DS, thirteen pages, 8.5 x 11, September 21, 1951. Contract between Bogart and 20th Century Fox in which he agrees to render his talents “as an actor in connection with the portrayal of the role of ‘Hutcheson’ in the production of our motion picture now tentatively entitled ‘Deadline U.S.A.’ to be hereafter produced and created by us,” in exchange for a salary of $175,000. The contract also instructs Bogart to “furnish, at your own expense, all wardrobe used or worn by you in the portrayal of the role…All clothing, haberdashery, hats and shoes furnished and used by you shall be of conservative and first-class style and cut, of the highest mode and taste, and shall be procured from the best tailors and merchants, to the end that you shall maintain an excellent reputation for being well dressed at all times.” Beautifully signed at the conclusion by Bogart and countersigned by studio executive Lou Schenck. The first and last pages have been matted and framed with a portrait of Bogart to an overall size of 40.5 x 16.5; the other pages remains loosely contained in the document’s original filing folder. In fine condition, with a slight diagonal bend passing through the first letter of Bogart’s signature; overall, the document is in unusually clean, crisp condition. In the film, Bogart plays crusading newspaper editor Ed Hutcheson in what is generally regarded as an excellent performance, though Deadline USA is one of his least-remembered films. It is also believed that, as an uncredited extra, James Dean momentarily appears with Bogart in a scene set in the newspaper’s press room—the only time these two Hollywood legends would meet on screen. An ideal document with splendid cinematic associations. Oversized. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
