DS, nine pages, 8 x 10.5, February 28, 1923. Contract between Shearer and Louis B. Mayer Productions, Inc. In part: “The Company hereby engages the Artist to pose for and participate in the manufacture of one (1) motion picture photo-play…The Artist shall immediately proceed to the Company’s studio at Los Angeles…The Artist hereby engages herself to pose for and participate in the making of said motion picture photo-play…and agrees to give her best efforts for the success of said motion picture photo-play, and to perform her services in a careful and painstaking manner…The Company hereby agrees to pay…the sum of…$250 per week for each and every week of said term of employment.” The contract also stipulates that if certain requirements are met, “The Artist shall be advertised as a featured player and shall play only leading parts.” Signed at the conclusion in purple ink by the actress, “Norma Shearer,” her mother, “Edith Shearer,” and in black ink by Mayer Productions general counsel J. Robert Rubin. The final page is also initialed by both Shearer and her mother. In fine condition, with expected document wear. Shearer was initially ‘discovered’ by young MGM producer Irving Thalberg, who arranged for her first screen test, and was one of her greatest advocates in securing roles for her before she became a star; the pair would go on to get married in 1927. This document was the 20-year-old Shearer’s very first major film contract, under which her first film was Pleasure Mad, followed by a leading role in The Wanters. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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