DS, one page, 7.25 x 4.75, April 7, 1954. Promissory note between Dean and Warner Bros. Pictures. In full: “On May 19, 1954, I , James Dean, promise to pay to the order of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc. One Hundred and 00/100 Dollars at the Manufacturers Trust Company, 681 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York. Value received. Witness my hand and seal.” Signed at the conclusion in black ink by Dean. To the left of Dean’s signature is a light “Paid” Warner Bros. stamp, and a set of initials. Double cloth matted and framed with a nice photo of Dean, to an overall size of 20 x 14.5 In fine condition, with a light central horizontal fold.
Dean was on the brink of stardom when he signed this promissory note, obviously needing some traveling cash before quietly slipping off to Los Angeles to shoot East of Eden. Director Elia Kazan wanted no fanfare for the young star’s trip to California, and so his arrival went completely unnoticed by the press. Dean found a $50-a-month apartment that he shared with co-star Dick Davalos—rent he was easily able to afford, as well as being able to repay the studio its money by May 19—given his $10,000 salary. The studio, in turn, would make millions from the film. Certainly a unique item signed by Dean on his way to becoming an immortal Hollywood icon. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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