Hollywood’s Most Valuable Movie Autographs

The epitome of cool during Hollywood’s studio era, “Bogie” delivered in such gems as The Petrified Forest (1936), The Maltese Falcon (1941), Casablanca (1942), The Big Sleep (1946) and Key Largo (1948). The 57-year-old Bogart died of esophageal cancer on January 14, 1957. At the time of his death, the frail, wasted Bogart weighed only 80 pounds.

Auction results:

• Autographed 8×10 matte-finish photo ($2,040)
• Signed one-page typewritten letter to his fan club dated March 7, 1944 ($2,541)
• Signed 41-page Paramount Pictures contract dated July 24, 1953 ($1,044)

The Three Stooges

The Three Stooges, in their various incarnations, remain one of pop culture’s most enduring icons. The boys starred in 190 movie shorts from 1933 to 1959 and also appeared in feature length films. The trio was comprised of Moe Howard (1897-1975), Larry Fine (1902-1975), Shemp Howard (1895-1955), Jerome “Curly” Howard (1903-1952), Joe Besser (1907-1988) and Joe “Curly Joe” DeRita (1909-1993).

Auction results:

• Signed album page from Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly Howard ($783)
• Signed Moe Howard check dated November 10, 1961 ($180)
• Signed 3×6 photo from Larry Fine ($520)

Bud Abbott (1895-1974) and Lou Costello (1906-1959)

During the 1940s and ’50s the comedy team of Abbott and Costello reigned supreme in Hollywood. Their many films include Buck Privates (1941), Hit the Ice (1943), Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) and Jack and the Beanstalk (1952). The 78-year-old William “Bud” Abbott died of cancer on April 24, 1974. The 52-year-old Lou Costello died of a heart attack on March 3, 1959.

Auction results:

• Warner Bros. 8×10 publicity still from 1952’s Jack and the Beanstalk signed by both ($636) 
• Business check dated March 22, 1948, signed by both ($1,242)
• Ten-inch 78 rpm record “Who’s on First?” presented to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1956 and autographed by both ($3,616)

Clara Blandick (1880-1962)

Forever known as “Auntie Em” in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz, Clara Blandick’s other movie appearances include Tom Sawyer (1930), Harold Teen (1934), The Road Back (1937) and Drums Along the Mohawk (1939). The 81-year-old character actress committed suicide on April 15, 1962.

Auction results:

• Autographed postcard featuring the Hollywood Canteen ($240)
• Signed pink album page ($717)
• Two separate album pages, one signed by Blandick and the other by Charley “Uncle Henry” Grapewin ($896.25)

Thelma Todd (1905-1935)

One of the top film comediennes of the 1930s, Thelma Todd’s movie credits include Another Fine Mess (1930), Chickens Come Home (1931), Horse Feathers (1932), Sitting Pretty (1933) and Hot Money (1935). On December 16, 1935, the 30-year-old Todd was found dead in her car, the apparent victim of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, although several theories contend that she was the victim of foul play.

Auction results:

• Autographed 8×10 matte-finish portrait by Bernard ($1,026)
• Signed light green album page ($148)
• Autographed 7×9 matte-finish photo ($578)

Steve McQueen (1930-1980)

Steve McQueen defined Hollywood cool in the 1960s and early ’70s. His many films include The Magnificent Seven (1960), The Great Escape (1963), The Cincinnati Kid (1965), The Sand Pebbles (1966), Bullitt (1968) and Papillon (1973). The 50-year-old McQueen died of cancer on November 7, 1980.

Auction results:

• Autographed 8×10 glossy photo ($1,847)
• Signed three-page contract with the William Morris Agency dated February 14, 1958 ($3,553)
• Autographed magazine page bearing a small photo and biography of McQueen ($520)

All auction results courtesy R&R Auction and Heritage Auction Galleries.