TLS signed “Walter E. Disney” on the final page, four pages, 8.5 x 11, Walt Disney Productions letterhead, June 7, 1950. A letter of agreement between Disney and writer Cameron Shipp, who was to write a serialized biography of Disney for the Saturday Evening Post. In part: “You have advised me that the Curtis Publishing Company has indicated to you a definite interest in the publication of the story of my life in a series of articles to be written by you and published in the Saturday Evening Post in serial form.... You have informed me further that the Curtis Publishing Company is willing to make every reasonable effort to publish the story concurrent with, or close to, the release date of my forthcoming motion picture, ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ which release is now tentatively scheduled in the Easter season of 1951.... I understand that you have developed and perfected a technique of your own in writing life-stories in the first person. However I believe it entirely proper that I reserve the right to change the wording of [our] joint by-line if the story does not appropriately present my life and experiences as I would tell them.... No merchandising ‘tie-ups’ involving the use of my photograph, likeness, or name shall be indulged in in connection with this endeavor without my consent.... On my part, I will, with the aid of my staff, give full cooperation to this enterprise, supplying material for the story, and giving you all necessary interviews to the end that you shall have the chance to successfully present the story of my life, career, or experiences.... I agree to supply illustrations and art work to be mutually agreed upon between the Saturday Evening Post and me in connection with the story. Said illustrations shall be in full color and of a standard consistent with the quality of art commonly associated with the Disney name. It is specifically understood that the Saturday Evening Post shall pay me for such illustrations and art work.” Countersigned by Shipp on the final page. In fine condition, with light toning, scattered mild wrinkling, marginal file holes at edges (one within loop of “y” in “Disney,” though not touching signature itself), and staple holes and paperclip impressions to top edges. COA Phil Sears, PSA/DNA COA, and R&R COA.
