WELLES ORSON: (1915-1985) American actor & film director, Academy Award winner. D.S., Orson Welles, one page, 4to, New York, 21^st February 1941. The carbon typed document is an agreement between Welles and Wellman Inc. in which Welles is engaged to direct the play Native Son by Paul Green and Richard Wright and states, in part, 'You agree to devote your best efforts and skill to the direction of the said play and to render all services necessary in connection with such direction. The undersigned plans to produce said play on or about March 15, 1941, at a theatre in New York City. As compensation for your services hereunder the undersigned agrees to pay you the sum of Three Thousand ($3000) Dollars, of which Fifteen Hundred ($1500) Dollars shall be paid upon the execution hereof, and Fifteen Hundred ($1500) Dollars two weeks from the date hereof, and in addition thereto, an amount equal to one and a half (1 ½) percent of the gross receipts received by the corporation, which payments shall be made weekly as and when realized'. Signed by Welles at the foot and countersigned by L. Arnold Weissberger (1907-1981) American theatrical lawyer who represented many prominent artists and theatrical personalities. A few minor creases and very light age wear, otherwise VG

 

Welles produced and directed the original Broadway production of Native Son whilst he was waiting for Citizen Kane to be released. The Mercury Production, in conjunction with John Houseman, starred Canada Lee and the show ran from 24^th March to 28^th June 1941 at the St. James Theatre. The play would represent the last time Welles and Houseman would ever work together.