DS, four pages, 8.5 x 13, November 11, 1932. Agreement between Fields, Maurice G. Cleary, and Gene Towne on performances to be broadcast on the radio. Agreement states that Fields, who “possesses special, unique and unusual ability as an artist,” Cleary, “skilled and experienced in arranging for the production of any such performances [by Fields] and the disposal of the same for use over the radio,” and Towne, who “possesses unique ability in the presentation of original stories and plays to be used [by Fields] in broadcasting the same over the radio,” agree to collaborate on radio performances with Fields to be paid 60%, Cleary 20%, and Towne 20% of net profits and royalties. The agreement is for six months, from November 11, 1932 to May 11, 1933. Document is also initialed four times by Fields, as well as Cleary and Towne and housed in its original legal folder. Maurice Cleary , a Vice-President of United Artists, was Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks’ business manager before marrying actress May McAvoy in 1929. Gene Towne wrote numerous stories and screenplays and later produced Swiss Family Robinson, Tom Brown’s School Days, and Little Men. During the period of this contract, Fields continued his film career with Paramount which, from November 1932 to May 1933, released If I Had a Million, The Dentist, The Fatal Glass of Beer, and The Pharmacist. Radio appearances became very important for Fields after he was dropped by Paramount in 1938 when his alcoholism affected his acting. His renewed popularity as a regular on the radio on The Chase and Sanborn Hour starring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy led to a contract with Universal to costar with Bergen and McCarthy in You Can’t Cheat an Honest Man, revitalizing his film career. In fine condition, with expected folds and document wear. PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA.
