movies
1917 WAR PROPAGANDA WITH CHARLIE
2011 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Collectors of old films have both passion and courage. The reels are often much battered and the highly flammablenitrate forces to take great care for storage.
The first films were animated photographs that lasted a few minutes. Many of them are known now only by theirposters, and some are completely forgotten.
Two years ago, a collector bought an old 35 mm film on the web for a ridiculous price, and thus discovered whatwould become one of the most sensational mysteries in the history of cinema.
This short film less than 7 minute long is titled "Charlie Chaplin in Zepped - Essanay Film Co". We see Charlie doinghis antics and grimaces under the bombing of London by Zeppelins. The film is tinted.
Essanay, American producer, had employed Chaplin in 1915. We owe to this short-lived collaboration one the first masterpieces of the actor, The Tramp.
Zepped was built from outtakes of previous films superimposed on pictures of Zeppelins of which we could not determine if they were real photos or models. Scratches in the film increase the bombing effect. A sequence of three images is shown in the press release shared by Artdaily.
The scarce information that the collector has found shows that this film was announced to a projection in Manchester in 1917, with an export duty to entertain British troops in Egypt. Afterwards, nothing.
Everything is wrong in this extraordinary film of which Chaplin had probably not been informed. It was war, and at the dawn of that twentieth century which lived the frightening development of political propaganda, anything was possible.
The sale takes place on June 29 by Bonhams in Knightsbridge. The price is unpredictable.
Collectors of old films have both passion and courage. The reels are often much battered and the highly flammablenitrate forces to take great care for storage.
The first films were animated photographs that lasted a few minutes. Many of them are known now only by theirposters, and some are completely forgotten.
Two years ago, a collector bought an old 35 mm film on the web for a ridiculous price, and thus discovered whatwould become one of the most sensational mysteries in the history of cinema.
This short film less than 7 minute long is titled "Charlie Chaplin in Zepped - Essanay Film Co". We see Charlie doinghis antics and grimaces under the bombing of London by Zeppelins. The film is tinted.
Essanay, American producer, had employed Chaplin in 1915. We owe to this short-lived collaboration one the first masterpieces of the actor, The Tramp.
Zepped was built from outtakes of previous films superimposed on pictures of Zeppelins of which we could not determine if they were real photos or models. Scratches in the film increase the bombing effect. A sequence of three images is shown in the press release shared by Artdaily.
The scarce information that the collector has found shows that this film was announced to a projection in Manchester in 1917, with an export duty to entertain British troops in Egypt. Afterwards, nothing.
Everything is wrong in this extraordinary film of which Chaplin had probably not been informed. It was war, and at the dawn of that twentieth century which lived the frightening development of political propaganda, anything was possible.
The sale takes place on June 29 by Bonhams in Knightsbridge. The price is unpredictable.
1918 BEHIND THE CAMERA WITH CHAPLIN
2011 uNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
During the 1910s the movies got a dramatic change. So far little more than a moving picture, they really became shows. The screens were bigger to attract and entertain crowds with long feature films telling complicated stories.
Charlie became famous in that period. In 1918, he understands that he can win a huge advantage if he gains his independence, and he creates his own studio. In 1919, he will be one of the founders of United Artists, functioning asa co-operative group for production and distribution.
To survive and thrive against more active competitors and to meet a public increasingly demanding, a professional equipment of the highest quality was required.
Throughout the period between the wars, Chaplin used two 35 mm cameras of the Model 2709 by Bell & Howell. The first one, purchased by him in 1918, is estimated $ 200K in the second sale of the fabulous Debbie Reynolds collection, organized by Profiles in History in Beverly Hills on December 3.
During the 1910s the movies got a dramatic change. So far little more than a moving picture, they really became shows. The screens were bigger to attract and entertain crowds with long feature films telling complicated stories.
Charlie became famous in that period. In 1918, he understands that he can win a huge advantage if he gains his independence, and he creates his own studio. In 1919, he will be one of the founders of United Artists, functioning asa co-operative group for production and distribution.
To survive and thrive against more active competitors and to meet a public increasingly demanding, a professional equipment of the highest quality was required.
Throughout the period between the wars, Chaplin used two 35 mm cameras of the Model 2709 by Bell & Howell. The first one, purchased by him in 1918, is estimated $ 200K in the second sale of the fabulous Debbie Reynolds collection, organized by Profiles in History in Beverly Hills on December 3.
1931 DEEP IN THE VAMPIRE'S GRAVE
2011 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
They could not separate any more the actor Bela Lugosi from his character on screen, Count Dracula. When Lugosidied in 1956, his widow and son wished to bury him in his vampire cape.
The prestigious garment that had been used in the 1931 film, however, was spared (we can say in a more romantic statement that it was withdrawn at the last minute) and a less famous copy disappeared into the grave around the corpse.
Lugosi had a distinguished career in horror films of the 1930s, after playing Dracula on stage for several years.
Moviegoers went to the cinema to be scared. The stature of Lugosi and his immense enveloping cloak that reached down to his feet with a wingspan of nearly three meters were great for such a purpose. It was the beginning of talking pictures, and his terrible Hungarian accent added an extra dimension to the exotic horror.
The black wool cape is in good outside condition, but the silk lining is a bit worn. The identification of the cape with the garment of the 1931 film is evidenced by Lugosi's son, who put it to auction at Profiles in History. The sale takes place on December 16 in Beverly Hills.
The lot is estimated $ 1.2 M.
They could not separate any more the actor Bela Lugosi from his character on screen, Count Dracula. When Lugosidied in 1956, his widow and son wished to bury him in his vampire cape.
The prestigious garment that had been used in the 1931 film, however, was spared (we can say in a more romantic statement that it was withdrawn at the last minute) and a less famous copy disappeared into the grave around the corpse.
Lugosi had a distinguished career in horror films of the 1930s, after playing Dracula on stage for several years.
Moviegoers went to the cinema to be scared. The stature of Lugosi and his immense enveloping cloak that reached down to his feet with a wingspan of nearly three meters were great for such a purpose. It was the beginning of talking pictures, and his terrible Hungarian accent added an extra dimension to the exotic horror.
The black wool cape is in good outside condition, but the silk lining is a bit worn. The identification of the cape with the garment of the 1931 film is evidenced by Lugosi's son, who put it to auction at Profiles in History. The sale takes place on December 16 in Beverly Hills.
The lot is estimated $ 1.2 M.
1933 THE TRUE NATURE OF KONG
2009 SOLD 121 K£ INCLUDING PREMIUM
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
King Kong had a great effect on screen when the movie was released in 1933. The ape that terrorizes New York is changing its scale between 6 and 20 meters according to the scenes. In real life, however he was not a stretching monkey. His image was the result of close-up photography of articulated models whose largest copy was 56 cm high.
The armature of this biggest copy, used for the famous scene of the Empire State Building, will be auctioned atChristie's in London on November 24. Accompanied by an important documentation and photographs, this piece is estimated £ 100K.
This metal frame looks like a real monkey skeleton. For the purposes of filming, it was surrounded with a cotton and rubber flesh that did not hamper the extreme flexibility of joints. And here's the scoop: the latex skin of the terrible King Kong was covered with rabbit fur!
Let's come back into the atmosphere of the time by copying, as Christie's in its press release, the patter of the human hero of the film:
“And now, ladies and gentlemen...I'm going to show you the greatest thing your eyes have ever beheld. He was a king and a god in the world he knew, but now he comes to civilization merely a captive - a show to gratify your curiosity.
Ladies and gentlemen, look at Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World.”
POST SALE COMMENT
Once again, King Kong has met its contract: 121 K £ including premium.
King Kong had a great effect on screen when the movie was released in 1933. The ape that terrorizes New York is changing its scale between 6 and 20 meters according to the scenes. In real life, however he was not a stretching monkey. His image was the result of close-up photography of articulated models whose largest copy was 56 cm high.
The armature of this biggest copy, used for the famous scene of the Empire State Building, will be auctioned atChristie's in London on November 24. Accompanied by an important documentation and photographs, this piece is estimated £ 100K.
