If They Could Only Talk! Three of the most exciting pages (five sides) from the If-they-could-only-talk guest book pages of ... (Total: 3 )

Description

If They Could Only Talk! Three of the most exciting pages (five sides) from the If-they-could-only-talk guest book pages of Clifton Webb and his beloved mother Mabel. The January 24, 1935 page, signed in New York, offers a stunner: a wonderful Humphrey Bogart signature, signed less than three weeks after he opened in The Petrified Forest on Broadway. This was the play in which Bogart played gangster Duke Mantee, reprising his role in the 1936 film as he began his legendary stay at Warner Bros. The guests also included Basil Rathbone (then starring on Broadway in Romeo and Juliet,)Katharine Cornell (who was Rathbone's s Juliet), Noel Coward (whose play Point Valaine had just opened in New York), Libby Holman (then starring in Broadway's Revenge with Music,) Beatrice Lillie, Louis Bromfield, and Bogart's actress wife Mary Philips. Flip the page, and see signatures from Webb's home in Brentwood California April 26, 1936, including Warners star Kay Francis. Page Two, signed May 29, 1935, at Webb's Brentwood Heights home, offers a colorful lot: "Marlene" (who usually saw no need to add or detail her last name), Mary Pickford, Richard Barthelmess (signing is nickname "Corey"), Brian Aherne, screen cowboy (and future movie mummy) Tom Tyler, The Countess do Frasso, Ria Gable (then wed to Clark), and Dietrich's protegee of the time, MGM actress Elizabeth Allan (whose film Mark of the Vampire had just been released). The reverse, dated June 14, 1935, features, among others, another splendid "Marlene." The third sheet, dated May 24, 1931, includes a signature from the great movie composer Dimitri Tiomkin. An incredible array of Golden Age Hollywood and Broadway signatures! With COA from PSA/DNA.

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.