DS, 25 pages, 8.5 x 11, July 29, 1936. Exclusive employment agreement between RKO Studios and the Gershwin Brothers to “furnish to us the musical numbers and incidental music necessary and suitable in connection with the book of the dramatico-musical works which we are currently having written and upon which we intend to base a so-called ‘feature length’ motion picture or photoplay, starring Fred Astaire’ for a period of sixteen weeks for a fee of $55,000…” The document goes on to list terms and provisions, assigns, transportation, etc. Boldly signed “George Gershwin” and “Ira Gershwin” in fountain pen on page 23. In very good condition, with expected age and minor handling wear, punch holes to top and left edges, pencil notations throughout.The office pencil notations in the upper right of the first page read “1st: Shall We Dance Option: A Damsel In Distress,” indicating that this contract is likely to have been for Shall We Dance, in which Astaire and Rogers appeared, as well as Damsel in Distress (both released in 1937 and both of which featured Gershwin tunes). COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
