January 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, January 30th, 5pm Pacific

Leslie Howard Contract for ''Gone With the Wind'' to Play Ashley Wilkes

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2020

Leslie Howard contract for ''Gone With the Wind'' to play Ashley Wilkes, detailing his compensation for the film, his billing credit, conditions for retakes, wardrobe, the use of voice dubbing etc. Three page contract is the retained copy by Selznick International Pictures, Inc., dated 12 January 1939 shortly before filming began. Contract begins, ''Producer employs Artist to render his exclusive services to Producer as an actor to portray the role of 'Ashley' in 'GONE WITH THE WIND'...[beginning] Feb. 15, 1939 To: Completion of role (10 week guarantee).'' Howard is paid a weekly salary of $7500.00 per week, guaranteeing his salary to be at least $75,000 for the film. The contract continues with his billing credit: ''Producer to give Artist credit on the screen and in all paid advertising issued by Producer...where names of artist portraying roles of 'Scarlett O'Hara' and/or 'Rhett Butler' are mentioned on at least two types of lithographs as follows: If no artist is starred, Artist shall receive at least third feature billing. / If any artist is starred, Artist shall receive at least third star billing. / Name of no artist shall appear in type larger than that used to depict Artist's name...'' The contract continues with a lengthy clause regarding retakes, compensating Howard at a rate of $1250.00 per day for such, before outlining screen tests, wardrobe fittings, publicity interviews, transportation, voice dubbing for foreign versions of the film, S.A.G. membership, and what should happen in the event of Howard's disability, etc. Three page document is stapled at upper left, measuring 8.5'' x 11''. Near fine condition. A fascinating contract for a key actor in arguably the most important film of Golden Age Hollywood.