Significant 1947 Marilyn Monroe 20th Century Fox Termination Letter Signed By Monroe! - PSA/DNA

Sold For:

Unsold

Year:

1947

Auction:

2017 Fall

Lot #:

2622

Category:

Historical/Political/Pop Culture/Americana

Historic Marilyn Monroe signed document, dated July 26, 1947, in which 20th Century Fox officially notifies Monroe that her current contract is not being renewed and will terminate one month later, on August 25, 1947. The one-page letter, on official "Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation" letterhead, is addressed to "Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jeane Dougherty)" care of her agent, Elsie Cukor-Lipton Agency, and is devoid of any sentiment. In full: Dear Miss Monroe: Please be advised that by reason of the failure of the Corporation to exercise the option contained in your contract of employment with us dated August 24, 1946, to continue the term of your employment under said contract beyond August 25, 1947, the term of our employment thereunder will expire on August 25, 1947, or upon completion of the services which we require you to render for the production in connection with which you may be engaged in rendering your services on August 25, 1947, under the terms and conditions of your aforementioned contract of employment with us, whichever shall be the later date. Kindly acknowledge receipt of this letter by affixing your signature to the copies thereof enclosed herewith and returning them to the undersigned. Monroe has beautifully signed the document, "Marilyn Monroe," in blue fountain pen, with the signature grading "9." Also signed in blue fountain pen by a Twentieth Century-Fox executive. Marilyn Monroe's acting career began one year earlier, when Twentieth Century-Fox talent executive Ben Lyon signed her to a 6-month contract. It was at that time she adopted the stage name of Marilyn Monroe that would stay with her for decades to come. The name change was not a legal one, however, which is why the studio listed her real name in parenthesis on this document. (She legally changed her name to Marilyn Monroe in 1956.) Monroe's one year at the studio was spent mostly as an extra, although she did later earn a few lines when she landed bit parts in two films, in both of which she was uncredited. It is fascinating to note that this letter comes before Monroe's first credited film appearance. It's not known exactly why the studio declined to renew Monroe's contract in 1947 (several books about Monroe's life suggest that she had a tough time memorizing lines or being prompt for call times), but it was a decision that Twentieth Century-Fox would come to regret a decade later after Monroe rose to fame as Hollywood's greatest sex symbol. This is the earliest Marilyn Monroe signed document we have ever handled and we cannot recall having seen many others that predate it. The letter (8.5 x 11 inches) has two horizontal mailing folds, a tiny chip in the upper right corner, a few tiny creases in the lower left corner, and a paperclip impression near the top border. In Excellent condition overall. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Opening Bid $5,000. Estimate $20,000+.