Extraordinary DS signed “Marilyn Monroe,” and initialed ten times, “MM,” four pages, 8.5 x 11, October 7, 1952. An agreement between Monroe and Grove Productions, Inc., for her to “render…services as Guest Artist on the Edgar Bergen-Charlie McCarthy radio program presently scheduled to be recorded on October 18, 1952. from the Columbia Broadcasting System studios in Hollywood.” The rider stapled to the last page is of particular interest, with Monroe agreeing that Bergen could cancel the contract "if I conducted or do conduct myself without due regard to public conventions and morals or have done or do anything which will tend to disgrace me in society or bring me into pubic disrepute, contempt, scorn or ridicule, or that will tend to schock [sic], insult or offend the community or public morals or decency or prejudice agency or sponsor or the entertainment industry in general." Signed at the conclusion in blue ballpoint by Marilyn Monroe and Edgar Bergen, and initialed by both ten times throughout. Two riders making emendations are stapled within, and several areas of text are struck through and revised throughout the document, all of which required their initials for approval. In fine condition, with expected document wear.
The rider is especially important in light of the fracas that had ensued concerning her nude photographs published on calendars earlier in the year—a scandal that threatened to derail her fledgling career. Judging from contemporary media reports, Monroe's appearance with Charlie McCarthy was an enormous hit. During the program, the pair announced their engagement, much to the consternation of Edgar Bergen who 'admitted that losing Charlie would be like having his pocket picked.' McCarthy, for his part, assured listeners that he would allow Ms. Monroe to continue her screen career. 'Certainly I'm gonna let her work. I love the girl. I don't want to interfere with her career—or her income.' The year 1952 represented Monroe's rapid rise to stardom as she took on more substantial film roles. She appeared on the cover of Life in April, who billed her as 'The Talk of Hollywood.' Then, in September 1952, Fox released Monkey Business, in which she appeared with Cary Grant and Ginger Rogers—it was in that film that Monroe appeared with her signature platinum-blond hair. Between the significance in her career and Marilyn's copiously penned initials and bold signature, this is an astounding document from the Hollywood bombshell. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
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