Lot 1660

ORSON WELLES (5)

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ORSON WELLES (5)

Estimate: $400 - $500

Starting Bid: $200

(0 Bids)

by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
July 31, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
106 East Main Street, Suite 103
Elkton, MD, US 21921

ORSON WELLES (5)
Excellent lot of five pieces for the Welles collector, including four early telegrams sent to his friend, noted New York film critic LEONARD LYONS (1906-1976) and a Welles signed piece. The signed piece is a D. W. Griffith Fleetwood first day postal cover picturing the great director, canceled in Beverly Hills on May 27, 1975, signed in blue ink on the face by Welles. The telegrams to Lyons all have good content, the most interesting: (Apr. 17, 1955) 'PLEASE ASK BART CRUM OR HIS OFFICE DO ME A FAVOR AND OBTAIN DOCUMENTARY PROOF MY DIVORCE...AIRMAIL TO SYLVIA WESTBURY...HOPE TO HAVE HER FOR BRIDESMAID...' Crum was Welles' attorney and would seek out the information on his client's divorce from Rita Hayworth. Three weeks later, Welles married Paola Mori. (Nov. 21, 1944) '...if you can find room for for an item...I am writing a script on around the world in 80 days for a musical comedy...it will help protect me in an investment. However dont hesitate to turn me down when I dont want you to turn me down...' Welles' plan worked: early investors included Michael Todd and William Goetz. The play was a flop, closing after 75 performances. (Apr. 3, 1952) 'HAVE BEEN INVITED DIRECT NEW PRODUCTION TWO VERDI OPERAS AT LASCALA ALSO PORGY AND BESS FOR METRPOLITAN NEWYORK...' Welles would never undertake the jobs, and in 1959 turned down directing the film version of 'Porgy and Bess' (May 5, 1962) Welles brags that he has an 'IMPORTANT INTERESTING REALLY WORTHWHILE PAST FOR JACKIE GLEASON SHOOTING FOR FIVE DAYS' as well as several other notable actors to appear in his film 'The Trial'. Gleason turned down the part, forcing Welles to play 'Hastler' himself. Fine condition. Five pieces. Welles later declared 'The Trial' to be the finest film he ever made. The film has grown in reputation over the years, and some critics, including Roger Ebert, have called it a masterpiece.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000