May 2023 James Dean Auction Ends Thursday, May 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/25/2023
Jane Deacy's handwritten notes on the proposed Warner Bros. contract with her client James Dean. Undated but circa late March 1954, Deacy's notes are for the only major film contract that Dean signed in this life: the multi-picture deal under which Dean made ''East of Eden'', ''Rebel Without a Cause'' and ''Giant''. Lot consists of five sheets of various sizes, with Deacy's analysis of the contract, along with her notes and questions. On the first note she lists the money that Dean would make on each picture, growing from $10,000 for the first film to $40,000 for an eighth film. On other notes she has questions about the deal such as, ''What happens regarding money and is the picture included in the 8 if during the 3rd yr studio has script Jimmy wants to do?'' Other questions include ''Is it common practice for actor to give studio one week free either before for wardrobe or after picture for retakes? / On a deal such as this studio pay round trip transportation?'' A scribbled out note has to do with the studio paying Dean's expenses while on location and there's also a note, ''Where can I reach John Ford.''
On the largest sheet, a yellow legal-sized paper, Deacy summarizes the agreement, noting that it's ''8 pictures over x yrs'' and that Dean will test for the role of Cal in ''East of Eden''. She also wonders if, after the third year, ''in ea[ch] successive yr...option for one picture + option for a second up to a total 8 pictures / 45 days following completion...of prior photography WB rite to exercise option for the 2nd additional pictures ea option for ea successive yr to be exercised not less than 30 days from exp. of option period...'' More notes appear on the verso of this page, including the question of TV and stage rights and script approval, noting that Dean will have ''script 3 weeks before shooting / mutual option - script approval''.
Documents range in size form approximately 4'' x 4'' to 8'' x 12.5'', paper-clipped together. Very good condition. A fascinating peek into the analysis of one of the most important actor contracts in Golden Age Hollywood. From the estate of James Dean's agent, Jane Deacy.
Jane Deacy's Handwritten Notes on the James Dean's Multi-Film Contract with Warner Bros. -- Includes Notes about ''East of Eden'', Script Approval, Etc. & Questions About the Deal
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