Lot 191
Howard Hughes, Rare Signed Program Book for HELL'S ANGELS ca. 1930. Howard Hughes (1905-1976) proved one of the most galvanizing figures of the 20th Century; business tycoon, entrepreneur, investor, aviator, aerospace engineer, inventor, filmmaker and philanthropist. His love of flying and the lure of Hollywood resulted in one of the all-time film classics, HELL'S ANGELS. Starring Ben Lyon and Jean Harlow, her break-through role, the film began originally as a silent film but re-shoots began in earnest with the advent of sound. Hughes directed with the help of James Whale (FRANKENSTEIN) and Edmund Goulding delivering galvanizing aerial sequences the likes never before attempted. Notorious for it's enormous cost and the death of 3 pilots, ANGELS ultimately became a hit and now considered the first blockbuster sound classic. Hughes spared no expense in the publicity of his film, the world premiere at Grauman's Chinese still one of the biggest premiere's in history, and published not just a program, but a 32 pp. illustrated deluxe booklet with gold and black boards. Howard Hughes has boldly signed this copy in blue fountain pen to the right of his portrait. Booklet is 5" x 7", complete first edition, and shows minor evidence of wear, but the signature is rare and very fine. Estimated Value $800 - 900
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| Realized $810 |
