Description
LEWIS, JERRY, AND DEAN MARTIN
An extensive collection of Lewis and Martin memorabilia, collected by Lewis's driver and assistant Frank Branda
The collection includes an American Guild of Variety Artists Standard Form of Artists Engagement Contract, 1 page, accomplished by typewriter (this a carbon copy), New York, 25 May 1951, between the Copacabana and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, signed by the artists ("Dean Martin"; "Jerry Lewis") and by Jack Entratter on behalf of the Copa, a special article to the contract additionally initialed by the three signatories, the contract being for an engagement of four weeks, seven days weekly, three shows daily for payment of $6,000 per week — Typed document signed by Frank Sinatra ("Frank Sinatra"), 1 page on personal letterhead, Beverly Hills, 17 March 1950, being a statement of recommendation for Frank Branda, who "has been in our employ for the past eighteen months, engaged in the capacity of Office Boy [and who] has demonstrated extreme loyalty, honesty and integrity in the performance of his duties." — 22 typed letters and memoranda and 5 autograph letters and postcards signed by Jerry Lewis ("Jerry"; "Jer"; "Jerry Lewis"), all 1 page on a variety of mostly personal letterheads, mostly Hollywood, 18 March 1953 to 23 December 1969, to, or concerning, Frank Branda, mostly joking personal notes, thank you letters, invitations, and authorizations to drive various of Lewis's cars.
4 candid photographs (8 x 10 in.) of Lewis and Martin in a steam room and shower, Lewis posing modestly, Martin less so — A fine oversized photograph (14 x 11 in.) of Lewis and Martin signed and inscribed by both ("To Frankie my pal—Dino"; "To My Boy Frankie—Keep punching! Jerry") — 3 oversized photographs of Lewis, two in clown costume and make-up, all warmly inscribed to Branda — 5 oversized photographs from the fourth anniversary of the Sands Hotel, featuring Lewis, Sinatra, Danny Thomas, and Marlene Dietrich — 11 Lewis family or Lewis and Martin Christmas Cards, ca. 1963–1973 — approximately 115 photographs of Lewis or Lewis and Martin, various sizes, ranging from snapshots to formal portraits, to publicity shots — approximately 72 photographs of Sinatra, various sizes, ranging from snapshots to formal portraits, to publicity shots — Lewis copy of the Revised Final White movie script, dated 16 June 1952, for the "horror paranormal musical comedy" 'Scared Stiff' — a photo album from Branda's 1953 birthday party, bound in red leather and gilt-lettered "To Frankie Happy Birthday Love Patti & Jerry Dept. 17, 1953," the party-goers depicting include Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh — and a wealth of other memorabilia, including Lewis and Martin softball team jerseys; Jerry Lewis golf balls; Jerry Lewis and Eddie Fisher lighters; Jerry Lewis cufflinks, tie-tacks, and keychains; a program card for a Lewis and Martin engagement on the 'Queen Elizabeth'; other celebrity photographs; a Mathey-Tissot wristwatch engraved "Thanx for Everything Your Boy Jerry Lewis 9 - 27 - '53"; and more.
The comedy variety act of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis lasted only a decade, but left an indelible mark on American popular culture. From 1949 through 1956 they starred together in seventeen movies and in 1951 'Life' magazine named them the highest paid act in show business. This collection of photographs, letters, and memorabilia—collected by Frank Branda, a trusted employee and a member of Lewis's inner circle during the height of the duo's fame—offers an insight into a perhaps more innocent time of Hollywood entertainment.
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