This metal frame looks like a real monkey skeleton. For the purposes of filming, it was surrounded with a cotton and rubber flesh that did not hamper the extreme flexibility of joints. And here's the scoop: the latex skin of the terrible King Kong was covered with rabbit fur!
Let's come back into the atmosphere of the time by copying, as Christie's in its press release, the patter of the human hero of the film:
“And now, ladies and gentlemen...I'm going to show you the greatest thing your eyes have ever beheld. He was a king and a god in the world he knew, but now he comes to civilization merely a captive - a show to gratify your curiosity.
Ladies and gentlemen, look at Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World.”
POST SALE COMMENT
Once again, King Kong has met its contract: 121 K £ including premium.
1935 PRETTY GIRLS AND HANDSOME BOYS
2010 SOLD 50 K$ BEFORE FEES
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
In Hollywood, the girls are beautiful and enticing, and the boys are charming and strong: movie producers need these young people to attract the public.
In the 1930s, still photography played an effective support to the development of motion picture. The auction houseProfiles in History, specializing in the memories of Hollywood, always offers a large selection of photographic portraits of actors and actresses. This company operates in Calabasas. It is near Los Angeles, of course.
Women love Tarzan, played by the swimming champion Johnny Weissmuller, whose imagery is abundant in the sale of26 and 27 March. But he was stolen the show by a sensational photo of Jean Harlow.
The platinum blonde with pale skin is in white gown, posing on a white bearskin, in a lighting effect directed by George Hurrell for the cover of Vanity Fair magazine issue dated January 1935. On March 27, they sell the original camera negative, 20 x 25 cm, estimated $ 20K. On the previous day they will present a positive 90 x 120 cm, from a modern edition (1979-1982) of 60 copies, estimated $ 4K. This image is shared by The Independent.
The beautiful actress has never aged, alas for her. She died in 1937, suddenly, at age 26, from a kidney infection.
POST SALE COMMENT
Well publicized, the negative went above the estimates. It was sold 50 K$. The price of the positive is a nice surprise: 13 K$. These prices do not include fees.
In Hollywood, the girls are beautiful and enticing, and the boys are charming and strong: movie producers need these young people to attract the public.
In the 1930s, still photography played an effective support to the development of motion picture. The auction houseProfiles in History, specializing in the memories of Hollywood, always offers a large selection of photographic portraits of actors and actresses. This company operates in Calabasas. It is near Los Angeles, of course.
Women love Tarzan, played by the swimming champion Johnny Weissmuller, whose imagery is abundant in the sale of26 and 27 March. But he was stolen the show by a sensational photo of Jean Harlow.
The platinum blonde with pale skin is in white gown, posing on a white bearskin, in a lighting effect directed by George Hurrell for the cover of Vanity Fair magazine issue dated January 1935. On March 27, they sell the original camera negative, 20 x 25 cm, estimated $ 20K. On the previous day they will present a positive 90 x 120 cm, from a modern edition (1979-1982) of 60 copies, estimated $ 4K. This image is shared by The Independent.
The beautiful actress has never aged, alas for her. She died in 1937, suddenly, at age 26, from a kidney infection.
POST SALE COMMENT
Well publicized, the negative went above the estimates. It was sold 50 K$. The price of the positive is a nice surprise: 13 K$. These prices do not include fees.
1937 The Pretty Legs of Michèle Morgan
2010 SOLD 560 K€ including premium
2018 SOLD for € 117K including premium
PRE 2018 SALE DISCUSSION
The first autograph draft by Jacques Prévert of the screenplay for Le Quai des Brumes was sold for € 560K including premium by Ader on June 9, 2010 over a lower estimate of € 200K. It is now estimated € 100K for sale by OVA Aristophil operated by Drouot Estimations in Paris on November 16, lot 602.
I introduced this lot in 2010 as follows, taking in consideration that it was included in an auction fully dedicated to souvenirs of Jacques Prévert consigned by his granddaughter.
The French public, often hermetic to poetry, made an exception for the thoughtful and irreverent style of Jacques Prévert. It is still called "inventaire à la Prévert" (inventory like Prévert) a list of miscellaneous objects whose charm comes from diversity.
Prévert and Carné, one being scenarist and the other being director, were accomplices of inimitable poetic movies, slices of the romantic life of ordinary people and crooks.
The collection for sale includes the 142-page original script of the third movie of their co-operation, Le Quai des Brumes (Port of Shadows), prepared by Prévert in 1937 after a novel by Mac Orlan.
Each movie was peppered with anecdotes for the greatest pleasure of French movie-goers. It was during the filming of Le Quai des Brumes that Gabin, exasperated by Brasseur, sent him a real blow that became famous.
Gabin the terrible had no reason to slap Michèle Morgan, quite the contrary. In the manuscript for sale, Prévert has told by the character : "You have pretty legs, you know!". During filming in 1938, poetry still escalated. In a scene which has become legendary, Gabin said: "You have beautiful eyes, you know", and Morgan, aged 18, who knew how it was true, replied : "Kiss me!".
The first autograph draft by Jacques Prévert of the screenplay for Le Quai des Brumes was sold for € 560K including premium by Ader on June 9, 2010 over a lower estimate of € 200K. It is now estimated € 100K for sale by OVA Aristophil operated by Drouot Estimations in Paris on November 16, lot 602.
I introduced this lot in 2010 as follows, taking in consideration that it was included in an auction fully dedicated to souvenirs of Jacques Prévert consigned by his granddaughter.
The French public, often hermetic to poetry, made an exception for the thoughtful and irreverent style of Jacques Prévert. It is still called "inventaire à la Prévert" (inventory like Prévert) a list of miscellaneous objects whose charm comes from diversity.
Prévert and Carné, one being scenarist and the other being director, were accomplices of inimitable poetic movies, slices of the romantic life of ordinary people and crooks.
The collection for sale includes the 142-page original script of the third movie of their co-operation, Le Quai des Brumes (Port of Shadows), prepared by Prévert in 1937 after a novel by Mac Orlan.
Each movie was peppered with anecdotes for the greatest pleasure of French movie-goers. It was during the filming of Le Quai des Brumes that Gabin, exasperated by Brasseur, sent him a real blow that became famous.
Gabin the terrible had no reason to slap Michèle Morgan, quite the contrary. In the manuscript for sale, Prévert has told by the character : "You have pretty legs, you know!". During filming in 1938, poetry still escalated. In a scene which has become legendary, Gabin said: "You have beautiful eyes, you know", and Morgan, aged 18, who knew how it was true, replied : "Kiss me!".
1937 snow white in the cottage of the dwarfs
2014 unsold
Mickey is a popular figure but fashions change quickly and economic difficulties are a constant threat. With Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt Disney conceived in 1934 the project of a movie of unparalleled ambition.
This first feature film produced by Disney Studio, lasting 83 minutes, was released on December 21, 1937 after four years of development and production. The banks had been right to trust Disney: the success is total.
Disney had understood that the public would only consider the quality of the result. He had to reach the perfection. During the four years of the project, he developed new jobs and skills and trained hundreds of artists to animation. The animated cartoon, hitherto regarded as a fun for children's room, has become an art.
On December 19 in Calabasas, Profiles in History sells a setup showing Snow White inside the cottage with the seven Dwarfs, estimated $ 100K, lot 552 of the catalog shared by LiveAuctioneers. This piece 43 x 66 cm consists of the background, of the cels trimmed to the contours of the characters and of a mat used as a frame with a 30 x 50 cm opening.
It was probably assembled in its current configuration by Courvoisier Gallery to serve as a master for the edition of this image. Made from production elements, this nice picture is an excellent indicator of the technique used by Disney Studio for realizing Snow White.
This first feature film produced by Disney Studio, lasting 83 minutes, was released on December 21, 1937 after four years of development and production. The banks had been right to trust Disney: the success is total.
Disney had understood that the public would only consider the quality of the result. He had to reach the perfection. During the four years of the project, he developed new jobs and skills and trained hundreds of artists to animation. The animated cartoon, hitherto regarded as a fun for children's room, has become an art.
