Elvis Presley Signed William Morris Agency Motion Picture Contract (1956).  A two-page standard Theatrical Motion Picture Agency Contract, 8.5" x 11" in size, between the singer (soon to be actor) and the famous agency. It is signed "Elvis Presley" on the last page where it is date-stamped January 31, 1956. It's a wonder that Elvis could even sign his name. What a whirlwind the month of January 1956 had been for him! In the three weeks previous to this contract signing, Elvis Presley: first performed with his new backup group The Jordanaires while having his first recording session for RCA Victor; had his 21st birthday, had his first single, "Heartbreak Hotel," released nationally on RCA; appeared on the Dorsey Brothers Show, his first network television appearance; and, on this day and the day before, recorded eight new tracks at the New York RCA Studios including "Blue Suede Shoes." That would be a good year for a lot of stars. The contract is in Very Fine to Excellent condition with very mild wear and toning, staple holes to the upper left corners, and the usual punch holes at the top edge. It is matted and framed with a photo of the contract signing to an overall 32" x 40".
We don't need to emphasize how important this Motion Picture contract was to Elvis Presley's career. Up to this point, he was mostly a regional singing act. His manager, Col. Tom Parker, had bigger plans, though. He felt that Elvis' charm and charisma could make him a major film star. Elvis himself told a reporter that he wanted to go to Hollywood and "become the next James Dean." This day, January 31, 1956, is when Elvis truly started on his journey to being crowned "King." He would eventually star in 33 films between 1957 and 1972. This is a museum-quality piece of Entertainment history that could hang in your home or office if you're the lucky winning bidder. THIRD PARTY SHIPPING REQUIRED. COA from Rich Consola.