Legendary screen actress (1911–1937), known for her unique sex appeal and her distinctive platinum blonde hairdo, who died of renal failure at the age of 26. Very rare DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, May 2, 1934. Final page of a five page agreement between Harlow and MGM, representing a new seven year agreement where her previous $1,500.00 contract had left off; this new contract started her salary at $3,000.00 per week. Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Harlow, and also signed by MGM Vice President Eddie Mannix. Both Harlow and Mannix have also initialed the top paragraph of the page. Punch holes and mounting remnants to top edge, a couple other small holes and tears to top edge, and a bit of mild toning and creasing, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by two unsigned glossy 8 x 10 portraits.
After the success of 1933’s films Dinner at 8 and Bombshell, Harlow was undeniably becoming one of MGM’s brightest stars. While Hollywood’s other leading ladies were making upwards of $10,000 a week, Harlow’s contract remained at $1,500, a fact that angered her overbearing stepfather and ‘manager’ Marino Bello. In the fall of 1933, while the actress was recovering from an appendectomy, Bello took it upon himself to demand a raise from MGM head Louis B. Mayer and studio manager Eddie Mannix, claiming that Harlow would go on strike unless her contract was renegotiated. In response, the studio suspended her on November 13. Furious with Bello and consumed with the feeling that she had let down her industry friends and executives, she focused her attention on writing her only novel, Today is Tonight (published posthumously).
On January 26, 1934, after a two-month suspension, Harlow reported back to work against her parents’ wishes, agreeing to fulfill the terms of her original contract until it expired in May. She began work on ‘The Girl from Missouri’ in early March. This extraordinary signed document, the renegotiated seven-year contract that doubled her salary from $1,500 to $3,000 per week, is the only one we have ever offered—a phenomenal addition to any Hollywood collection! Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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