On December 19 in Calabasas, Profiles in History sells a setup showing Snow White inside the cottage with the seven Dwarfs, estimated $ 100K, lot 552 of the catalog shared by LiveAuctioneers. This piece 43 x 66 cm consists of the background, of the cels trimmed to the contours of the characters and of a mat used as a frame with a 30 x 50 cm opening.
It was probably assembled in its current configuration by Courvoisier Gallery to serve as a master for the edition of this image. Made from production elements, this nice picture is an excellent indicator of the technique used by Disney Studio for realizing Snow White.
1938-1939 Backstage of Oz
2018 SOLD for $ 1.28M including premium
Released in August 1939, The Wizard of Oz, fourth film adaptation of a children's book, is the most important success in the history of cinema in terms of international audience. The project had been conceived by the Metro Goldwyn Mayer to compete with Disney's growing success.
Several writers work without consulting each other. The producer accepts the script which was prepared by Noel Langley. Its penultimate version, by Ryerson and Woolf, verifies the feasibility of the screenplay. The fifth and last script is made by Langley.
On December 11 in Calabasas CA, Profiles in History sells an archive of the most important working papers of the Wizard of Oz, lot 471 estimated $ 800K, here linked on the iCollector bidding platform.
This set includes a carbon copy of the preliminary guideline prepared by the MGM in February 1938, the five handwritten versions of the screenplay from April to August 1938, the special effects logbook with 16 photos, the logbook of the shooting from March 1939, and several documents relating to the preparation of contracts concerning notably Victor Fleming and Judy Garland.
Several writers work without consulting each other. The producer accepts the script which was prepared by Noel Langley. Its penultimate version, by Ryerson and Woolf, verifies the feasibility of the screenplay. The fifth and last script is made by Langley.
On December 11 in Calabasas CA, Profiles in History sells an archive of the most important working papers of the Wizard of Oz, lot 471 estimated $ 800K, here linked on the iCollector bidding platform.
This set includes a carbon copy of the preliminary guideline prepared by the MGM in February 1938, the five handwritten versions of the screenplay from April to August 1938, the special effects logbook with 16 photos, the logbook of the shooting from March 1939, and several documents relating to the preparation of contracts concerning notably Victor Fleming and Judy Garland.
1939 A GREAT STEP FOR DOROTHY
2011 BOTH UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Released in 1939, the Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved movies in film history. People needed to be entertained, which made also the success of thrillers of all kinds, and this story of fairies and magicians went at the right time.
The ruby slippers have a major role in this story. They are in possession of the teenager Dorothy, played by the very young Judy Garland, but a wicked witch tries to recover them because of their magical power.
Four pairs of slippers were screen worn by Judy. One of them is for sale by Profiles in History in Beverly Hills on December 16, which can make a perfect Christmas gift from or for a nostalgic billionaire. It is estimated $ 2M. Here is the link to the catalog.
This auction house has an excellent record for accessories from this movie.
At the first sale of the Reynolds collection on June 18, another pair of slippers used in the previous year for test shots was sold $ 612K. The press release also announces results at $ 805K for a costume of cowardly lion and $ 230K for a costume of wicked witch. These reference prices include the premium.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I just saw that the same sale also includes a Cowardly Lion costume from The Wizard of Oz, estimated $2M. It was screen-worn in that film by Bert Lahr.
Released in 1939, the Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved movies in film history. People needed to be entertained, which made also the success of thrillers of all kinds, and this story of fairies and magicians went at the right time.
The ruby slippers have a major role in this story. They are in possession of the teenager Dorothy, played by the very young Judy Garland, but a wicked witch tries to recover them because of their magical power.
Four pairs of slippers were screen worn by Judy. One of them is for sale by Profiles in History in Beverly Hills on December 16, which can make a perfect Christmas gift from or for a nostalgic billionaire. It is estimated $ 2M. Here is the link to the catalog.
This auction house has an excellent record for accessories from this movie.
At the first sale of the Reynolds collection on June 18, another pair of slippers used in the previous year for test shots was sold $ 612K. The press release also announces results at $ 805K for a costume of cowardly lion and $ 230K for a costume of wicked witch. These reference prices include the premium.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
I just saw that the same sale also includes a Cowardly Lion costume from The Wizard of Oz, estimated $2M. It was screen-worn in that film by Bert Lahr.
1944 AN OSCAR FOR CASABLANCA
2012 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Every year since 1929, an American professional association distributes the Academy Awards of the cinematographic industry, rewarding the best film and the best representatives of each type of job.
The trophy is a gold-plated statuette of a figure standing on a reel of film, about 30 cm high. It is known as Oscarwithout anyone really knowing how this nickname came.
Nearly 3000 Oscars have been made since the beginning. They are identical but differ in their plaque that rewards amore or less prestigious film or artist. The auction house Nate D. Sanders, which operates online from the capital city of the movies, Los Angeles, has made the Oscars one of its specialties.
Americans like to prioritize. Citizen Kane, considered now as the best film in cinema history, was far ahead of its time.It however won the 1942 Academy Award for Best Screenplay, shared by its two authors who each received a statuette.The Oscar of Orson Welles was sold $ 860K including premium in December 2011. Herman Mankiewicz's Oscar wassold $ 590K including premium in February 2012.
After these excellent results, Nate D. Sanders sells on June 28 the more prestigious award for Best Direction won in 1944 by Michael Curtiz for Casablanca. This film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is considered by Americans as the second best film after Citizen Kane.
The press announced a much higher estimate than the prices reminded above. I do not publish it because I have not identified if the information comes from the auction house.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The auctioneer has just retweeted a post confirming the estimate : $ 2.5M to 3M.
Every year since 1929, an American professional association distributes the Academy Awards of the cinematographic industry, rewarding the best film and the best representatives of each type of job.
The trophy is a gold-plated statuette of a figure standing on a reel of film, about 30 cm high. It is known as Oscarwithout anyone really knowing how this nickname came.
Nearly 3000 Oscars have been made since the beginning. They are identical but differ in their plaque that rewards amore or less prestigious film or artist. The auction house Nate D. Sanders, which operates online from the capital city of the movies, Los Angeles, has made the Oscars one of its specialties.
Americans like to prioritize. Citizen Kane, considered now as the best film in cinema history, was far ahead of its time.It however won the 1942 Academy Award for Best Screenplay, shared by its two authors who each received a statuette.The Oscar of Orson Welles was sold $ 860K including premium in December 2011. Herman Mankiewicz's Oscar wassold $ 590K including premium in February 2012.
After these excellent results, Nate D. Sanders sells on June 28 the more prestigious award for Best Direction won in 1944 by Michael Curtiz for Casablanca. This film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is considered by Americans as the second best film after Citizen Kane.
The press announced a much higher estimate than the prices reminded above. I do not publish it because I have not identified if the information comes from the auction house.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The auctioneer has just retweeted a post confirming the estimate : $ 2.5M to 3M.
1959 The Dress of a Crooner Girl
2016 SOLD for $ 470K including premium
In 1959 the movie Some Like It Hot is a big hit. This musical comedy is a parody of romantic and gangster films while maintaining a funny androgynous ambiguity of the two leading male actors. The title is an evocation of jazz rhythms.
Marilyn Monroe is the leading actress with her unambiguous charms. She plays the role of a young singer who came to Florida for capturing the love of the first mogul who will desire her. She does not understand that two women whom she just met are instead two men in disguise to escape some villains.
In the music room of a luxury yacht, Marilyn sings her love despair with the soft and compelling voice of a real crooner: "I'm through with love, I'll never fall again".
She wears for this scene a cocktail dress whose bustier is almost transparent, which is still at that time in America a great audacity three years after the sexual revolution brought in the movies by Vadim with Bardot on the other side of the Atlantic. A cautious cameraman does not dare a close-up. The dress is enhanced with beads and sequins.
Same as the Happy birthday Mr President dress three years later this tight gown reveals the shape of the body. It leaves no freedom for a move and throughout this scene Marilyn sits on the grand piano.
The I'm through with love dress is estimated $ 400K for sale on November 17 by Julien's in Los Angeles, lot 40. The online catalog includes the video of the song in the film. The enamored woman going down the stairs is one of the disguised men.
