Description:

Richard Burton
various, September 1, 1963; January 1, 1966
Two Richard Burton Signed Contracts Dating From "Becket" & "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Era: "maintain his reputation and standing as a first class star artist of international repute" - PSA
DS
Two film contracts signed by Welsh actor Richard Burton (1925-1984), each time as "Richard Burton." The contracts are dated September 1, 1963 and January 1, 1966 respectively, meaning that they were signed during an especially productive phase of Burton's film and stage career. The earlier contract dates from the period between the release of the 1963 epic blockbuster "Cleopatra," and Burton's starring in the film "Becket" and Broadway version of "Hamlet." The later contracts dates from the same year that "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" was released; Burton earned one of his seven Oscar nominations for Best Actor for his portrayal of George.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 3pp typed contract signed by Burton as "Richard Burton" on p. 3. Hamilton, Bermuda. September 1, 1963. The contract is initialed and countersigned by several film company executives associated with the longtime Caribbean law firm Conyers, Dill & Pearman. On red-ruled legal-sized pale blue paper, stapled and with two brass eyelets in the upper right corner. Bearing two blind-embossed seals, one corresponding to each film company, Bushel Productions Limited and Atlantic Programmes Limited; as well as a cancelled 1-shilling Bermudan stamp. The fourth clause has been contemporaneously crossed out. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, isolated wrinkles, minor loss to the cover tabs, and minor smudging. Else near fine. 8.625" x 13.75." A PSA hologram sticker numbered AH70986 is discretely located on the underside of one of the pages.

The contract was between three parties: Artist Richard Burton; and film companies Bushel Productions Limited and Atlantic Programmes Limited. The legal document, comprised of six clauses, stipulated that a contract Burton had entered with Bushel on August 30, 1962 for a 7-year-long term of employment was now transferred to Atlantic, in return for 25% of the gross earnings from Atlantic garnered through Burton to be delivered to Bushel.

2. A 4pp typed contract signed by Burton as "Richard Burton" on p. 4. N.p. January 1, 1966. Additionally cosigned by N.B. Dill, an executive of Atlantic Programmes Limited. On red-ruled legal-sized pale blue paper, stapled and with two brass eyelets in the upper right corner. Bearing an Atlantic Programmes Limited blind-embossed seal as well as a cancelled 1-shilling Bermudan stamp. Expected wear including a few isolated corner folds and wrinkles, and minor loss to the cover tabs. Else near fine. 8.625" x 13.75." A PSA hologram sticker numbered AH70985 is discretely located on the underside of one of the pages.

The contract was agreed between two parties: Artist Richard Burton, and film company Atlantic Programmes Limited. The 9-clause legal document stipulated that Burton would enter a 10-year-long working contract with Atlantic for an annual salary of £55,000. The contract discussed approval of scripts; loans to other studios; travel and hotel accommodations; and copyright considerations. Burton entered into the contract in good faith, agreeing to act "to the best of his skill and ability" (p. 3) and submitting to "endeavour at all times to maintain his reputation and standing as a first class star artist of international repute" (p. 2.)

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.625" x 13.75"
  • Medium: DS

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June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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