DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, March 2, 1938. Headed at the top, “Crime School/WB, H. Bogart,” document reads, in full: “I hereby authorize Byron Foy hereinafter referred to as the ‘Producer,’ to pay to Motion Picture Relief Fund of America, Inc., an amount equal to one–half of one percent of each installment of salary or compensation payable to me for services rendered and/or to be rendered by me for said Producer, and to deduct the same from each installment of salary or compensation due me from said Producer. This instrument shall be effective as of March 2, 1938 and shall continue thereafter until written notice of the revocation hereof has been received from me by said Producer as well as by said Motion Picture Relief Fund of America, Inc.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Bogart. In very good condition, with several horizontal folds, a uniform shade of toning, with four light non-toned circles to page, and staple and pinholes to top. Bogie’s signature is crisp and bold.
Bogart was not yet a major star in 1938 but he was on his way when, as a contract player for Warner Bros., he was tapped for the film Crime School. He had already earned praise for his role as Duke Mantee in 1936’s The Petrified Forest—and famously making him a part of their very successful gangster pictures including Angels with Dirty Faces and The Return of Doctor X, before achieving superstardom as a leading man. His lack of ‘star power’ is apparent in promotional material for Crime School—the Dead End Kids received top billing over Bogart, with their typeface also larger than his in posters and advertising. Despite his hard-nosed persona, Bogie’s soft side is clear via his contribution here to the Motion Picture & Television Fund, a charitable organization providing assistance and care to those in the motion picture and television industries with limited or no resources. Any signed Bogart contract is very desirable, particularly one from early in his career. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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