Marilyn Monroe is the leading actress with her unambiguous charms. She plays the role of a young singer who came to Florida for capturing the love of the first mogul who will desire her. She does not understand that two women whom she just met are instead two men in disguise to escape some villains.
In the music room of a luxury yacht, Marilyn sings her love despair with the soft and compelling voice of a real crooner: "I'm through with love, I'll never fall again".
She wears for this scene a cocktail dress whose bustier is almost transparent, which is still at that time in America a great audacity three years after the sexual revolution brought in the movies by Vadim with Bardot on the other side of the Atlantic. A cautious cameraman does not dare a close-up. The dress is enhanced with beads and sequins.
Same as the Happy birthday Mr President dress three years later this tight gown reveals the shape of the body. It leaves no freedom for a move and throughout this scene Marilyn sits on the grand piano.
The I'm through with love dress is estimated $ 400K for sale on November 17 by Julien's in Los Angeles, lot 40. The online catalog includes the video of the song in the film. The enamored woman going down the stairs is one of the disguised men.
1962 Ursula Andress Bikini
2022 sold for $ 300K by Heritage
Dr. No, Ian Fleming's sixth spy novel, appeared in 1958. The agent James Bond is taking a nap on a paradise Caribbean beach when suddenly a nude woman emerges from the water like Botticelli's Venus. She makes a living collecting seashells and bears the silly and titillating name of Honeychile Rider.
This novel is the first James Bond transposed to the cinema, in 1962. Sean Connery is Bond. The production budget is very low, leaving some place for improvisation. The premier woman's role, that of Honey Ryder, is entrusted to Ursula Andress because her frame is so sexy : 36-24-36.
For the movie, Honey cannot be naked. Nothing is ready. With a support from a costume designer, Ursula conceives a bikini fitted with a belt carrying a scabbard for her diving knife. This ivory-colored cotton bikini is sewn by a Jamaican seamstress onto the actress' personal underwear, in a single unit.
This bikini worn by Ursula on the beach for three minutes is one of the elements that ensure the success of the film. In the context of sexual liberation, women all over the world are suddenly enjoying for their own use this taboo swimsuit that displays the belly. Ursula Andress is the very first Bond Girl in cinema and her career is launched.
The most famous bikini in movie history was sold for $ 300K by Heritage on December 17, 2022, lot 89145.
This novel is the first James Bond transposed to the cinema, in 1962. Sean Connery is Bond. The production budget is very low, leaving some place for improvisation. The premier woman's role, that of Honey Ryder, is entrusted to Ursula Andress because her frame is so sexy : 36-24-36.
For the movie, Honey cannot be naked. Nothing is ready. With a support from a costume designer, Ursula conceives a bikini fitted with a belt carrying a scabbard for her diving knife. This ivory-colored cotton bikini is sewn by a Jamaican seamstress onto the actress' personal underwear, in a single unit.
This bikini worn by Ursula on the beach for three minutes is one of the elements that ensure the success of the film. In the context of sexual liberation, women all over the world are suddenly enjoying for their own use this taboo swimsuit that displays the belly. Ursula Andress is the very first Bond Girl in cinema and her career is launched.
The most famous bikini in movie history was sold for $ 300K by Heritage on December 17, 2022, lot 89145.
1963 James Bond lost his Gun
2010 SOLD 280 K£ including premium by Christie's
2013 SOLD for $ 300K including premium
PRE 2013 SALE DISCUSSION
We love James Bond for his adventures, his gadgets and all the pretty girls. The real story of the iconic gun of his posters shows however that truth is stranger than fiction.
In 1963, they prepare From Russia With Love. The publicist summons Sean Connery to the studio of a photographer. Catastrophe: nobody had thought to bring the Walther pistol used in the film. Luckily David Hurn, the photographer, also owns a Walther.
However, the two guns are very dissimilar. The Walther of the film is an austere regulatory arm of the police, short and effective. The Walther of the poster will be a sport air pistol with a special barrel 24 cm long.
Sean Connery holds the gun with such elegance that it will become a symbol of James Bond, as famous but more modern than Charlie's cane. The images taken at the same session will be used for the posters of the three next movies.
James Bond always surprises us. The history of this item at auction fails to reveal the mysteries of the art market.
Hurn kept the gun until it was sold at Christie's on 14 February 2001 for £ 14K including premium. It created a scoop on 25 November 2010 when it was sold, also at Christie's, for £ 280K including premium over an estimate of £ 15K. Later, Sotheby's sold it for £ 120K including premium on 121212 (12 December 2012).
The gun of 007 has now reached Hollywood. It is estimated at $ 200K, for sale by Profiles in History on July 29 at Calabasas Hills.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sold $ 250K before fees, the gun used in Sean Connery's photos certainly came back to its fair price.
We love James Bond for his adventures, his gadgets and all the pretty girls. The real story of the iconic gun of his posters shows however that truth is stranger than fiction.
In 1963, they prepare From Russia With Love. The publicist summons Sean Connery to the studio of a photographer. Catastrophe: nobody had thought to bring the Walther pistol used in the film. Luckily David Hurn, the photographer, also owns a Walther.
However, the two guns are very dissimilar. The Walther of the film is an austere regulatory arm of the police, short and effective. The Walther of the poster will be a sport air pistol with a special barrel 24 cm long.
Sean Connery holds the gun with such elegance that it will become a symbol of James Bond, as famous but more modern than Charlie's cane. The images taken at the same session will be used for the posters of the three next movies.
James Bond always surprises us. The history of this item at auction fails to reveal the mysteries of the art market.
Hurn kept the gun until it was sold at Christie's on 14 February 2001 for £ 14K including premium. It created a scoop on 25 November 2010 when it was sold, also at Christie's, for £ 280K including premium over an estimate of £ 15K. Later, Sotheby's sold it for £ 120K including premium on 121212 (12 December 2012).
The gun of 007 has now reached Hollywood. It is estimated at $ 200K, for sale by Profiles in History on July 29 at Calabasas Hills.
POST SALE COMMENT
Sold $ 250K before fees, the gun used in Sean Connery's photos certainly came back to its fair price.
1965 The Stuffed Movie Star
2010 SOLD 266 K$ including premium
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
On July 14 in New York, Christie's will sell a movie star, who also was a hero of the Second World War.
Dead of old age in 1965 on the eve of his 31st birthday, the horse Trigger had accompanied the cowboy Roy Rogers in all his movies during two decades. He participated in many shows, some of which being organized to finance the war effort.
Having become inseparable from his rider in the popular enthusiasm, he was a unique beast. Roy needed no spurs nor reins to guide him, and he could execute a hundred tricks such as counting, untying a rope, knocking on a door or shooting a gun.
Roy made him naturalized in his iconic position, rearing up on its hind feet, and so Trigger went on for four decades to be a star in the museum dedicated to the memorabilia of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. The closure of the museum brings a new stage to that show animal: an auction room. It is estimated $ 100K.
POST SALE COMMENT
It takes sales with picturesque lots to maintain the public interest. The Rogers - Evans sale was outstanding on this point, and the results of the two main lots are excellent.
Trigger himself has been sold $ 266 K, and Roy Rogers' saddle 386 K $. These prices include fees.
The picture of our star horse is shared after the sale by the New York Post.
On July 14 in New York, Christie's will sell a movie star, who also was a hero of the Second World War.
Dead of old age in 1965 on the eve of his 31st birthday, the horse Trigger had accompanied the cowboy Roy Rogers in all his movies during two decades. He participated in many shows, some of which being organized to finance the war effort.
Having become inseparable from his rider in the popular enthusiasm, he was a unique beast. Roy needed no spurs nor reins to guide him, and he could execute a hundred tricks such as counting, untying a rope, knocking on a door or shooting a gun.
Roy made him naturalized in his iconic position, rearing up on its hind feet, and so Trigger went on for four decades to be a star in the museum dedicated to the memorabilia of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. The closure of the museum brings a new stage to that show animal: an auction room. It is estimated $ 100K.
