DS, signed “Judy Garland,” nine pages, 8.5 x 13, March 25, 1948. Agreement between Garland and the Western Printing and Lithographing Company giving the company the exclusive license to manufacture, publish, sell, advertise, and distribute printed items with Garland’s likeness and name, including paper dolls and coloring books. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
This contract was signed in the midst of a difficult time for Garland. Having suffered a breakdown during the filming of The Pirate in 1947, Garland retreated to a sanitarium and a few months later made her first suicide attempt. After receiving treatment she attempted to complete a number of films but was eventually replaced when she failed to show up for filming.
Having dropped to 85 pounds, Garland was too weak to get out of bed some mornings. It is believed that at this time she had begun to take prescription sleeping pills and illicitly obtained morphine, even stealing from friends’ medicine cabinets to fuel her addictions. Tragically, it was this addiction that would eventually lead to her death in 1969. Garland’s social insecurities, illness, and drug addiction prevented her from being able to complete any films, which resulted in an inability to pay her mounting bills.
Though Garland would recover her career time and again in the following years, she eventually succumbed to the pressures of fame and her own insecurities. This contract was signed at the turning point in her career, having just made the transition from child actor to Holllywood starlet, as well as the beginning of the instability and emotional breakdowns that would follow. In fine condition, secured to a slightly larger sheet by three staples to top edge, pencil and ink notations throughout, and a central horizontal fold to each page. RRAuction COA.
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