1979 Marlon Brando's Army Jacket from Apocalypse Now

Sold For:

$1,920

Year:

1979

Auction:

2015 Fall

Lot #:

1177

Category:

Historical/Political/Pop Culture/Americana

Film prop garment belonging to the character Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, played by Marlon Brando, in the 1979 United Artists release Apocalypse Now. The green military-issue jacket features a number of different patches, including one that reads "Kurtz" on the right breast, and another reading "U. S. Army" on the left breast. This jacket was never actually worn by Brando in the movie, but it was featured in the film. Specifically, it can be seen hanging on the wall beneath Kurtz's beret in the scene near the end of the film where Captain Benjamin L. Willard (played by Martin Sheen) discovers the Colonel's former military gear. This jacket originates directly from the personal collection of John Milius, the screenwriter of Apocalypse Now, who was on location during much of the filming and kept a number of props. Included with the jacket is a photocopy of the fifth draft of the script, dated January 29, 1976, signed and dated ("4/25/03") by Milius in black ink on the cover. The jacket originally appeared as Lot 34 in Christie's July 2003 auction of entertainment memorabilia (sale #1260), where it realized $5,378. Our consignor purchased it at that sale and it has remained in his possession since that time. The jacket displays light wear and is in Excellent to Mint condition.  Reserve $1,000. Estimate $4,000+.