POST SALE COMMENT
It takes sales with picturesque lots to maintain the public interest. The Rogers - Evans sale was outstanding on this point, and the results of the two main lots are excellent.
Trigger himself has been sold $ 266 K, and Roy Rogers' saddle 386 K $. These prices include fees.
The picture of our star horse is shared after the sale by the New York Post.
1966 Batman and Robin Uniforms
2023 SOLD for $ 615K by Heritage
The Batman series was run by ABC TV from 1966 to 1968.
A lot made of the costume ensembles of the crime fighters Batman and Robin, played in period by Adam West and Burt Ward, was sold for $ 615K by Heritage on June 2, 2023, lot 89158. Batman's full length satin cape retains its original royal blue but other elements have faded. Batman's satin cowl is photo matched with a TV episode.
In 1966 that Batman uniform was also used in Batman-The Movie.
A lot made of the costume ensembles of the crime fighters Batman and Robin, played in period by Adam West and Burt Ward, was sold for $ 615K by Heritage on June 2, 2023, lot 89158. Batman's full length satin cape retains its original royal blue but other elements have faded. Batman's satin cowl is photo matched with a TV episode.
In 1966 that Batman uniform was also used in Batman-The Movie.
1968 the jacket of steve mcqueen
2014 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
The jacket worn by Steve McQueen in Bullitt was presented at auction on July 29 by Profiles in History, but was not sold. It is now listed by another auction house. Here is my previous discussion, modified to announce the new sale.
In 1968, the main role in Bullitt was given to Steve McQueen. Aged 38, the actor could finally realize the synthesis ofhis two passions: cinema and motorsport.
The action of this film is intense. The unbridled pursuit of the car of the thugs by the policeman Bullitt in the difficultstreets of San Francisco is a legendary sequence, although in full contrast to the principles of today concerning road safety. Example not to be followed!
This specialty soon highlighted Steve McQueen as the most original and most popular actor of his time. Artifacts from his films and the best pieces of his amazing collections of motorcycles are gradually constituting specific sectors ofthe art market.
In December 2011, Profiles in History sold for $ 980K including premium the racing suit worn by McQueen in the movie Le Mans. His Heuer Monaco watch of the same film was sold for $ 800K including premium on 31 July 2012 by the same auction house.
On January 16 in Scottsdale, during the great week of vintage car auctions in Arizona, Bonhams sells the tweed jacket worn by Steve McQueen throughout Bullitt. It is illustrated in the press release shared by Bonhams.
The jacket worn by Steve McQueen in Bullitt was presented at auction on July 29 by Profiles in History, but was not sold. It is now listed by another auction house. Here is my previous discussion, modified to announce the new sale.
In 1968, the main role in Bullitt was given to Steve McQueen. Aged 38, the actor could finally realize the synthesis ofhis two passions: cinema and motorsport.
The action of this film is intense. The unbridled pursuit of the car of the thugs by the policeman Bullitt in the difficultstreets of San Francisco is a legendary sequence, although in full contrast to the principles of today concerning road safety. Example not to be followed!
This specialty soon highlighted Steve McQueen as the most original and most popular actor of his time. Artifacts from his films and the best pieces of his amazing collections of motorcycles are gradually constituting specific sectors ofthe art market.
In December 2011, Profiles in History sold for $ 980K including premium the racing suit worn by McQueen in the movie Le Mans. His Heuer Monaco watch of the same film was sold for $ 800K including premium on 31 July 2012 by the same auction house.
On January 16 in Scottsdale, during the great week of vintage car auctions in Arizona, Bonhams sells the tweed jacket worn by Steve McQueen throughout Bullitt. It is illustrated in the press release shared by Bonhams.
1969 A Bike on the Hippie Trail
2014 unsold (probably canceled)
In 1969, the year of the Woodstock festival, Easy Rider is a turning point in the history of cinema, one of the few victories of the underground over the establishment. Far from industrial super shows that begin to bore the public, the film is completely designed by its two main actors : Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper.
Its theme is the confrontation of two bikers to the reactionary traditionalism of the southern United States. The very title of the movie is a challenge as it is indeed an expression of hippie slang related to sexual freedom. The film's success is so high that the wording becomes a symbol of the freedom offered by the bike to the marginals.
Four classic Harley Davidson police motorcycles dating from 1949 to 1952 are reworked, two for each actor, taking for the requirements of the film the unusual form of choppers with long forks.
Three Easy Rider bikes were stolen before the end of the shooting and have probably been dismantled. The only survivor was deliberately damaged in the crash sequence. It was presented by Fonda to one of his assistants who returned it to its original configuration, and it was afterwards displayed for several years in a museum.
This iconic motorcycle from the heyday of the hippie dream is estimated $ 1M for sale by Profiles in History in Calabasas near Hollywood on October 18. Here is the link to this lot, 1121, on the LiveAuctioneers bidding platform.
POST SALE COMMENT
Authenticity is questioned : see Le Figaro.
Its theme is the confrontation of two bikers to the reactionary traditionalism of the southern United States. The very title of the movie is a challenge as it is indeed an expression of hippie slang related to sexual freedom. The film's success is so high that the wording becomes a symbol of the freedom offered by the bike to the marginals.
Four classic Harley Davidson police motorcycles dating from 1949 to 1952 are reworked, two for each actor, taking for the requirements of the film the unusual form of choppers with long forks.
Three Easy Rider bikes were stolen before the end of the shooting and have probably been dismantled. The only survivor was deliberately damaged in the crash sequence. It was presented by Fonda to one of his assistants who returned it to its original configuration, and it was afterwards displayed for several years in a museum.
This iconic motorcycle from the heyday of the hippie dream is estimated $ 1M for sale by Profiles in History in Calabasas near Hollywood on October 18. Here is the link to this lot, 1121, on the LiveAuctioneers bidding platform.
POST SALE COMMENT
Authenticity is questioned : see Le Figaro.
1971 from Moon to Dune
2019 sold for $ 400k before fees
Throughout his films, James Bond drives the most extravagant vehicles.
In June 1970 the detailed design of the Apollo Lunar Rover is approved by NASA, with a top speed of 16 km/h on a favorable track. James Bond's seventh film, Diamonds Are Forever, is adapted to introduce a similar vehicle : one of the villains' hideouts is a space test center amidst the Nevada desert.
The customizer Dean Jeffries prepares a buggy on a rear-engine Corvair chassis. His vehicle looks a lot like the Moon Rover, including its proportions and the spectacular radar antenna at the rear. The main apparent differences are the closed single-seater cockpit topped by a plexiglass dome, and the addition of two mobile side arms that can be extended for gags.
The Moon Buggy is used in two successive scenes of the film. It is first positioned in the center of a training room simulating the lunar landscape. While two characters in astronaut's attire are inspecting rocks, Bond steals the vehicle to escape the factory.
The second scene, filmed from May 1 to May 4, 1971 in a gypsum quarry, is a spectacular chase. Bond's buggy has the usual speed of a road car and a remarkable off-road handling which successively eliminates all its pursuers in city cars and motorcycles.
The Moon Buggy of the film was built as a single unit, which seems very risky when considering the suite of stunts in the dunes. This extraordinary vehicle has survived without being maintained. It is estimated $ 400K for sale by Profiles in History on September 25 in Calabasas (Los Angeles), lot 430 here linked on the iCollector auction platform. The image is shared by Wikimedia.
The Lunar Rover rolls for the first time on the Moon on July 31, 1971 during the Apollo 15 mission. Bond's movie is released five months later on the screens.
In June 1970 the detailed design of the Apollo Lunar Rover is approved by NASA, with a top speed of 16 km/h on a favorable track. James Bond's seventh film, Diamonds Are Forever, is adapted to introduce a similar vehicle : one of the villains' hideouts is a space test center amidst the Nevada desert.
The customizer Dean Jeffries prepares a buggy on a rear-engine Corvair chassis. His vehicle looks a lot like the Moon Rover, including its proportions and the spectacular radar antenna at the rear. The main apparent differences are the closed single-seater cockpit topped by a plexiglass dome, and the addition of two mobile side arms that can be extended for gags.
