DS, one page, 8.5 x 13, May 5, 1950. Agreement between Wayne and Warner Bros Pictures regarding Wayne’s payments. Document reads, in part: “As you undoubtedly know, it is the present policy and practice of this company to pay artists…either directly to the personnel involved or to their duly authorized representatives…However, as a matter of mutual convenience to each of us, you hereby authorize us to…mail it to you at (or in care of) Beverly Management Corporation…The foregoing arrangement shall remain in effect until revoked by you…Inasmuch as we desire to put into effect the foregoing arrangement…we would appreciate your immediate execution of two (2) copies of this agreement.” Signed at the conclusion by Wayne and the studio’s assistant secretary, Roy Orbinger.
Also included are two unsigned typed letters from Jack Warner, both having notations and a couple of corrections in an unknown hand, the first one dated December 3, 1958, reads, in part: “When I get back to the studio, or maybe before, we want to have a talk about the money John Wayne owes us and the method we will use to recoup this.” The second letter, sent to Orbinger and three others, dated March 20, 1961, reads, in full: “Whenever we modify an individual’s contract by giving them a raise, from this day forth we want to insert a clause that in the event of a default by this individual we have the right to cancel the raise. Also, as in the case of Natalie Wood, if they have the right to make outside pictures and they default, not only can we cancel the raise but they cannot do the outside picture.” All three are matted and framed to an overall size of 23 x 21.5. In very good condition, with scattered creasing to document, some lightly passing through Wayne’s signature, a bit of scattered light soiling, and a small staple hole near top. Both letters have a small staple hole and office stamps.
Having received his first Academy Award nomination for his role in Sands of Iwo Jima in 1949, Wayne rang in the 1950s at the height of his popularity. This contract, establishing the method of payment for the leading man’s salary, fell into place as the money was flowing in. In 1952, Wayne founded an independent film production company called Batjac Productions, enabling him to produce and direct as well as act; Warner Bros. signed on as the distributor. He began work on what he intended to be his epic masterpiece, The Alamo, but after nearly a decade of filming and countless production delays, the film ran drastically over budget. Wayne was forced to put up most of his own personal fortune (and as much as he could borrow) to keep it afloat. While the 1950 Warner Bros. contract handles the studio’s obligations to pay their star actor, the subsequent 1958 letters address the opposite: how Wayne would repay money owed to the studio. A wonderful set of items encompassing one of the legendary American actor’s most active decades. Oversized. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
