T: Is for 20th Century Fox

When you’re a child raised in Hollywood the back lots of 20th Century Fox become your playground. It is not uncommon to have Natalie Wood, Tyrone Power or Norman Rockwell sit at your dinner table. Drinking root beer floats and watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers is a weekend past time. And while young girls dream of their first kiss, I was getting mine by Cary Grant.
Last night these memories and more flooded my senses as I walked into Swann Gallery located at 104 East 25th Street. 80 years of Fox’s memorabilia lined the wall and more were listed in the catalog. At 17 I sang, “Put the Blame on Mame” in a tribute to Rita Hayworth at the Hollywood Palladium. Here were pictures and documents signed by a 16-year-old Margarita Canisno and her parents. Her name would later be changed to Rita Hayworth. In junior high I was a part of a group and was picked to sing and dance on the last Bing Crosby Christmas special. Here was Bing’s life documented by contracts. Bogart, Elvis, Clark, Grable, Hepburn and Tracy all legends that need only one name glistened on the walls becoming alive again. This was the golden era of film.
20th Century Fox Film Corporation is auctioning off today at 2:30 an assortment of their archives to benefit the Motion Picture and Television Fund. To learn more about this generous charity that gives to it’s own log onto www.mptf.org.
Highlights include Marilyn Monroe’s name change and contracts. In 1946 she made $150 a week. In 1959 she made $100.000.00 per film. Now that’s a raise! From the catalogue you learn she wanted a role in “Guys and Dolls”, had to be bailed out of jail for unpaid traffic tickets, did not have the studio behind her as she sang “Happy Birthday" and more. Bette Davis was not originally cast in “All About Eve” and filmed the role in 16 days as she went through a divorce. Brando was considered for the King in the "King and I" and got fired off the set of the “Egyptian” for his bad behavior. John Steinbeck had a bit role as well as being signed as a writer and Norman Rockwell did the poster for Stage Coach. The original is in the Denver Museum. I could go on and on about this wonderful exhibition but will end with Judy Garland. Signed for “Valley of the Dolls” at $75,0000.00 on February 15. 1967 she was dismissed on May 29, 1967 for $37,500.00. Why? For drugs and alcohol abuse. Ironic considering the film and that is a F.A.C.T.
To purchase a catalogue go to www.swanngalleries.com