Do-it-all super mogul Howard Hughes (1905–1976) signed this 11-page business contract. The famed philanthropist penned “Howard R. Hughes, Pres.” on the final page of the agreement, and further initialed his name seven times throughout the document, and again on a stapled rider. Additionally, the signatures of Louis B. Mayer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (prominently known as “MGM”) and that of film director Howard W. Hawks were added below Hughes’ potent hand. The trio served as signatories to an agreement between Hughes’ Caddo Company, MGM, and Hawks wherein Caddo agreed to loan Hawks’ services back to MGM. (Hawks and Hughes were fresh from the notoriety of their first collaboration, “Scarface,” which was released the previous April.) The contract is housed in its original stapled folder, which has greatly preserved the relic’s visual characteristics. A compacting fold lightly passes through Hughes’ signature, but the piece is otherwise in fine condition. The “big time” deal reflected in this historic heirloom is very much expressive of the eccentric billionaire’s fabled Hollywood career! JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