The Moon Buggy is used in two successive scenes of the film. It is first positioned in the center of a training room simulating the lunar landscape. While two characters in astronaut's attire are inspecting rocks, Bond steals the vehicle to escape the factory.
The second scene, filmed from May 1 to May 4, 1971 in a gypsum quarry, is a spectacular chase. Bond's buggy has the usual speed of a road car and a remarkable off-road handling which successively eliminates all its pursuers in city cars and motorcycles.
The Moon Buggy of the film was built as a single unit, which seems very risky when considering the suite of stunts in the dunes. This extraordinary vehicle has survived without being maintained. It is estimated $ 400K for sale by Profiles in History on September 25 in Calabasas (Los Angeles), lot 430 here linked on the iCollector auction platform. The image is shared by Wikimedia.
The Lunar Rover rolls for the first time on the Moon on July 31, 1971 during the Apollo 15 mission. Bond's movie is released five months later on the screens.
1972-1973 live and let unzip a miss
2015 SOLD for CHF 365K INCLUDING PREMIUM
There is only one wristwatch in the world that is capable of cutting a rope, deflecting a bullet and unzipping a Miss. This movie gadget was sold along with associated memorabilia and stills for CHF 220K including premium by Christie's on November 14, 2011, lot 182. It had been discussed in this column at that time.
The set is now estimated CHF 150K for sale by Phillips in Geneva on November 8, lot 290.
This watch had started its career in 1972 as a conventional stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 5513. Under the skilled hands of the art director Syd Cain, it was converted to a movie prop for James Bond's Live and Let Die, released in 1973.
The Rolex movement was removed and the case was heightened to instal a rotating circular bezel with sharp saw teeth enabling Bond to cut through the rope. A hole was managed to link an invisible wire that will unzip the dress of the Miss.
In addition, a hyper intensified magnetic power was attributed in the film to the instrument, but this feature may be a movie trick somehow supported by a magnet inside the watch. The unzip of the Miss is humorously linked to it when Bond comments 'Sheer magnetism, darling' after his feat.
007 was played by Roger Moore who signed this amazing prop in black marker.
I invite you to play the video shared by Bloomberg.
The set is now estimated CHF 150K for sale by Phillips in Geneva on November 8, lot 290.
This watch had started its career in 1972 as a conventional stainless steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner 5513. Under the skilled hands of the art director Syd Cain, it was converted to a movie prop for James Bond's Live and Let Die, released in 1973.
The Rolex movement was removed and the case was heightened to instal a rotating circular bezel with sharp saw teeth enabling Bond to cut through the rope. A hole was managed to link an invisible wire that will unzip the dress of the Miss.
In addition, a hyper intensified magnetic power was attributed in the film to the instrument, but this feature may be a movie trick somehow supported by a magnet inside the watch. The unzip of the Miss is humorously linked to it when Bond comments 'Sheer magnetism, darling' after his feat.
007 was played by Roger Moore who signed this amazing prop in black marker.
I invite you to play the video shared by Bloomberg.
1976 The Submarine camouflaged in Lotus
2013 SOLD 615 K£ including premium
The Spy Who Loved Me, which was the tenth James Bond movie, was filmed in 1976. This adventure that mainly happens under water is one of the most successful of the series, of course with spectacular special effects.
This time, Lotus cleverly superseded the traditional Aston Martin, which was fine for this newcomer in the cast because 007's car is one of the most incredible in the history of movies.
Threatened by his implacable enemies, the Lotus is thrown into the sea of the Bahamas and performs graceful underwater moves to launch its missiles against torpedoes and helicopters.
This special effect required two real Lotus Esprit and seven empty shells of the same car model. The result is perfect: the viewer can not imagine the change of machine and has no reason to believe that Roger Moore and Barbara Bach are not inside.
The last shell, without wheels, is the most Interesting because it is the only one to be a real submarine. It was equipped by Perry Oceanographics as a 'wet submarine', meaning that it was full of water when submerged and its pilot must wear a full scuba equipment. The special fittings and the fact that the submersible is operated by a test pilot from Perry are not perceived in the movie.
Times have changed. This movie wonder that is today worthy of a museum has been forgotten for years in a storage unit where it got small damages and fortunately was not dismantled.
The Perry submarine camouflaged as a Lotus Esprit car is estimated £ 650K, for sale on September 9 in London by RM Auctions. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
The price was hard to predict for this movie artefact that was not really a car. The Lotus modified by Perry was sold for £ 550K before fees.
This time, Lotus cleverly superseded the traditional Aston Martin, which was fine for this newcomer in the cast because 007's car is one of the most incredible in the history of movies.
Threatened by his implacable enemies, the Lotus is thrown into the sea of the Bahamas and performs graceful underwater moves to launch its missiles against torpedoes and helicopters.
This special effect required two real Lotus Esprit and seven empty shells of the same car model. The result is perfect: the viewer can not imagine the change of machine and has no reason to believe that Roger Moore and Barbara Bach are not inside.
The last shell, without wheels, is the most Interesting because it is the only one to be a real submarine. It was equipped by Perry Oceanographics as a 'wet submarine', meaning that it was full of water when submerged and its pilot must wear a full scuba equipment. The special fittings and the fact that the submersible is operated by a test pilot from Perry are not perceived in the movie.
Times have changed. This movie wonder that is today worthy of a museum has been forgotten for years in a storage unit where it got small damages and fortunately was not dismantled.
The Perry submarine camouflaged as a Lotus Esprit car is estimated £ 650K, for sale on September 9 in London by RM Auctions. Here is the link to the catalog.
POST SALE COMMENT
The price was hard to predict for this movie artefact that was not really a car. The Lotus modified by Perry was sold for £ 550K before fees.
1976-77 Star Wars Helmet
2022 SOLD for $ 192K by Julien's
No war without soldiers, in the Space Wars as in real life. The warrior for the Galactic Empire is the stormtrooper. His first variety, in action since the very first released film, the 1977 A New Hope, is the sandtrooper, so nicknamed after the first action filmed in a Tunisian desert.
A highly visible prop for the stormtrooper is his skull like helmet fully hiding the face of the actor. Six original units had been prepared for the very first footage of the Star Wars universe, in Tunisia in 1976. They were plastic cast but are different from one another, enabling an easy photo-matching with the film : eyes and teeth had been cut out by hand and the rushed gloss finish was not uniform.
One of them is matched with an action of A New Hope where its desperate bearer says "Stop that ship ! Blast 'em" just before being killed. This piece was transferred from Tunisia to England for further sequence. It was rescued from an English trash by a crew member of the film who treasured it for three decades. The helmet passed at Heritage on July 23, 2022, lot 89567. It is in thrilling condition despite a few elements have been replaced by replicas and some original finish vanished.
A Star Wars sandtrooper helmet considered as one of six originals made in 1976 was sold for $ 192K by Julien's on July 18, 2022, lot 1159. Its use in the first released film A New Hope in 1977 seems to be limited to a third guard in an escort of Princess Leia. This example has been gifted to a crew member of the 1980 episode The Empire Strikes Back. It has been restored.
A highly visible prop for the stormtrooper is his skull like helmet fully hiding the face of the actor. Six original units had been prepared for the very first footage of the Star Wars universe, in Tunisia in 1976. They were plastic cast but are different from one another, enabling an easy photo-matching with the film : eyes and teeth had been cut out by hand and the rushed gloss finish was not uniform.
One of them is matched with an action of A New Hope where its desperate bearer says "Stop that ship ! Blast 'em" just before being killed. This piece was transferred from Tunisia to England for further sequence. It was rescued from an English trash by a crew member of the film who treasured it for three decades. The helmet passed at Heritage on July 23, 2022, lot 89567. It is in thrilling condition despite a few elements have been replaced by replicas and some original finish vanished.
A Star Wars sandtrooper helmet considered as one of six originals made in 1976 was sold for $ 192K by Julien's on July 18, 2022, lot 1159. Its use in the first released film A New Hope in 1977 seems to be limited to a third guard in an escort of Princess Leia. This example has been gifted to a crew member of the 1980 episode The Empire Strikes Back. It has been restored.
