Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jeane Dougherty) Earliest Signed Studio Contract with Twentieth Century Fox for First Screen Test and Op...

Description

The Genesis of the Legend of Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jeane Dougherty) Earliest Signed Studio Contract with Twentieth Century Fox for First Screen Test and Option for Employment (TCF, 1946). Vintage original legal contract dated July 25 1946, 4-pages typed on unimprinted standard letter sheets 8.5" x 11", each tipped to card-stock backings for display. Signed in black ink denoting Artist, "Norma Jeane Dougherty" near the middle of page 4, which was her married name at the time. Additionally signed by Twentieth Century Fox General Manager Lew Schreiber, as well as Monroe's legal guardian Grace McKee and notary June Downey. Already achieving some success as a photo model, the barely-twenty-year old Norma Jean Dougherty set her sights on an acting career, signing with agent Harry Lipton, then with National Concert & Artists Corporation (NCAC) in June 1946. Fox executive and silent film star Ben Lyon recommended the studio offer her an option agreement for a film and sound test. This specific document was signed by all parties on July 31, 1946, and bound the studio to conduct a screen test within 45 days of the agreement with an additional 10 days from the date of the screen test to offer a contract (or not). That screen test was completed exactly two weeks later, and although Fox chief Darryl Zanuck was underwhelmed by her prospective talent and appeal, he offered her a six-month contract anyway, reportedly in order to keep her from rival RKO. With the sage guidance of Ben Lyon, she would soon choose her stage name,"Marilyn" for Lyon's silent-era contemporary Marilyn Miller, and "Monroe" for Norma Jeane's mother's maiden name. Monroe spent the term of her first contract honing her acting, singing and dancing skills while learning about the process of filmmaking, which is standard procedure for newcomers in the old established Studio System. Fox renewed the contract in February 1947, and it was during that term that she appeared in her first films, being small roles in Dangerous Years (prominently seen as a cute perky soda-fountain waitress) and Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (though any filmed scenes of her seem to be cut prior to release). Fox declined to renew her contract in August 1947, and after some time working odd jobs and appearing in minor theatrical roles, she signed with Columbia Pictures, though it was two more years in minor roles before her indelible, screen-melting performance in John Huston's The Asphalt Jungle for MGM, as aging crime-boss Louis Calhern's very young, very wide-eyed and nubile "niece" would emblazon her unique appeal henceforth with filmgoing audiences. Also includes a legal court document signed (by a secretary, for Atty. Robert H. Patton), August 24,1946, 2-pages typed carbon. A petition to the Superior Court for the State of California for the approval of her second contract with Twentieth Century Fox following her screen test, because Marilyn was a minor at the time of signing. This signed contract remains as a milestone "genesis document" for Marilyn Monroe's fabled career and timeless symbol of Hollywood fame and mystique. All elements showing slight expected age toning, though apart from hinging to display backing, no other significant condition issues. Accompanied by a signed LOA by preeminent handwriting & manuscript expert Charles Hamilton, dated August 20, 1994, which reads: "I certify that I have examined the four-page contract dated July 25, 1946, issued to Norma Jeane Dougherty (Marilyn Monroe) and signed by her, and I find that it is a genuine document in every respect. As the earliest known recognition of Marilyn Monroe, and her first movie contract, it is a document of great rarity and interest and would be a cornerstone treasure in any collection of Hollywood memorabilia." Comes with a LOA from PSA and Beckett Authentication.

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