October 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, October 23rd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2012
National Association of Theater Owners award presented to George Burns in 1975. Burns had already enjoyed an overwhelmingly successful career when he starred in the 1975 screen version of Neil Simon's ''The Sunshine Boys.'' He replaced his friend Jack Benny in the role of Al Lewis, as Benny had fallen ill by the time shooting was to commence. Remarkably, at the age of 80, Burns won this award in the category of ''Distinguished Star of Tomorrow''. He also won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar that same year. The National Association of Theatre Owners is a trade organization whose membership consists of movie houses. Award features its acronym NATO encased in a lucite sphere atop a wooden and lucite base. The plaque, affixed to the wood behind the lucite reads: ''GEORGE BURNS / Distinguished Star / of Tomorrow / Presented By / NATIONAL ASSOCIATION / of / THEATRE OWNERS''. A plaque affixed over the lucite reads ''New Orleans / 1975''. Award measures 9.5'' in height on a 5'' x 5'' square base. New Orleans plaque is affixed slightly off center, else near fine. With provenance from Sotheby's.
National Association of Theater Owners Award Honoring George Burns' Comeback at Age 80
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