Details:

Olivia de Havilland autographed two-page theatrical contract, dated May 21, 1951, between the legendary Hollywood actress and producer John Kenley of the John Kenley Players, engaging de Havilland to portray the title role in George Bernard Shaw's play Candida.

The original Actors' Equity Association agreement specifies an opening date of June 25, 1951, in Barnesville, Pennsylvania, with a guaranteed salary of $1,500 per week.

The accompanying typewritten contract rider outlines additional terms negotiated for the actress, including a payment of 33⅓% of weekly box office receipts exceeding $6,000, exclusive star billing in all advertising, and the right to select her fellow cast members. Further provisions address rehearsals, transportation, accommodations, and the employment of an advance stage manager.

De Havilland has signed both the original contract and the accompanying rider, with two complete signatures reading "Olivia de Havilland." She has additionally initialed an amendment to the first paragraph of the rider. Producer John Kenley has also signed both pages.

The contract provides an interesting record of de Havilland's theatrical career and the considerable negotiating power she commanded as an established Hollywood star and two-time Academy Award winner.

Fine condition with light age toning, original folds, and minor handling wear.

Olivia de Havilland (1916–2020) was a British-American actress and one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. She earned lasting fame portraying Melanie Hamilton in Gone with the Wind (1939) and won Academy Awards for Best Actress for To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949). Her landmark legal victory against Warner Bros. in 1944 helped establish greater contractual freedom for Hollywood actors.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11704 1419601-1