Lovely oversized vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.25 photo, signed and inscribed in ballpoint, “To Henry, the best agent in the world and a wonderful friend, your littlest Rebel, Natalie ‘Tiger’ Wood.” The original inscribee, Henry Willson (1911–1978) was a Hollywood agent whose stable of clients included the likes of Rock Hudson, Tab Hunter, and Robert Wagner (whom Wood would marry twice). Though Wood, under Willson’s guidance, landed roles in such memorable films as Rebel Without a Cause and The Searchers, Wood fired him for failing to support her in securing the lead in Marjorie Morningstar (1958), one of her first major “adult” roles. Willson’s homosexuality (and that of many of his prominent clients) eventually led to increasing estrangement with the image-conscious film community and led to the drug and alcohol abuse (and cirrhosis of the liver) that ultimately caused his death. his The “Rebel” in the inscription clearly alludes to her role in the James Dean classic; “Tiger” was Wood’s nickname at the time. Matted and framed to an overall size of 16.75 x 19.75. Creasing to corners (slightly touching Wood’s back at lower right) and a few faint bends elsewhere, otherwise fine condition. PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA.
