The May History & Culture Auction features a collection of autographed originally owned scripts, letters, and documents from a legendary duo of Hollywood History: Jesse Lasky Senior and Jesse Lasky Junior. This father-son pair have made significant contributions to the film industry and have left an impressive legacy on movies and television. Hollywood collectors will be enthused with the variety of primary sources and artifacts they have the chance to bid on this month.
The pieces highlighted below give insight into both the personal and professional history of the family, offering a dynamic view of their experiences, relationships, and achievements. Each item serves as a poignant reminder of their legacy and the bonds that unite generations across time.
Jesse Lasky Sr.: A Pioneer's Vision
Jesse Lasky Sr., born in 1880, was a visionary filmmaker who played a pivotal role in the early days of Hollywood. Alongside Cecil B. DeMille, Samuel Goldwyn, and Adolph Zukor, he co-founded the Famous Players Film Company, which later merged to become Paramount Pictures. This merger marked a significant moment in Hollywood's history, laying the foundation for one of the most influential studios in the world.
Lasky's eye for talent and storytelling helped shape the studio system and set the standards for filmmaking excellence. He produced several acclaimed silent films, including "The Squaw Man" (1914), which is often said to be the first feature-length film made in Hollywood. His commitment to quality and innovation set a precedent for future generations of filmmakers.
Jesse Lasky Jr.: Carrying the Torch
Born into Hollywood royalty, Jesse Lasky Jr. inherited his father's passion for cinema and continued his legacy with distinction. Following in his father's footsteps, Lasky Jr. embarked on a career in film, excelling as a screenwriter and producer. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay adaptation of "Union Pacific" (1939), solidifying his reputation as a talented storyteller.
Lasky Jr. also served his country during World War II, where his experiences as a soldier influenced his later work. Upon his return to Hollywood, he contributed to the industry's post-war resurgence, crafting memorable scripts and producing notable films that resonated with audiences.
A Lasting Legacy
The contributions of Jesse Lasky Sr. and Jr. extend far beyond the films they created. Their spirit and dedication to excellence helped shape the very fabric of Hollywood. They were instrumental in establishing the studio system, fostering new talent, and pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. In the ever-changing landscape of film, the names Jesse Lasky Sr. and Jr. stand as a testament to the power of innovation, creativity, and the timeless magic of the silver screen.
Enjoy the listings below and be sure to get your bids in soon, as the May History & Culture Auction ends on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 with 30 minute extended bidding starting at 8:00 PM, EST.
Estimate: $75 - $100
Jesse Lasky Sr. autographed handwritten 4 page letter (ALS) penned on both sides of two separate sheets and sent to his wife Bess on June 12th, 1942.
LOT 162: JESSE LASKY SR. - FILM PIONEER - ARCHIVE OF PERSONAL PAPERS & AUTOGRAPHS
Estimate: $75 - $100
Jesse Lasky Sr. collection of 11 pieces from the personal family papers. Included is a autographed 1943 letter (TLS) signed "Dad" at the conclusion. The letter was sent to his son, the writer/poet Jesse Lasky Jr. Additionally there are five pieces of V-Mail, a handwritten letter from Lasky's wife Bess, a draft letter from Lasky to Bess, a schedule sheet from Paramount and two grade reports from Lasky Jr.'s school.
LOT 163: JESSE L. LASKY JR. - SCREENWRITER - AUTOGRAPHED "TAMBOURINE" (HOT BLOOD) PERSONALLY OWNED SCREENPLAY
Estimate: $150 - $200
Jesse Lasky Jr. autographed personally owned "Tambourine" (Hot Blood) screenplay. Lasky has signed on the first title page in ink adding a pencil illustration. He has signed again on the verso of the same page with additional notations about the script and it's production. He has also added some production notes and edits on interior pages.
Hot Blood is a 1956 American CinemaScope Technicolor musical film directed by Nicholas Ray and starring Jane Russell, Cornel Wilde and Joseph Calleia. It was produced and distributed by Columbia Pictures.
LOT 164: JESSE L. LASKY JR. - SCREENWRITER - AUTOGRAPHED "THE THIEF OF VENICE" PERSONALLY OWNED SCREENPLAY
Estimate: $150 - $200
Jesse Lasky Jr. autographed personally owned "The Thief of Venice" screenplay. Lasky has signed on the title page in ink adding an additional notation about it's production.
The Thief of Venice or Il Ladro di Venezia is a 1950 Italian film directed by John Brahm. The US title was "The Thief of Venice".
LOT 165: JESSE L. LASKY JR. - SCREENWRITER - AUTOGRAPHED "LORNA DOONE" PERSONALLY OWNED SCREENPLAY
Estimate: $150 - $200
Jesse Lasky Jr. autographed personally owned "Lorna Doone" screenplay. Lasky has dual signed on both title pages. He has also added some production notes and edits on interior pages.
Lorna Doone is a 1951 American adventure film directed by Phil Karlson and starring Barbara Hale and Richard Greene. It is an adaptation of the 1869 novel Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore, set in the English West Country during the 17th century.
LOT 166: JESSE L. LASKY JR. - SCREENWRITER - AUTOGRAPHED "THE MASK OF THE AVENGER" OWNED SCREENPLAY
Jesse Lasky Jr. autographed personally owned "The Mask of The Avenger" screenplay. Lasky has signed on title page. He has also added some production notes and edits on interior pages.
Mask of the Avenger is a 1951 American historical adventure film directed by Phil Karlson starring John Derek, Anthony Quinn and Jody Lawrance.
LOT 167: JESSE L. LASKY JR. - SCREENWRITER - AUTOGRAPHED "PEARL OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC" OWNED SCREENPLAY
Estimate: $150 - $200
Jesse Lasky Jr. autographed personally owned "Pearl of the South Pacific" screenplay. Lasky has signed on the title page in ink adding an additional notation about it's production. This bound screenplay also features a bound in letter from the Screen Writers Guild of America with the official credit attribution being assigned to Lasky.
Pearl of the South Pacific is a 1955 American adventure film directed by Allan Dwan and written by Jesse L. Lasky, Jr. and Talbot Jennings. The film stars Virginia Mayo, Dennis Morgan, David Farrar, Murvyn Vye, and Lance Fuller. The film was released on July 4, 1955, by RKO Radio Pictures. It was based on a story by Anna Hunger.
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