Howard Hughes signed Hughes Productions contract for Howard Hawks to direct The Outlaw, countersigned by Hawks....

Description

Howard Hughes signed Hughes Productions contract for Howard Hawks to direct The Outlaw, countersigned by Hawks. (Hughes Productions, 1943) 3-page 8.5 x 11 in. contract, dated January 24, 1940, initialed twice by both Hughes and Hawks and signed by both on final page. Includes 1-page 8.5 x 13 in. "Assignment and Release" document, dated December 31, 1940, signed twice by screenwriter Jules Furthman, with accompanying February 15, 1941 Certificate of Copyright Registration by Hughes Productions for the motion-picture photoplay The Outlaw, and a single-page 8.5 x 14 in. "Assignment of All Rights" document, dated April 22, 1940, signed by uncredited screenwriter Ben Hecht for the original story entitled 'Outlaw'. Howard Hawks started as director for the film, but quit after two weeks, ostensibly to direct Sergeant York (1941); however, Hughes had complained Hawks was not spending enough time filming, which probably triggered his leaving. Hughes took over as director for the film in December 1940. Although completed and copyrighted in February 1941, The Outlaw officially premiered in 1943 but was not widely seen until 1946 due to footage deemed to be in violation of the "Production Code" with its daring closeups of Ms. Russell. Hughes personally coordinated the publicity campaign, leveraging the controversy, and the film set box office records. Exhibiting usual folds with staple and punch holes at top. From the personal collection of Howard Hughes.

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