Lot 422

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Description:

Michael Jackson's First Film Contract
A historic Michael Jackson item, his first film contract, signed by the rising star when he was 18 years old, just a year before he would begin filming "The Wiz" with Diana Ross. This six page contract is dated June 21, 1976 and is between Jackson's Jackson-Arons Enterprises and producer Edward R. Pressman's Pressman/Williams Enterprises, Inc. It concerns Pressman's proposed film, tentatively titled: "24 Robbers", the title taken from a children's jump rope-skipping rhyme. The contract signed twice by Jackson and once by Pressman, is contingent upon the pair obtaining $800,000 in financing and production commencing within six months. Furthermore, Jackson is slated to be the star of the film, and to receive the first $150,000 and 12% of the profits. JOSEPH JACKSON, Jackson's father, who also signs, is promised $15,000 and a 2 1/2% cut. Jackson further agrees to bring his family's services into the production, providing original music for the film's soundtrack. Other conditions in the contract concern Jackson's billing, payment for overtime, appearance payments, contingencies, and so on. All have signed on the last page, with one of Jackson's signatures just slightly affected by a light stain, staples holes at upper-left, otherwise overall fine condition. We haven't been able to trace Jackson's participation in any film by Pressman - the project may have fallen apart, or more likely Jackson backed out of this contract and signed on to play the Scarecrow in the film "The Wiz". Jackson's role allowed him to exhibit his great dancing skills, and the film garnered four Oscar nominations.

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October 22, 2009 2:00 PM EDT
Uncasville, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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