Desi Arnaz Signed Original I Love Lucy Contract. ...

Description

Desi Arnaz Signed Original I Love Lucy Contract. The original ten-page agreement that effectively marks the official creation of I Love Lucy, still considered one of the greatest sitcoms ever produced more than 50 years after the fact. The document is typed on Desilu Productions letterhead and addressed to producer Jess Oppenheimer from Desi Arnaz, signed in black ink by both on the last page. It reads in part: "We (Desilu) hereby engage you (Oppenheimer) to render your exclusive services as a producer and head writer, as required by us, in connection with the production of a series of television programs tentatively entitled 'I Love Lucy' of 30 minutes duration weekly starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz." Arnaz and Oppenheimer began negotiating the producer's compensation before the October 1951 debut of the show, but did not finalize the deal until 1954; because of that, the first page features the original typewritten date of September 12, 1951, as well as the handwritten notation of December 21, 1954. The document is in Very Fine condition with light wear, binder holes and staples to the top edge. The contract was reproduced in Oppenheimer's 1996 memoirs. Accompanied by James Spence Authentication auction LOA.

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