Autographs
"Orson Welles" Signed Dinah Shore Show 1977 Use of a Story Permission and Rights Ganted Thru Readers Digest
ORSON WELLES (1915-1985). Famous American Actor, Director, Writer and Producer.
January 30, 1978-Dated Typed Document boldly Blue ink Signed, "Orson Welles", measuring 7.25" x 10.5", Partial carbon Typed Letter dated January 12, 1978 from Catherine Conklin, READER'S DIGEST EDITORIAL RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS PLEASANTVILLE, NEW YORK, addressed to Mr. Orson Welles c/o Arnold Weissberger, Very Fine. Letter reads:
"May we quote the following material with payment upon publication for reprint, digest and foreign language rights, covering use of the item in any language in any edition of The Reader's Digest and in collections or compilations therefrom in the United States and all foreign countries? We would appreciate your signing and returning one copy of this letter as soon as possible... ITEM: attached / Source: your story as told on the 'Dinah Shore Show' on April 13, 1977. / Payment: $110 to you. / PERMISSION GRANTED BY: Orson Welles / Date: January 30, 1978".
Lot includes the 6.75" x 7" photocopied Orson Welles short story he told on "Dinah" CBS, originally stapled (staples removed) at the upper left corner to the 7.25" x 10.5" page. Story reads; "Orson Welles tells of being invited, as a newcomer to Hollywood, to a dinner party at the home of movie producer Jack Warner. In the course of the evening, Welles launched into one of his favorite stories only to realize halfway through that he had forgotten the punch line. 'There I was,' he says, 'with the biggest stars of Hollywood looking attentively at me with eager faces. In desperation, I spoke directly to God: 'If you will get me out of this, I will never ask anything ever again. At that moment there was an earthquake, and everyone ran out of the house. After the tremor had ended, I said, 'Well, there's no use trying to finish the story now.' That was the last time I had the nerve to ask God for a favor!" (2 items)
Orson Welles was an American actor, director, writer, and producer who is remembered for his innovative work in radio, theatre and film. He is considered one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. Welles won the 1941 Academy Award for Best Writing (Original Screenplay) for Citizen Kane for which he was also nominated for Best Actor (as Charles Foster Kane) and Best Director.
In 1970, the Academy presented an Honorary Oscar "To Orson Welles for superlative artistry and versatility in the creation of motion pictures."
Arnold Weissberger (1907-1981) was a theatrical lawyer and agent who represented artists and theatrical personalities such as Orson Welles, Olivia de Havilland, Igor Stravinsky, Helen Hayes, Laurence Olivier, David O. Selznick, Otto Preminger, Martha Graham, Placido Domingo, Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin.
Our Auction Contents:
Black History & Slavery: (Lots 1 - 63)
Abraham Lincoln Related: (Lots 64 - 74)
Historic Autographs: (Lots 75 - 235)
Colonial America: (Lots 236 - 261)
Revolutionary War: (Lots 262 - 304)
George Washington Related: (Lots 305 - 306)
Early American Guns & Weapons: (Lots 307 - 318)