Bombshells to Blasters, An Auction You Can't Refuse Pt. 1

Lot #22:

Letter of Agreement Re Seven Year Itch

First Time To Auction

20th Century Studios, 1955. Vintage photocopied 9 x 13 in. 29-page legal document detailing the agreement between The Seven Year Itch play author George Axelrod and producer of the resulting film, Charles Feldman. The document lays out all of the terms and considerations between seller and producer. Included in the text is a summary of payment to Axelrod totaling $255,000 USD on the following schedule: $51,000 upon delivery of this signed contract, $25,500 on September 1st, 1953, $25,500 dollars on January 1, 1954, $38,250 thirty days after the earliest date on which the Purchaser shall have the right hereunder to publicly exhibit the resulting film, $38,250 on the 10th of January of the next calendar year, $38,250 on the 10th day of January, of the two next succeeding calendar years, and finally, $76,500 for each remake and each sequel motion picture produced hereunder, to be paid upon the commencement principal photography of each. It is also highlighted that Feldman and company have reached a tentative oral understanding with Billy Wilder for him to direct the picture for which they will pay Wilder at least $50,000 cash for his services. Monroe's agent Feldman was acquiring this vehicle specifically for his client Marilyn Monroe and would ultimately produce the iconic film which became synonymous with the blonde bombshell. The documents remain in vintage very good to fine condition.