Lot 349
Hepburn, Audrey (1929-93) Belgian-born actress and humanitarian. Document Signed ("A. Hepburn") and initialed twice ("A.H."), n.d., n.p., 22 x 8½ in. The document is the "Actors' Equity Association Standard Run-of-the-Play Contract…For Legitimate Dramatic And Musical Productions" which "Must Be Signed By Manager and Actor Before Rehearsals." Morton Gottlieb signed for Gilbert Miller, the English theater promoter. The agreement is for the part of Gigi "in the play now called 'GIGI' during the season of 1951-1952…The date of the first public performance shall be the 17th day of November, 1951…" Compensation for Miss Hepburn is $500 per week. All of the Equity rules and regulations are printed on the front and back. Fine condition with bold signature in blue ink.
Audrey Hepburn's performance in Gigi was her break-through role. How she got the role is a classic Hollywood fairy tale. Prior to Gigi, she had some work as a chorus girl, a few bit parts in movies, and some photo shoots. English theater promoter Gilbert Miller had decided that the story from the novel Gigi, written by the wonderfully unconventional French writer Collette, would make a great play and made an agreement with Collette. Anita Loos, author of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, was hired to make the writing transition from novel to play. She and Collette auditioned countless actresses in their search for the perfect Gigi. Having had no luck, Collette traveled to the French Riviera for a vacation, where she happened upon Audrey Hepburn, who was there for a bit role in the movie Monte Carlo Baby. Collette announced, "There is my Gigi!" and the rest is history. Gigi opened on November 24, 1951 and closed May 31, 1952, after 219 performances.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
|
| |
| Realized $2,300 |
