20384

Clifton Webb Autographs. Clifton Webb, after man Clifton Webb Autographs.

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Original Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:360.00 - 540.00 USD
Clifton Webb Autographs. Clifton Webb, after man Clifton Webb Autographs.
<B>Clifton Webb Autographs.</B></I> Clifton Webb, after many years as a major stage star, finally made his name in Hollywood (and won a Best Supporting Actor Academy nomination) as the acid-tongued murderer Waldo Lydecker in <I>Laura</B></I> (1944). The elegantly stylish noir mystery, based on the Vera Caspary novel, dates marvelously - its wit, sophistication, Oscar-winning Black and White Cinematography (by Joseph LaShelle), haunting musical theme (by David Raksin) and surprise climactic twist are all still sparkingly entertaining. This May 6, 1944 page from Webb's guest book, signed by several of the film's major figures, is a striking piece of memorabilia from this film, signed during its production. Among the signers: Gene Tierney, who was Laura; Dana Andrews, who played Det. Mark McPherson, who falls in love with Laura (and who wrote on the page to Webb's mother, "Strictly for Mabel - Can't I be up in your room sometime - question mark? - Dana Andrews"), Vincent Price, who oozed charm as gigolo Shelby Carpenter; and Rouben Mamoulian, who was the film's original director (and was replaced by Otto Preminger). Also present at the party and signing the page were Basil Rathbone and his wife Ouida, actresses Gladys Cooper and Lillian Gish, director George Cukor, Dana Andrews' wife Mary, and - a very happy surprise - Judy Garland, who signed the page "Love darling Judy." The book was signed at Webb's home at 280 Carolwood Drive, in Los Angeles. A fascinating memento, both for its wonderful autographs and its connection to one of the 1940s' best-remembered films. <I>With COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I>