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831

Beatles

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:30,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
Beatles

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Auction Date:2012 Oct 17 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Original vintage program from the world premiere of the Beatles’ second motion picture, Help!, at the London Pavilion, 20 pages, 8.5 x 11, July 29, 1965, signed in black ballpoint on the back cover by all four Beatles, each also inscribing to co-star Victor Spinetti: “To Victor, My life’s work. With all my sincerest devotion and that God rest you from John (Lennon) x,” adding a small sketch of a cross; “To Victor, Best wishes, Ringo Starr”; “Dear Victor, I like you, but you weren’t as good as Mal [Evans, the band’s longtime roadie and friend who made a brief appearance in the film], Paul (McCartney)”; and “Only for you Victor—it would have all been possible! George Harrison.” The program, which includes photos from the film and cast and production biographies, can be displayed so that the signatures and pictorial cover may be seen together. Light creasing to both covers (slightly affecting a few letters of signatures and inscriptions, but not overall appearance), a touch of mild toning, and light handling wear, otherwise fine condition. Uncommon in any form, the Help! premiere program is of great scarcity in signed examples, notably enhanced in this case by a direct association with a cast member. The program we offer is, further, the only autographed item chosen by the Lennon estate to appear in the book Imagine: John Lennon, and is featured on page 76. A copy of the book is included. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity and grading from PSA/DNA, grading the Starr signature an “8,” and the Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison signatures each a “9.” Also accompanied by a letter of authenticity from noted Beatles expert Frank Caiazzo who proclaims “This signed premiere program is one of the finest items in existence related to the movie ‘Help!,’ autographed for the most important cast member aside from the four Beatles.”

Spinetti was discovered by the Beatles in 1963, when John Lennon and George Harrison saw him in the anti-war musical Oh! What a Lovely War (for which he later won a Tony Award). When approached by the up-and-coming musicians to appear in their first movie, the actor asked why; George replied, ‘You've got to be in all our films…if you're not in them me Mum won't come and see them—she fancies you.’ With the support of Mrs. Harrison behind him, Spinetti signed on, thus beginning his lifelong friendship with the band. They developed a strong bond as he helped them find their footing in front of the camera, showing ceaseless support and patience and never playing the role of superior actor among musicians. When Lennon earnestly asked, ‘eh Vic, whenever the director shouts action, all the other actors suddenly change and you stay the same…does that mean you’re as terrible as we are?’ Spinetti replied, ‘Yes! And I’m glad to be it!’ Their relationships grew through A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, and In His Own Write, a collaborative play adapted from a book by John Lennon, which the two produced together. This extraordinary program from the height of their fame, with personal inscriptions to their fellow actor and dear friend—enhanced by McCartney’s sarcastic reference to tour manager and assistant Mal Evans—is truly one of a kind. An incredible piece to take the center of any Beatles collection!
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