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Lot #633
George and Ira Gershwin Signed Contract with RKO Studios (1936)

Rare 1936 RKO agreement with both Gershwin brothers

Ends On 4/9

Now At:  $357 (7 bids)

Next Bid:  $393

Estimate: $1500+

The 30 Minute Rule begins April 9 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By April 9 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT

Server Time: 3/29/2025 05:40:09 PM EDT
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Description

Rare 1936 RKO agreement with both Gershwin brothers

Rare DS, one page, 8.25 x 12.75, September 30, 1936. An agreement between "RKO Studios, Inc., and George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin…under the terms and conditions of which the compensation payable to the said George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin…will be divided and allocated between them in the ratio of sixty per cent (60%) to the said George Gershwin and forty per cent (40%) to the said Ira Gershwin." Nicely signed at the conclusion by both George and Ira Gershwin, and countersigned by a notary. Attractively cloth-matted and framed with an image and engraved biographical plaque to an overall size of 26.5 x 24.5. In fine condition.

RKO Radio Pictures recruited George and Ira Gershwin to score the 1937 film Shall We Dance, a musical comedy starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers that blended classical ballet with modern jazz-just as George Gershwin did throughout his body of work. Although Ira was less enthusiastic about the concept, George embraced it and composed music in a different style for each scene. The film was released only two months prior to George's sudden and unexpected death from a brain tumor, and he posthumously received his only Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for a now-classic tune, 'They Can't Take That Away from Me.'

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Civil War and Abraham Lincoln
  • Dates: March 14, 2025 - April 09, 2025





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