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Lot #1059
Erich von Stroheim

The famed director presents a Melbourn Spurr portrait to his ward from ‘Merry-Go-Round,’ a film from which he was unceremoniously fired

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Description

The famed director presents a Melbourn Spurr portrait to his ward from ‘Merry-Go-Round,’ a film from which he was unceremoniously fired

Legendary director (1885–1957) whose autocratic nature and profligacy brought an end to his directorial career. He went on to enjoy success as a character actor, perhaps most memorably as Gloria Swanson’s faithful butler in the 1950 classic Sunset Boulevard. Vintage pearl-finish 7.75 x 9.75 Spurr photo, signed and inscribed in fountain pen “To ‘Joe’ (my ward) from Merry-Go-Round days, with my most sincere wishes, Erich von Stroheim, Los Angeles, June 6th, 1929.” In very good condition, with a single tack hole to each corner, missing lower left corner tip, scattered light bends and creases, and some scattered light staining. After six weeks of shooting, it was clear to producer Irving Thalberg that von Stroheim's excesses and haphazard shooting schedule were going to take the movie over budget. Thalberg fired von Stroheim, and replaced him with director Rupert Julian. A boldly signed Spurr portrait of uncommon size and excellent association. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #360 - Ended August 11, 2010





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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