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Lot 1027
A Joan Fontaine contract with Selznick International Pictures
10 December 2019, 14:00 PST
Los AngelesSold for US$573.75 inc. premium
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A Joan Fontaine contract with Selznick International Pictures
Typed Document Signed ("Joan Fontaine," "David O. Selznick"), 7 pp, dated September 2, 1939, between Fontaine and Selznick International Pictures, Inc., annotated in pencil by Fontaine. This scarce and significant document covers Fontaine's career years at the Selznick studio and pertains directly to and begins with the contractual time of Rebecca (1940). On June 15, 1939, Fontaine and Selznick entered into a multi-year business relationship and this contract is an extensive amendment to that arrangement. The contract was signed just 6 days prior to the filming of Rebecca; in fact, a penciled notation makes note of that fact. The contract also reflects amendments made to accommodate Fontaine's marriage to actor Brian Aherne (but also makes provisions in case of divorce)! Handwritten notations adjacent to each option clause cover the dates from 1940 to 1947. Fontaine's years with Selznick were fruitful, and in the short time that she was under contract to him, she received three Academy Award® Best Actress nominations, winning one for Suspicion (1941).
8.5 x 11 in.
8.5 x 11 in.


















