LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Oct. Sig. Entertainment Memorabilia #648  / 

22212

William Wyler Signed "Ben-Hur' Mat. William Wyle

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Original Start Price:80.00 USD Estimated At:320.00 - 480.00 USD
William Wyler Signed Ben-Hur' Mat. William Wyle
<B>William Wyler Signed "Ben-Hur" Mat.</B></I> William Wyler (1902-1981) won his third Best Director Academy Award for MGM's <I>Ben-Hur</B></I> (1959), the epic "Tale of the Christ" that received ten other Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor (Charlton Heston). This wonderful piece suggests all the grandeur of this moving and monumental film - an 8.5" X 23.5" overview picture of the chariot race arena, set in a 15" X 30" mat and signed on the lower right mat in black ink, "To Ray Klune Ben-Hur - Day in Rome 1958 Affectionate Regards WiIly Wyler." Ray Klune (1904-1988) was a famed Hollywood production manager whose most famous credit was <I>Gone With the Wind.</B></I> The picture, showing the famous 18-acre set with its giant statues, 15,000 extras and racing chariots (which accidentally smashed one of the film's 65 mm cameras), has a sepia tone to it so it almost resembles a sketch rather than a photograph -- a very effective touch, considering the era it represents -- and powerfully conveys the film's awesome sense of spectacle. While second unit director Yakima Canutt actually staged the chariot race, Charlton Heston has always said that William Wyler gave the race its human dimension, and Wyler's signature on this very impressive piece (and the Klune connection) make it a truly estimable item. Excellent condition. <I>Accompanied by LOA from PSA/DNA.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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