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Christie’s Film and Entertainment Memorabilia auction on May 30 in New York will include animation, props, costumes and autographed material. From the Estate of comedian Stan Laurel to a hot pink cocktail dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the auctiondocuments over fifty years of Hollywood’s history.Leading the sale is a hot pink cocktail dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s during one of the most memorable dramatic scenes in the movie where her character, Holly Golightly,learns that her brother Fred has died, and she falls into a fit of despair and grief, breaking plates andthrowing pillows (estimate: $20,000-30,000). Costumes from Audrey Hepburn’s iconic AcademyAward nominated role rarely surface on the auction market and this gown is sure to appeal to collectors and Hepburn fans alike.
Although most of the costumes in Breakfast at Tiffany’s were designed by Givenchy, this gown is notlabeled and is believed to have been a late addition to the wardrobe. The dress is made of silk and isdecorated with fan-shaped appliqués accented with small rhinestones. Christie’s set a world auctionrecord for a costume made for a movie, when the memorable black column dress designed by Givenchy for Breakfast at Tiffany’s sold in London in 2006 for $932,178.
Arguably the most famous comedy duo of all time, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy influencedsubsequent generations of comedians. Nearly 30 lots from the Estate of Stan Laurel will includecostumes, props and personal property, letters and photographs. Laurel’s iconic black bowler hat(estimate: $10,000-15,000) along with three trademark bowties (estimate: $800-1,200) are amongstthe highlights. A leather binder with ideas for gags is exemplary of the duo’s slapstick humor,“Rather be pregnant than have tooth pulled – Make up your mind lady, so I’ll know which way to tiltthe chair” (estimate: $2,000-3,000). Two of his traveling wardrobe trunks which are covered inluggage labels and stickers (estimate: $1,500-2,500), and a motion picture ID card (estimate: $800-1,200) are among some of the personal effects.
Memorabilia from Rudolph Valentino, the silent film star of the 1920s, are offered from the Estateof Jean Acker, his first wife. Valentino starred in the Son of Sheik and was arguably the first heartthrob of Hollywood. Very rare early photographs of Valentino signed with romantic inscriptions toAcker are among the top lots (estimate: $2,000-3,000).
Previously unseen photographs by the Los Angeles photographer Frank Worth are available fromrecently discovered archives. Many of the photographs were taken through personal acquaintanceswith the actors who include Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor(estimates begin at $1,000). Other vintage prints and recent limited editions of photographs ofMarilyn Monroe, Steve McQueen, James Dean, Ingrid Bergman, Jean Harlow and Liz Taylor areoffered (estimates begin at $300.)
The sale features a strong costume section showcasing 30 years of Hollywood glamour. Costumesfrom the leading ladies include; Greta Garbo from Camille, 1936 (estimate: $700-900), ElizabethTaylor from Raintree County, 1957 (estimate: $1,500-2,500), Tippi Hedren from The Birds¸ 1963(estimate: $800-1,200), and Barbra Streisand from Funny Girl, 1968 (estimate: $2,500-3,500).
For more details visit the Christies
web site.
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