Flamingo Films stock certificate signed by Buster Keaton—a rare document from his failed Florida filmmaking project

583. Buster Keaton Signed Stock Certificate for Flamingo Films. Extremely rare DS, one page, 10.75 x 8.5, June 15, 1933. Stock certificate issued to himself, “Buster Keaton,” for one share of the capital stock of Flamingo Films, Inc., boldly signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Keaton as president of the company, and countersigned by Lew Lipton as secretary. In fine condition.

Keaton discusses the ill-fated Flamingo Films project in his 1960 autobiography My Wonderful World of Slapstick. A group of Coca-Cola distributors and other businessmen hoped to establish Florida as a filmmaking center, and were willing to pay Keaton his MGM salary of $3,000 a week to join their project. He arrived in St. Petersburg in the spring of 1933, just as the hot weather was beginning to drive the tourists home. They soon found that the hot, humid weather made it impossible to shoot—emulsion was melting off the film, makeup was melting off the lead actress’s face, and swarms of insects engulfed the crew. Within a month, the company folded—leaving behind just these rare stock certificates as evidence. Starting Bid $300

584.

Vintage matte-finish 13.25 x 10.25 photo fancy boldly signed and inscribed pen, “Our Best Wishes Always Jack, Stan Laurel, 1931” and “Oliver Hardy.” Reverse bears a Stax credit stamp. In very fine condition, with trimmed edges and some faint edge silvering. A fantastic oversized, signed portrait of Laurel and Hardy by Stax Graves—the noted Hal Roach Studios photograph. Starting Bid $200

586. Harpo Marx Signed Photograph. Humorous vintage glossy 8 x 10 photo of Harpo Marx playing a huge harp, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Diana and her Ma & Pa, Best Wishes, Harpo, 1950.” In very good condition, with overall creasing and a small tear to the top edge. Starting Bid $200

587. Gone With the Wind: Hattie McDaniel Signed Photograph. Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 photo of Hattie McDaniel smiling brightly in a lovely up-close pose as Mammy from Gone With the Wind, signed in fountain pen, “Best wishes from Hattie McDaniel, ‘45,’ G.W.T.W.” In very fine condition. In winning an Academy Award for her role as Mammy in Gone With the Wind, McDaniel earned a place in Hollywood history as the first African-American performer to win an Oscar. Starting Bid $200

588. Steve McQueen Document Signed. DS, signed “Steven T. McQueen,” three pages, 8.5 x 11, November 14, 1967. Document headed “Minutes of Special Meeting of Board of Directors of Solar Productions, Inc.,” making reference to the production and financing of several films, including “The Crown Caper,” “The Cold War Swap,” and “Suddenly Single.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

589. Steve McQueen Original Contact Sheet Photograph by Roy Schatt. Original glossy 8 x 10 silver gelatin contact sheet featuring twelve images of Steve McQueen taken by photographer Roy Schatt in the mid-to-late 1950s: ten show the shirtless actor in a variety of poses, while two portray him in an attractive knit sweater. Reverse bears Roy Schatt credit stamps. Matted to an overall size of 14 x 14. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

Marilyn Monroe’s 1958 State of Connecticut driver’s license, signed with her married name: “Marilyn Monroe Miller”

590. Marilyn Monroe Signed Driver’s License. Remarkable original “State of Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s License,” 2.5 x 3.25, July 8, 1958, signed along the bottom in blue ballpoint, “Marilyn Monroe Miller.” The license is filled out in type with her personal info, including name (“M. M. Miller”), address (“Tophet Rd, Roxbury”), height (5´ 5˝), birth date (6-1-26), and operator number (181034533). In fine condition, with wear and creasing to edges. This rare, historic driver’s license was issued while Marilyn Monroe was residing with her husband, playwright Arthur Miller, in a farmhouse on Tophet Road in scenic Roxbury, Connecticut. Encapsulated in a PSA/DNA authentication holder. Starting Bid $2500