1977-2002 R2-D2 from Star Wars
2017 SOLD for $ 2.76M by Profiles In History
Although it doesn't look like an android, the R2-D2 robot is one of the most popular characters in modern cinema. This 1.09 m high ovoid emits whistles which express its emotions. It has participated in Star Wars since the very first film in 1977. Unbeknownst to the spectators, it was operated from the inside by the dwarf actor Kenny Baker.
Remind that in the chronology of the stories, the second trilogy takes place before the first. The chronology of the releases corresponds to the episodes IV, V, VI, I, II, III then VII and beyond.
The robots were maintained throughout the films, in particular to change the obsolete components. On June 28, 2017, a composite example combining the structuring elements with an excellent level of authenticity was sold for $ 2.76M including premium by Profiles in History over a lower estimate of $ 1M, lot 1298 linked here on the bidding platform Invaluable.
The most important element is from the very first film, episode IV, in 1977 and was used in the following three films : it is the aluminum dome designed for the use of Kenny Baker. The other elements of the three feet and of the body are authentic from the first five films, although the right foot prepared for the episode I has not been screen used.
This assembly, which does not include any functional element, could not have been done before the completion of the fifth film, episode II, in 2002.
Remind that in the chronology of the stories, the second trilogy takes place before the first. The chronology of the releases corresponds to the episodes IV, V, VI, I, II, III then VII and beyond.
The robots were maintained throughout the films, in particular to change the obsolete components. On June 28, 2017, a composite example combining the structuring elements with an excellent level of authenticity was sold for $ 2.76M including premium by Profiles in History over a lower estimate of $ 1M, lot 1298 linked here on the bidding platform Invaluable.
The most important element is from the very first film, episode IV, in 1977 and was used in the following three films : it is the aluminum dome designed for the use of Kenny Baker. The other elements of the three feet and of the body are authentic from the first five films, although the right foot prepared for the episode I has not been screen used.
This assembly, which does not include any functional element, could not have been done before the completion of the fifth film, episode II, in 2002.
1979 Promotion for a Villain
2019 withdrawn
The first opus of the Star Wars series is released in 1977. It arouses passions. A young man approaches the production team to buy a T-shirt. He asks for the biggest size. It is a kind of miracle : he has the same build as David Prowse, the bodybuilder who plays the character of Darth Vader, and the same deep and commanding voice as James Earl Jones who is the voice actor of the same role.
Come here young man, we need you. The success of the film generates many celebrations for which the presence of Darth Vader is indispensable. Prowse is not welcomed because of his voice that definitely does not fit the character of the super villain. For these social events, the unique Darth Vader costume made for the first film is entrusted to the young man.
The second film, The Empire strikes back, is being prepared in 1979. This time the Twentieth Century Fox is more ambitious : several costumes of Darth Vader are realized. When the film is released in the following year, the original costume is too worn and needs to be exchanged. The production team provides the young man with one of the costumes of the second film, probably not screen used.
This second costume is used in ceremonies for about a year. The young man puts it somewhere in his garage and everyone forgets it. It has just resurfaced and is estimated $ 1M for sale by Bonhams in Los Angeles on May 14,lot 162.
This set is complete and in very good condition. It has been based by the production team on a motorcycle outfit to which were added the specific elements of the horrible character : helmet, face mask, shoulder armor, outer and inner capes. Gloves are not original. The meticulous owner has joined his underwear tights. The total height after dressing is 1.93 m.
Come here young man, we need you. The success of the film generates many celebrations for which the presence of Darth Vader is indispensable. Prowse is not welcomed because of his voice that definitely does not fit the character of the super villain. For these social events, the unique Darth Vader costume made for the first film is entrusted to the young man.
The second film, The Empire strikes back, is being prepared in 1979. This time the Twentieth Century Fox is more ambitious : several costumes of Darth Vader are realized. When the film is released in the following year, the original costume is too worn and needs to be exchanged. The production team provides the young man with one of the costumes of the second film, probably not screen used.
This second costume is used in ceremonies for about a year. The young man puts it somewhere in his garage and everyone forgets it. It has just resurfaced and is estimated $ 1M for sale by Bonhams in Los Angeles on May 14,lot 162.
This set is complete and in very good condition. It has been based by the production team on a motorcycle outfit to which were added the specific elements of the horrible character : helmet, face mask, shoulder armor, outer and inner capes. Gloves are not original. The meticulous owner has joined his underwear tights. The total height after dressing is 1.93 m.
1980 Rocky in the Museum
2017 SOLD for $ 400K including premium
Sylvester Stallone led his Rocky alter ego to the heights of glory. The movie character becomes world heavyweight boxing champion at the end of Rocky II, released in 1979. In 1980 Stallone prepares Rocky III which will be released in 1982. The theme partially inspired by the returns of Muhammad Ali is more difficult : for maintaining his social position, the champion must continue to fight.
At the beginning of Rocky III a dense crowd is gathered for the inauguration of a monumental statue in the courtyard of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The bronze Rocky in fight uniform raises his gloved fists in a sign of victory. Unexpectedly an artistic glory begins : Philadelphia praises the self-made men even when they are fiction. Since 2006 the statue is permanently exhibited at the bottom of the steps of the museum.
The champion is larger than life : 2.60 m tall for the man, and 3.65 m overall including the raised arms and the base. The monument weighing more than 800 kg was made by A. Thomas Schomberg in a license to create three units.
No 2/3 was edited in 1980 at the same time as the screen used 1/3 Philadelphia copy. It will be sold by SCP Auctions in an online auction ending on November 4, lot 1 estimated between $ 500K and 1M. Here is the link to the press release.
No 3/3 which closes that production was made in 2006 and is available for sale from Schomberg Studios.
At the beginning of Rocky III a dense crowd is gathered for the inauguration of a monumental statue in the courtyard of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The bronze Rocky in fight uniform raises his gloved fists in a sign of victory. Unexpectedly an artistic glory begins : Philadelphia praises the self-made men even when they are fiction. Since 2006 the statue is permanently exhibited at the bottom of the steps of the museum.
The champion is larger than life : 2.60 m tall for the man, and 3.65 m overall including the raised arms and the base. The monument weighing more than 800 kg was made by A. Thomas Schomberg in a license to create three units.
No 2/3 was edited in 1980 at the same time as the screen used 1/3 Philadelphia copy. It will be sold by SCP Auctions in an online auction ending on November 4, lot 1 estimated between $ 500K and 1M. Here is the link to the press release.
No 3/3 which closes that production was made in 2006 and is available for sale from Schomberg Studios.
1980 A Blue-Grey Jacket against the Empire
2018 unsold
Jackets screen used by the two fellows Luke Skywalker and Han Solo in the first Star Wars trilogy have become iconic. The style of these open worn clothes is sporty and casual. George Lucas wanted an outfit that avoided both a current earthly fashion and a burlesque space suit. Variations in the configuration of pockets and sleeves can differentiate them on the screen.
On September 20 in London, Prop Store sells one of at least two jackets worn by Harrison Ford as Han Solo in 1980 in the second movie, The Empire Strikes Back. It is estimated £ 500K, lot 463. The color reproduction in the motion pictures is not reliable and the fabric has been dyed in blue-grey to appear navy blue on the screen.
The production company did not own such props. The jacket was returned to its tailor Caledonian Costumes who was hoping for further rentals, and then it went out of sight.
The success at auction of the most recognizable elements of Star Wars is growing. An original 1977 R2-D2 robot, heavily modified for the needs of the movies until 2002 and emptied of its active equipment, was sold for $ 2.76M including premium by Profiles in History on June 27, 2017.
Intergalactic weapons are spectacular but dummy. In the same sale as the robot, a light saber from Luke Skywalker was sold for $ 450K including premium by Profiles in History. On June 23, 2018, Julien's sold for $ 550K including premium a blaster gun used by Han Solo.
Please watch the video shared by Prop Store.
On September 20 in London, Prop Store sells one of at least two jackets worn by Harrison Ford as Han Solo in 1980 in the second movie, The Empire Strikes Back. It is estimated £ 500K, lot 463. The color reproduction in the motion pictures is not reliable and the fabric has been dyed in blue-grey to appear navy blue on the screen.
