Italian-born actor (1895–1926) who became the most legendary sex symbol of the silent era. His premature death from a perforated ulcer induced a wave of fan hysteria unmatched until the modern “paparazzi” age, including riots and suicide attempts by grief-stricken fans. DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, February 4, 1922. Agreement between Valentino and the Famous Players-Lasky Corporation in which it arranges for a bank to receive his paychecks. In full: “I hereby authorize and direct you to mail my salary check each week to the Culver City Commercial & Savings Bank, Culver City, California, for deposit to my credit. This arrangement is made for the purpose of securing a line of credit at the Culver City Commercial & Savings bank, and this order cannot be revoked by me without the consent of the Culver City Commercial & Savings Bank. This order is to take effect immediately.” Signed at the conclusion by Valentino, and countersigned by Jesse Lasky. Bottom also bears an endorsement by the bank’s president. In very good condition, with scattered moderate irregular toning, staple holes and paperclip impressions to top left, scattered creases, and a few small edge tears.
Despite wanting better and more creative films, Valentino was in desperate need of money when he signed with the commercially focused corporation one year before authorizing the above agreement. Earning $1,250 a week, his first film for Lasky—the 1921 release ‘The Sheik’—turned Valentino into a certified star. With his payment now guaranteed to safely find its way to a savings account, Valentino’s financial relationship with Laskey soon began to deteriorate as the actor sought a pay raise, going so far as to initiate a 'One Man Strike' against Laskey and his Famous Players and refusing his paychecks, pledging not to make any more films for the company unless he was paid more than his weekly salary of $1,250. Famous Players eventually sued him with the court barring him from any work of any kind, with the ruling reduced to barring him from acting work only. A precursor to some of the financial intrigue that would engage the film star. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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