely conscientious actress’ with whom he had ever worked. That admiration led to a seven-year acting contract for Berman, assuring her continual stardom. One of the earliest Hollywood contracts from the exquisite and at times scandalous actress. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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