The production company did not own such props. The jacket was returned to its tailor Caledonian Costumes who was hoping for further rentals, and then it went out of sight.
The success at auction of the most recognizable elements of Star Wars is growing. An original 1977 R2-D2 robot, heavily modified for the needs of the movies until 2002 and emptied of its active equipment, was sold for $ 2.76M including premium by Profiles in History on June 27, 2017.
Intergalactic weapons are spectacular but dummy. In the same sale as the robot, a light saber from Luke Skywalker was sold for $ 450K including premium by Profiles in History. On June 23, 2018, Julien's sold for $ 550K including premium a blaster gun used by Han Solo.
Please watch the video shared by Prop Store.
1980 DARTH VADER STRIKES BACK
2010 UNSOLD
PRE SALE DISCUSSION
Darth Vader is highlighted as one of the greatest villains in movie history. The etymologists have found in his name a deformation of Dark and an apheresis of Invader.
Born without a father, which is often recognized as a form of miracle, this character embodies the mystical relationship with the Force and oscillates continuously between extreme good and extreme evil. He takes the name Darth Vader at the time of his death in combat, when the rulers could not accept his end before the completion of his prophecy and brought him to some life.
The costume of Darth Vader is a technology package attempting to address the vital functions amputated at his death.To create even more confusion, the piece introduces physical weaknesses that the remains of the hero had to overcome permanently.
A complete costume of Darth Vader is for sale by Christie's in London on November 25. The image is shared by The MPPC.
At this point the story told by the catalog becomes terrible.
Suffering with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a patient had obtained major elements, including helmet and face mask, used during the filming of the second movie in the series Star Wars (The Empire Strikes Back, 1980). This has not been enough, and he then ordered the missing elements to a society that had been allowed to produce copies of the costume.
Because of this extraordinary assembly, it is impossible today to list the costume pieces that actually participated in the film production, and the estimate, £ 160K, seems ambitious.
Without waiting for the sale, we already know that the story ended well. The patient has sublimated his obsession, and that's why he sells the lot.
Darth Vader is highlighted as one of the greatest villains in movie history. The etymologists have found in his name a deformation of Dark and an apheresis of Invader.
Born without a father, which is often recognized as a form of miracle, this character embodies the mystical relationship with the Force and oscillates continuously between extreme good and extreme evil. He takes the name Darth Vader at the time of his death in combat, when the rulers could not accept his end before the completion of his prophecy and brought him to some life.
The costume of Darth Vader is a technology package attempting to address the vital functions amputated at his death.To create even more confusion, the piece introduces physical weaknesses that the remains of the hero had to overcome permanently.
A complete costume of Darth Vader is for sale by Christie's in London on November 25. The image is shared by The MPPC.
At this point the story told by the catalog becomes terrible.
Suffering with obsessive-compulsive disorder, a patient had obtained major elements, including helmet and face mask, used during the filming of the second movie in the series Star Wars (The Empire Strikes Back, 1980). This has not been enough, and he then ordered the missing elements to a society that had been allowed to produce copies of the costume.
Because of this extraordinary assembly, it is impossible today to list the costume pieces that actually participated in the film production, and the estimate, £ 160K, seems ambitious.
Without waiting for the sale, we already know that the story ended well. The patient has sublimated his obsession, and that's why he sells the lot.
1981 E.T.
2022 SOLD for $ 2.56M by Julien's
Directing children in an emotionally charged film is a difficult task. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg, confronted a boy and his two siblings to an alien creature unintentionally left away by its team near the family's home.
The creature conceived by Spielberg was so different that its face expressions could not be played by a human. Spielberg commissioned in 1981 the special effect specialist and award winner Carlo Rambaldi. At that time the computer imagery did not exist.
Spielberg imagined an ugly head mingling Sandburg, Einstein and Hemingway. Rambaldi added in the oversized eyes the innocent gaze of his pet cat. He tested on his daughter the empathy with a low scaled clay model. The girl stated "Dad, he's really ugly, but I feel sorry for him and if I ever met him in real life, I'd help him for sure, and I like his posterior, he reminds me of Donald Duck." That was the key of the phenomenal success of the film, released in 1982.
The next step was the animatronic model. Rambaldi prepared a skeleton in duralumin with 85 points of articulation, including 32 points in the face alone. Each point was linked by a 20 m cable to a servo motor during the shooting in the fall of 1981, and a team of twelve specialized puppeteers was entrusted to the realization of the movements. The prop had been prepared in three months at a price of $ 1.5 million.
The first production model of the E.T., 1.63 x 1.08 x 1.08 m, was sold for $ 2.56M by Julien's on December 18, 2022, lot 1052. It is the only surviving example. Part of the proceeds will support the Carlo Rambaldi Foundation and associations for activities dedicated to autistic children.
In the same sale the original maquette was sold for $ 125K, lot 1053.
The creature conceived by Spielberg was so different that its face expressions could not be played by a human. Spielberg commissioned in 1981 the special effect specialist and award winner Carlo Rambaldi. At that time the computer imagery did not exist.
Spielberg imagined an ugly head mingling Sandburg, Einstein and Hemingway. Rambaldi added in the oversized eyes the innocent gaze of his pet cat. He tested on his daughter the empathy with a low scaled clay model. The girl stated "Dad, he's really ugly, but I feel sorry for him and if I ever met him in real life, I'd help him for sure, and I like his posterior, he reminds me of Donald Duck." That was the key of the phenomenal success of the film, released in 1982.
The next step was the animatronic model. Rambaldi prepared a skeleton in duralumin with 85 points of articulation, including 32 points in the face alone. Each point was linked by a 20 m cable to a servo motor during the shooting in the fall of 1981, and a team of twelve specialized puppeteers was entrusted to the realization of the movements. The prop had been prepared in three months at a price of $ 1.5 million.
The first production model of the E.T., 1.63 x 1.08 x 1.08 m, was sold for $ 2.56M by Julien's on December 18, 2022, lot 1052. It is the only surviving example. Part of the proceeds will support the Carlo Rambaldi Foundation and associations for activities dedicated to autistic children.
In the same sale the original maquette was sold for $ 125K, lot 1053.
1986 Freddie Mercury Crown and Cloak Ensemble
2023 SOLD for £ 635K by Sotheby's
The Queen rock band managed in 1986 a European tour of 26 concerts named the Magic Tour by reference to their album A Kind of Magic. Freddie Mercury personally asked Diana Moseley to design stage clothes for the band.
Each concert was conceived to end with an interpretation of God Save the Queen by Queen band guitarist Brian May. During a rehearsal in Sweden Freddie suddenly felt that a sumptuous royal attire would suit him for these finales. Moseley was allowed only one week to conceive it and have it executed by a seamstress. The first trial was made with Freddy replacing the microphone by a banana.
The set is made of a crown and a caped cloak. The crown is encrusted with imitation gold and jewels. The 327 cm long cloak is made of red velvet embellished with an imitation ermine and gold color fleurs de lys. King Freddie used it in a triumphant attitude with half of the upper body left bare. A quantity of spare gold color appliqué was following in a suitcase.
This ensemble was sold for £ 635K from a lower estimate of £ 60K by Sotheby's on September 6, 2023, lot 57.
Each concert was conceived to end with an interpretation of God Save the Queen by Queen band guitarist Brian May. During a rehearsal in Sweden Freddie suddenly felt that a sumptuous royal attire would suit him for these finales. Moseley was allowed only one week to conceive it and have it executed by a seamstress. The first trial was made with Freddy replacing the microphone by a banana.
The set is made of a crown and a caped cloak. The crown is encrusted with imitation gold and jewels. The 327 cm long cloak is made of red velvet embellished with an imitation ermine and gold color fleurs de lys. King Freddie used it in a triumphant attitude with half of the upper body left bare. A quantity of spare gold color appliqué was following in a suitcase.
This ensemble was sold for £ 635K from a lower estimate of £ 60K by Sotheby's on September 6, 2023, lot 57.
