Jackie Gleason Early Signed William Morris Agency Contract (1947). ...

Description

Jackie Gleason Early Signed William Morris Agency Contract (1947). Vintage original 8-page early representation contract on William Morris Agency letterhead, partly-printed with names, dates, and other details typewritten. Dated "March 18, 1947" and signed in blue ink, "Jackie Gleason" to final page and initialed in blue ink, "JG" to seventh page, for a three-year agreement, accompanied by the signature of a William Morris representative, "Ann Rosenthal", in black ink to final page. This incredibly rare document signals the transition Gleason made in the late 1940s from the small-scale roles he was landing while on contract with Warner Bros. towards the variety show programs that would define his career and raise him into stardom. With his first variety program, Cavalcade of Stars (DuPont, 1949-1952), premiering shortly after Gleason's signing with WMA, one can trace the vision of his new agency, coupled with the clear aspirations and untapped potential of its client, to find the multi-hyphenate his own program and turn him into a household name. Pages exhibiting expected signs of handling, age, and wear, with pinholes to top right corner, folds, foxing, and eighth page detached from stapled group, though present. Provenance: Heritage Auctions, Auction 1067, August 19, 2003, Lot #349. Comes with a full LOA from Beckett Authentication Services. From The Stewart Berkowitz Television Treasures Collection.

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