LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 April Music & Entertainment #688  / 

31407

Susanna Foster "Phantom of the Opera" Sketch

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Other Start Price:875.00 USD Estimated At:1,440.00 - 2,160.00 USD
Susanna Foster Phantom of the Opera Sketch
<B>Susanna Foster</B></I> <B><I>Phantom of the Opera</B></I></B></I> <B>Costume Sketch by Vera West, Signed by West and Director Arthur Lubin.</B></I> Universal's 1943 <I>Phantom of the Opera,</B></I> in Oscar-winning Technicolor, was one of the greatest hits in the studio's history. This breathtaking 12" x 18" color costume design sketch for a white satin gown worn by Susanna Foster in the climactic opera sequence is a beautiful relic from this sumptuous melodrama. It's signed by both Vera West, who sketched and designed the gown, and Arthur Lubin, who directed the classic film. West, chief costume designer for Universal Pictures from 1927-47, created gowns for everyone from Marlene Dietrich (<I>Destry Rides Again,</B></I> 1939) to Maria Montez (<I>Cobra Woman,</B></I> 1944), while Lubin directed everyone from Abbott and Costello to Francis the Talking Mule. West signed the sketch in pencil, and Lubin added his pencilled approval, "OK! Arthur Lubin." There are numerous notations in pencil on the reverse, including references to Hal Mohr (who won an Academy Award for his color cinematography in this film) and "Jack" (Jack Pierce, Universal's famed make-up artist, who created Claude Rains' scarred Phantom face). The sketch is in Very Fine to Excellent condition with mild to moderate tanning, and is accompanied by a b&w 8" x 10" photo of Foster wearing the dress in the horror classic opposite co-star Nelson Eddy. A strikingly lovely artifact with signatures from two talents who contributed so dynamically to this legendary film.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Large (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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