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Lot #1084
Charles J. Correll

“What we are after are facts in black in white and money in the bank—not promises and reputation that we can’t cash in on”

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Description

“What we are after are facts in black in white and money in the bank—not promises and reputation that we can’t cash in on”

Radio comedian (1890–1972) famous for his work with the Amos ‘n’ Andy Show, as the voice of main character, Andy Brown. TLS signed “Chas. J. Correll,” two pages, 8.25 x 17.75, WGN letterhead, January 29, 1928. Correll writes to his “Uncle Joe,” in part: “I don’t know whether Mother has told you or not but we may leave the Tribune when our contrast is up which is the 14th of February. They have all rights to ‘Sam ‘n’ Henry’ and won’t give us much of anything except what we can pick up around close to Chicago so this year they have us another contract to sign with not even an increase in salary which of course didn’t go so well and we shopped around a little. As a result we have been offered over $3000 a year each more to go with the Daily News over their station (W–M–A–Q) with the additional attraction of having a daily comic strip on the sport page and the opportunity of making records of our stuff and syndicating them to other broadcasting stations throughout the country…As soon as the Tribune found out we were going to leave they have been offering all sorts of promises—but we can’t live on promises. It’s great to have a big reputation and whatever ‘fame’ is connected with ‘Sam ‘n’ Henry’ but many is the wonderful composer such as Beethoven that died in some attic of starvation nearly and what we are after are facts in black in white and money in the bank—not promises and reputation that we can’t cash in on.” Matted and framed with two photos picturing Correll and his partner as ‘Sam 'n' Henry’ and then as ‘Amos 'n' Andy’ (just as the letter itself bridges both acts), to an overall size of 18.5 x 22.5. In very good condition, with intersecting folds and scattered creases, uniform toning, a few light spots of soiling, a small tear to the right edge, a tack hole to the top edge, two small pieces of tape, and a pencil notation. This letter was written on the day the final ‘Sam 'n' Henry’ show was broadcast and it provides the backstory for the ‘Amos 'n' Andy’ show that was to follow. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #383 - Ended February 15, 2012





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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