Glossy 10 x 8 close-up photo of Belushi looking into the camera, signed and inscribed in black felt tip, "Marianne, Love, John Belushi.” In fine condition, with tiny tack holes to the top corners.
Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance from the original recipient, Marianne Morino, who served as an extra in the classic 1978 college comedy National Lampoon's Animal House. The letter, in part: "I attended the University of Oregon, In Eugene…[and] in the autumn of 1977, a classified ad appeared in the school's newspaper reading, 'Make big bucks as a film extra! $3.25 an hour!'...Universal Studios and my family have a long history. My great aunt was the head nurse who lived at Universal Pictures during the Silent Era. She shared great stories with me about the comedians and actors. My mother's first job was at Universal Studios, she worked in costumes, and sang on a radio show that the studio owned. So, it was natural the first film I would be in would be something Universal Studios produced…Luckily, I was in many scenes.
Actor John Belushi took to me. After-hours dining with cast members allowed me to share the Hollywood stories my great aunt had told me of the most amazing Silent Era comedians, along with old-time secrets about Universal Studios. Mr. Belushi listened intently about what I told him about those Silent Era stars…some included detailed special techniques the first film comedians had learned during their Vaudeville Days…Mr. Belushi didn't need any advice, that is for sure. But he was fascinated by those first batch of Silent Era comedians and the ways in which they used their bodies and facial features. He liked hearing about their off-screen personas, too.
This is why I think he liked me so much. This is why he graciously sat with me during the famous cafeteria zit / food fight scene, and it is why I simply sat calmly with him without saying a word. I kept my mouth shut during the entire time. It was a break and he needed rest from shoving all that gross food into his mouth. Thankfully, the cigarette helped settle his stomach. I can't recall how long we sat there during the break, but he didn't move until the break was over and it had to start all over again…Regarding the signing of the photograph, I can't recall if Mr. Belushi signed it in a rented home, hotel room or trailer. I just thought it was nice of him and his face would bring pleasant memories of our special times together." Accompanied by an unsigned glossy photo of Belushi as Blutarsky from Animal House, and a first edition of The Hollywood Walk of Fame, written by Morino under her pen name Samantha Hart.
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