Lot 1704
Monroe, Marilyn (1926-1962) Although she only made 30 movies, Monroe is the most recognizable movie star of the 20th century -- an icon of Hollywood glamour and tragedy.
Document Signed ("Marilyn Monroe") 16 pages, quarto, Los Angeles, May 1, 1951. Countersigned by Notary Public Marion Lee and Fox Studio Treasurer. Approval stamp initialed to left of signatures. File holes at left edge, typescript fading but signatures remain strong.
20th Century Fox had signed Monroe to a one year contract in 1946, but let it lapse. Monroe went on to do work for Columbia, appearing most notably in Asphalt Jungle. Monroe's performances in Jungle and All About Eve reinvigorated Fox' interest and, in 1951, she signed a seven-year contract with the studio -- the contract offered here. This is an in-depth agreement, featuring a payscale mandating yearly pay increases (from $500 a week the first year to $3500 the seventh) and elaborate legalese about availability and numerous other aspects of employment. Fox got a bargain with this contract -- the third year of the agreement, when Marilyn was set to make $1250 a week, the studio released Niagara, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire -- arguably Monroe's most memorable films. This is a fabulous piece of Hollywood history.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
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