John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe 1962 "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" NYC Handbill....

Description

John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe 1962 "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" NYC Handbill. An original paper concert flyer for the same event as the poster we're also auctioning in this sale (on May 11), advertising some big talent feting President John Fitzgerald Kennedy at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, May 19, 1962. For tickets to range from $10 to $100 in 1962 was simply off the charts, but this was a very big deal, of course. It's best remembered as the moment when Marilyn Monroe seductively sang "Happy Birthday" to JFK from the stage, an electric moment of pop-culture and political histories colliding.

Other participants in the "Most Exciting Program Ever Staged" included Ella Fitzgerald, Jimmy Durante, Bobby Darin, Jack Benny, Maria Callas, Diahann Carroll, Henry Fonda, Danny Kaye, Peggy Lee, Nichols & May, the Jerome Robbins Ballet Group "and many others." Ticket-order form at the bottom still complete and not written on. We sold another specimen of this handbill last year, in Very Good condition, for $6,875. And we just sold the poster version on May 11 for $35,000, so it's an important piece. Printed with brown ink, this piece measures 6" x 9" and also grades to Very Good condition. COA from Heritage Auctions.

More Information: Upper left corner has a small tip of paper missing; there's also a tiny missing notch near the upper right corner, and one over to the left of JFK's hairline. General toning throughout, getting darker along the left edge and darker still along the top edge. Just a small amount of surface handling to the piece, now a little bit brittle from age.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.