This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2024
LANGDON, Harry (1884-1944). A Signed Contract with Hal Roach Studios. [Los Angeles]: 22 October 1928. A partially printed eight-page typed contract between Harry Langdon and Hal C. Roach Studios, in which the actor agrees to appear exclusively in Hal Roach motion pictures for a period of three years, commencing January 2, 1929. Signed by the actor on the last page (“Harry Langdon”), and by Hal E. Roach (President), and C.H. Roach (Secretary). Several revisions to the contract are dated, and initialed by Langdon and Roach. 8 ½ x 13”, in original 9 x 13” light blue attorney wrappers. Light rust at staples, otherwise fine. This was an important period in Langdon’s career, as the silent film comedy star sought to transition to sound. (Langdon’s last silent feature, “Heart Trouble,” which he wrote and directed, was released in 1928). This contract with Roach, “the comedy producer who first approached him in 1923 with a film deal” (Schelly), offered Langdon sizable compensation -- $3,250 per week, with increases of $1,500 every six months for the duration of the contract. Despite auspicious conditions, “what could have been the successful first step of his comeback developed into a tumultuous, demeaning experience for Harry” (ibid.), and Langdon left Roach by spring 1930.