French filmmaker (1861-1938) famous for leading many technical and narrative developments in the earliest cinema. DS, in French, signed “G. Melies,” two pages, 8.5 x 10.5, December 31, 1912. Untranslated receipt, in French, on Melies’ “Manufacture de Films pour Cinematopgraphes” letterhead. The second page identifies a New York City royalty statement. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, uniform toning heavier at the edges, and three filing punch holes at the left side. A desirable signature of the landmark filmmaker.
In 1913, Melies’ film company was forced into bankruptcy by the large French and American studios and his company was bought out of receivership. Amazingly, Melies did not grasp the value of his films, and with some 500 films recorded on cellulose, the French Army seized most of this stock to be melted down into boot heels during World War I. Many of the other films were sold to be recycled into new film. As a result many of his films do not exist today. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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