HUMPHREY BOGART SIGNS THE HISTORIC CONTRACT TO STAR IN SABRINA
Incredible contract signed , 41 pages, 8.5 x 11, July 24, 1953. This historic agreement is a two-picture deal between Bogart and Paramount Pictures “during the period of two hundred (200) weeks,” with Bogie receiving a weekly salary of $1000. The detailed document goes on to outline the expectations of Bogart in relation to his schedule, availability, and performances, and also outlines the particulars for his travel, schedule, accommodations for his wife, health care, and a 1% donation to the Motion Picture Relief Fund Inc. The eighteenth item in the agreement states, in part: “It is mutually understood and agreed that the Artist’s services are special, unique, unusual, extraordinary and of an intellectual character, giving them a peculiar value, the loss of which cannot be reasonably or adequately compensated in damages.” Nicely signed on the final page in blue ink and countersigned by the assistant secretary of Paramount Pictures.
This two-film deal with Paramount would result in the Audrey Hepburn classic, Sabrina, and his second to last film, The Desperate Hours. Bogart had never worked with Paramount and Sabrina started shooting in September of 1953. Bogart would have many problems with both the cast, including Hepburn and William Holden, as well as the director Billy Wilder, referring to them as “those Paramount bastards.” Bogart later apologized to Wilder for his behavior on-set, citing problems in his personal life. The Desperate Hours, directed by William Wyler, shot in 1955. This is a contract of historical film significance, signed by a legend at the sunset of his esteemed career.
