HOWARD HUGHES

Business, Entertainment

A PIECE OF HOLLYWOOD HISTORY. HOWARD HUGHES SIGNS A 1927 AGREEMENT WITH CECIL B. DeMILLE FOR WILLIAM BOYD’S SERVICES TO STAR IN ‘TWO ARABIAN KNIGHTS’.

Howard Hughes signed Caddo Company contract for Two Arabian Knights. (Caddo Company, 1927) One 4-page 8.5 x 13 in. contract, dated December 20, 1926, between The Caddo Company and Cecil B. DeMille Pictures for actor William Boyd’s services, From the personal collection of Howard Hughes.

Two Arabian Knights (1927) is an American silent comedy film, directed by Lewis Milestone and starring William Boyd, Mary Astor, and Louis Wolheim. The film was produced by Howard Hughes and was distributed by United Artists. The film won the only Academy Award ever awarded for Best Comedy Direction in 1929. The next year, AMPAS merged the categories Best Director of a Comedy Picture and Best Director of a Dramatic Picture to form the category, Academy Award For Best Director.

During World War I, soldier W. Daingerfield Phelps III (William Boyd) and sergeant Peter O’Gaffney (Louis Wolheim) are captured by the Germans. Initially at odds, the two prisoners of war bond and plot an escape. The white robes they use as camouflage in the snow-covered landscape make them look like Arabs. Taking advantage of their disguise, the two men sneak onto a cargo ship bound for Arabia, where they both fall for Mirza (Mary Astor), a soon-to-be-married harem girl.

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FAQ

How can I tell if my autograph is authentic?

Authenticating an autograph is a complex process that entails numerous factors such as the paper, ink, and penmanship. Comparing these elements to known examples is crucial in determining authenticity. If you lack experience in this area, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of professionals who can handle the task with expertise.

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The value of an autograph is influenced by various factors, including rarity, condition, content, and association. Accordingly, assigning a general value to letters can be challenging. This uniqueness is what adds thrill to autograph collecting and makes pricing a demanding task.

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The autograph market is subject to fluctuations like any other market and is sensitive to factors such as supply, demand, and the overall state of the economy. The autograph market differs from other markets as the availability, or supply, of autographs stops after an individual’s death. With the growth of the internet increasing the number of collectors and erasing geographical boundaries, there has been an upsurge in demand for autographs worldwide. Due to ongoing demand and limited supply, autograph prices have inevitably risen over the years, as witnessed by the Brams Collection. It is not advisable to invest in autographs for financial gain, as the autograph market is not especially “liquid” and does not pay dividends. Nevertheless, we believe that autographs are a stable financial investment that should increase in value over time. However, the rate of increase cannot be predicted or guaranteed with precision.

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