Film-making pioneer (1867-1939) and founder of Universal Studios. Laemmle and his son were responsible for the fantastic string of classic Universal horror films including Phantom of the Opera, Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Mummy. DS, one page, 8.25 x 11, June 30, 1913. Agreement between the Universal Film Manufacturing Company and the Detroit Universal Film Company confirming an agreement regarding the purchase of film reels. In part: "Seven of the thirty five (35) weekly reels which you are to start buying immediately under the terms of this contract are to be sold to you at six (6¢) cents per foot for a period of sixty days, provided the Cincinnati Buckeye Film Exchange does not reduce its orders." Signed at the conclusion by Laemmle and R. H. Cochrane. At the end of both paragraphs, Cochrane has added, "The Bison brand is not included in this offer. In fine condition, with scattered light creasing. The Universal Film Manufacturing Company, now known as Universal Studios, was founded by Laemmle on April 30, 1912. The other signer of this document, Cochrane, was his longtime assistant who eventually became a Universal vice president. The company grew rapidly, acquiring competitors and making film after film. By 1915, Laemmle had opened the massive studio-cum-town Universal City, and Universal had acquired the Detroit Universal Film Company as part of its distribution arm. Laemmle autographic material is uncommon, and most letters and documents that enter the market date to the 1930s; this is decidedly the earliest Laemmle document we have ever encountered, dating to just one year after the founding of Universal.
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