Alice Brady's 1937 Oscar for "In Old Chicago"

Alice Brady's 1937 Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for In Old Chicago. In 1936, Alice Brady received her first Oscar nomination, for Best Supporting Actress in the classic Depression satire My Man Godfrey, costarring William Powell and Carole Lombard. The following year, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Mrs. O'Leary in 20th Century-Fox's In Old Chicago (1937), co-starring Tyrone Power and Alice Faye, but she never laid her hands on the original famed statuette. In her absence (due to a broken ankle), a stranger walked onto the stage, accepted the award, then disappeared without a trace. Shortly after the Academy issued a replacement, Alice tragically died of cancer at age 46. Most accounts erroneously state that Alice died before receiving her award, however, a clipping included in the lot features a photo of Charles Winninger and Alice, holding the replacement award, more than likely shot on the set of their 1938 comedy Goodbye Broadway. Film historians, be ready to correct your records! Another fascinating note -- these smaller awards were not presented after WWII for the competitive categories. In fact, they were considered second rate, despite the fact they are Awards of Merit. Few of these smaller awards exist, as most were traded when the Academy permitted actors to exchange them for full-sized statuettes. The plate is engraved "Presented to Alice Brady in recognition of her performance in 'In Old Chicago' 1837 (engraver's error)." This is a one-of-a-kind Oscar with an incredible history! Also included is a newspaper clipping. Gold-plated bronze on black Belgium marble base, 6" x 6.25" x 3.25", manufactured by Dodge Inc. of Los Angeles. In Fine condition with a 3/4" chip at bottom left corner of base. From the William and Alice Brady Estate Archive.

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