DS, signed “Frances Gumm professionally known as Judy Garland,” one page, 8.5 x 11, September 27, 1935. Document clarifying her contract with MGM, in part: "You may negotiate with others for the rendition of your services for broadcasting over the radio at such time or times as will not interfere with the rendition of your services for us under said contract, on condition that no such negotiations shall be concluded nor shall services pursuant thereto be rendered without our written consent first had and obtained." Boldly signed at the conclusion by the 13-year-old Garland using both her given and professional names, and countersigned by MGM Vice President Louis B. Mayer. In fine condition. Accompanied by a 1938 MGM letter referencing the agreement.
Dating to the month that Garland signed her MGM contract, this is the earliest Garland document we have ever offered. Born into a show-business family, Garland made her debut performance as 'Baby Frances' with The Gumm Sisters—joining older sisters Mary Jane and Dorothy Virginia—at just two-and-a-half years old. The trio toured the vaudeville circuit for many years before changing their name to The Garland Sisters in late 1934, with Frances changing her name to Judy shortly thereafter. The group dissolved in August 1935 when one of the older sisters moved away to marry. Hoping for a breakthrough in Hollywood, Judy successfully auditioned for MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer on September 13, 1935, and her contract was approved by Los Angeles Superior Court (as Judy was a minor) on September 27th—the very date of the document offered here.
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