The film contract that made James Dean a Hollywood legend: Warner Bros. contract signed by Dean for ''East of Eden'', also giving Warners the option to extend Dean's contract for several more films, which it did with ''Rebel Without a Cause'' and ''Giant''. Signed by Dean (''James Dean'') on the last page, and also initialed an additional 48 times throughout by Dean.

Dated 7 April 1954, contract runs 45pp., covering every aspect of Dean's relationship with Warners, including his pay, promotional obligations, duty to conduct himself morally, filming dates and many other clauses. On page two, contract establishes that Dean will take on ''the role of 'Cal' in the motion picture to be produced by Producer tentatively entitled 'EAST OF EDEN'...'' Dean was to be paid at least $10,000 for the film, with a weekly salary of $1,000 for not less than 10 weeks of filming. It then gives Warners the option to extend Dean's contract for nine additional motion pictures, two of which it exercised with ''Rebel Without a Cause'' and ''Giant'' before Dean's passing. Dean's pay rate rose to $1,250 per week for the second film and $1,500 for the third film, progressively increasing to $4,000 for the ninth film. Contract is signed ''James Dean'' on the last page by Dean in blue fountain pen, with an additional notarized page authenticating Dean's signature. The initials ''JD'' throughout are also rendered by Dean in blue fountain pen. Entire contract is bound at top by staples to a blue paper backing, measuring 9'' x 14''. Contract is well preserved, with only light wear, in very good to near fine condition. One of the highlights of Golden Age Hollywood. From the estate of James Dean's agent, Jane Deacy.

All pages can be seen here.