Phenomenal original 27 x 41 one sheet movie poster for the classic 1972 film The Godfather, signed and inscribed in the lower right corner in blue ballpoint, "To Carl, Regards, Marlon Brando," "Francis Coppola," and "Al Martino." In fine condition, folded as issued. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the original recipient, in part: "Marlon Brando signed my Godfather poster at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York on November 26th 1974 for the first Gala benefiting the American Indian development association. I was the manager at the hotel at the time." Also accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Caroline Barrett, the longtime personal assistant of Brando, in full: "I certify based on my experience as Mr. Brando's personal assistant of thirty years that the signature is most definitely in Marlon Brando's hand. I frequently signed for Mr. Brando and I can immediately identify signatures both secretarial and authentic. I have every confidence that this autograph is authentic."
In addition to the incredible format and crisp, clean penmanship, the origin of Brando’s autograph likewise forms a connection to both The Godfather and to one of the actor’s foremost causes—the plight of the Native American. In what has since become one of Oscar’s most controversial moments, Brando boycotted the 45th Academy Awards and sent little-known actress Sacheen Littlefeather in his stead. When presenter Roger Moore announced Brando as the winner for Best Actor, Littlefeather took the stage in traditional Apache dress and affirmed that Brando ‘very regretfully cannot accept this very generous award. And the reasons for this being are the treatment of American Indians today by the film industry…and on television in movie reruns, and also with recent happenings at Wounded Knee.’ Brando remains among the scarcest of all Hollywood legends, with examples relating to The Godfather virtually nonexistent and of the utmost rarity and desirability—the first Brando-signed original Godfather poster our auction has ever offered.
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