Lon Chaney Sr. Signed Photo from While the City Sleeps (1928). ...

Description

Lon Chaney Sr. Signed Photo from While the City Sleeps (1928). "The Man of 1,000 Faces in a Picture with 1,000 Thrills!" promised the publicity for MGM's While the City Sleeps, released September 15, 1928. The film starred Lon Chaney as no-nonsense detective Dan Callahan, and as always, Chaney threw himself passionately into his role -- conferring with Lt. J. Roy Harlacher, fingerprints expert for the Los Angeles Police, to give his performance credibility. MGM took a publicity photo of Chaney and Harlacher together, and the star signed this original 8"x 10" black-and-white still to the officer, writing in blue ink, "To. Lieut. J. Roy Harlacher Most sincerely Lon Chaney." Also included is a photocopy of a page from the Los Angeles Times from the time of the film's release, showing the still with caption, along with several portraits of Chaney, PR copy noting Chaney as "one of the finest amateur criminologists and penologists in the world" and noting Harlacher as one of the men who respect Chaney's "deep understanding and comprehensive grasp of their profession." Still is in Good condition, pasted to a cardboard backing with some slight staining in the upper right corner; inscription and autograph has very slight fading and is clean and neat. An outstanding, desirable and very rare Lon Chaney artifact

Heritage Auctions provides detailed information when available but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements and photographs are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of facts, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Framed artworks are not examined outside their frames, and additional details from Heritage may be unavailable; therefore, the condition of unexamined works is not guaranteed. Heritage is not responsible for damage to frames, glazing, original boxes, display materials, or for works that have shifted within the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" in accordance with our Terms & Conditions of Auction.