Dec 15, 2023 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen
5067
A scarce and desirable poster for My Man Godfrey, the surprise Depression-era hit
Estate / Collection: Collection of Composer and Producer Robert A. Israel
[FILM POSTER]
My Man Godfrey. Universal, 1936. Style D, one sheet poster. Printed by Morgan Litho Corp., Cleveland OH, with code 9179 on lower right. 27 x 41 inches. Laid to board, old evidence of damp stain, fold lines with small losses, show through of ink under poster.
My Man Godfrey is a classic Depression-era "screwball comedy" which starred real-life former husband and wife William Powell and Carole Lombard. The plot involves a down-on-his-luck derelict named Godfrey, who is mocked as a "forgotten man" in a scavenger hunt involving two rich sisters, one of whom is the sensitive Irene. She hires Godfrey as the family butler and the two eventually fall in love. The on-screen chemistry between Powell and Lombard, who had divorced three years earlier, brought acclaim to the film and made it one of the biggest hits of 1936, helping out Universal Pictures, which was under new management and did not have a roster of stars—Powell had been loaned by MGM.
This is the rarer of two issues of the large-sized poster for the film, this being praised for its realistic depiction of the actors. We trace only two copies sold in recent years, both Heritage Auctions, 23 April 2022, lot 86242, and 1 October 2023, lot 86360.
Sold for $12,600
Estimated at $3,000 - $5,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
Estate / Collection: Collection of Composer and Producer Robert A. Israel
[FILM POSTER]
My Man Godfrey. Universal, 1936. Style D, one sheet poster. Printed by Morgan Litho Corp., Cleveland OH, with code 9179 on lower right. 27 x 41 inches. Laid to board, old evidence of damp stain, fold lines with small losses, show through of ink under poster.
My Man Godfrey is a classic Depression-era "screwball comedy" which starred real-life former husband and wife William Powell and Carole Lombard. The plot involves a down-on-his-luck derelict named Godfrey, who is mocked as a "forgotten man" in a scavenger hunt involving two rich sisters, one of whom is the sensitive Irene. She hires Godfrey as the family butler and the two eventually fall in love. The on-screen chemistry between Powell and Lombard, who had divorced three years earlier, brought acclaim to the film and made it one of the biggest hits of 1936, helping out Universal Pictures, which was under new management and did not have a roster of stars—Powell had been loaned by MGM.
This is the rarer of two issues of the large-sized poster for the film, this being praised for its realistic depiction of the actors. We trace only two copies sold in recent years, both Heritage Auctions, 23 April 2022, lot 86242, and 1 October 2023, lot 86360.
Auction: Stage & Screen, Dec 15, 2023
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Third Annual Stage & Screen Auction on December 15, 2023 Surpasses Expectations!
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Art, Memorabilia, Autographs & Photographs of the Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
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Held in Collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's third annual Stage & Screen auction on December 15, 2023 attracted determined competition from collectors and fans around the world resulting in a sale total that surpassed expectations! Held in collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund, the auction offered artwork, memorabilia, props, autographs and photographs from the vast history of the performing arts: Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.
Recognizing the importance of the performing arts to the fabric of New York, and the terrible toll the pandemic and recent strikes have taken on the entertainment community, Doyle is proud to donate 10% of our profit from this auction to the Entertainment Community Fund.
Highlighting the sale was an important 1969 letter and drawing from rock legend Freddie Mercury to Ibex bandmate Mick "Miffer" Smith that soared past its $12,000-18,000 estimate to achieve $50,400. Penned a year before forming Queen, Mercury discusses seeing Led Zeppelin, his sexuality, his songwriting, and his early bands’, Ibex and Wreckage, upcoming performances. The letter is a tour-de-force of descriptive thought and shows his growing passion for writing music.
The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund)
A special section of the auction comprising lots 5001 - 5019 featured celebrity memorabilia presented by the Entertainment Community Fund. While a portion of proceeds from every item in the auction benefited the Fund, 100% of the hammer price of the lots in this section goes entirely to the Entertainment Community Fund.
A highlight of this section was the stunning pink double-breasted velvet tuxedo jacket worn by Daniel Craig to the world premiere of No Time To Die at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021. With competition from both sides of the Atlantic, the tuxedo jacket sold for $10,710, more than doubling its $3,000-5,000 estimate.
Founded in 1882, the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization for performing arts and entertainment professionals. The Fund helps address the specific needs of those in the industry, with a unique understanding of the challenges involved in a life in the arts. Read More ►
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a free auction estimate.
For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141, ext 248, or email Peter.Costanzo@Doyle.com
