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Marilyn, McQueen, & More: Julien's Auctions, Turner Classic Movies Set Path For 'Classic Hollywood'

Julien's and Turner Classic Movies (TCM) are partnering once again for a 'Week of Hollywood Legends: Classic Hollywood' auction event on December 11, 2024, featuring over 400 lots of Hollywood memorabilia, including personal effects, costumes, props, and television treasures, with the aim of preserving Hollywood's legacy. Register & Bid

November 12, 2024

julien 's presents a week of hollywood legends

Going Once, Going Twice, Gone Hollywood!

Once again, we're joining forces with Turner Classic Movies (TCM) to present "Week of Hollywood Legends," a series of auctions that promise to be a cinephile's dream. The pinnacle of this grand event is undoubtedly the "Classic Hollywood" auction, taking place on December 11, 2024, at the stylish W Hollywood.

More than just a sale, this auction is a curated exhibition of over 400 lots, each a piece of Hollywood history waiting to be discovered. From the Golden Age to the modern era, the auction offers intimate glimpses into the lives and careers of the biggest names in entertainment. It's a chance to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces, from personal effects to iconic costumes and props, each with a story to tell and a legacy to uphold.

Unveiling the Stars: Personal Treasures and Cinematic History

Imagine holding a piece of Marilyn Monroe's glamour – her very own "Lumino Violette de Parme" eye shadow (Lot 2, $2,000-$3,000), a relic from a bygone era of beauty. Or perhaps you're drawn to the magic of "The Wizard of Oz," with Judy Garland's test pinafore (Lot 40, $50,000-$70,000), a tangible piece of cinematic history that almost was.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the auction reveals the personal side of these legendary figures. A handwritten love letter from Joan Crawford to an ardent admirer (Lot 51, $400-$600) offers a glimpse into her private world. Jane Seymour's stunning jewelry from the romantic time-travel drama "Somewhere in Time" (Lot 88, $4,000-$6,000) evokes the film's enchanting atmosphere. And for a peek into the social tapestry of Hollywood's elite, Steve McQueen's address book (Lot 95, $3,000-$4,000) reads like a who's who of 1960s and 70s stars, revealing his connections with directors, actors, and even the iconic haunts he frequented.

Beyond the Silver Screen: Television Treasures

The auction's reach extends beyond the silver screen to encompass beloved television shows that have shaped our cultural landscape. "Friends" fanatics can vie for a piece of television history with a signed pilot script, bearing the show's early title, "Six of One" (Lot 336, $15,000-$20,000). And for those who dream of owning a piece of Central Perk, studio-made reproductions of the iconic orange couch and chairs (Lots 338 and 344, $2,000-$4,000) offer a chance to recreate the show's cozy atmosphere.

Judy Garland

1939 Test Pinafore from "The Wizard of Oz"

Estimate:

$50,000 - $70,000

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939. A cotton in a blue and white small gingham pattern; inside label handwritten in black fountain pen ink reads "Judy Garland / 4206;" worn by the star on October 31, 1938 in a wardrobe test photograph.

Patrick Swayze

1987 Leather Jacket from "Dirty Dancing"

Estimate:

$60,000 - $80,000

Patrick Swayze | "Dirty Dancing" and "Tiger Warsaw" Screen-Worn Leather Jacket
A black leather motorcycle jacket screen-worn by Patrick Swayze as "Johnny Castle" in Dirty Dancing (Great American Films, 1987), as "Chuck 'Tiger' Warsaw in Tiger Warsaw (Continental, 1988), and in promotional images for Dirty Dancing.

Steve McQueen

1960s-1970s Address Book

Estimate:

$3,000 - $4,000

"SM" hand-tooled in the lower right corner; a ballpoint pen is still affixed to inside front cover, many entries penned or penciled by McQueen himself; a virtual who's who of 1960s and 1970s Hollywood.

Friends

Central Perk Chair with DVD

Estimate:

$2,000 - $4,000

An original Central Perk chair from the production of the series Friends (Warner Bros., 1994-2004). Joey (Matt LeBlanc) is seen sitting in this style of chair in the season three episodes "The One with the Jam" and "The One with the Flashback."

Chairs of this style can be seen in Central Perk throughout seasons three through five. The chair is made of gold-painted wood and its seat and backrest are upholstered with a black and gold spade pattern.

The consignor won the items on the BBC National Lottery show We’ve Got Your Number (BBC, 1999) hosted by Brian Conley. The show was known for comical skits, and contestants could win cash or prizes. A couple of massive Friends fans were scheduled to appear on the series to play a game where the prize would be props from the production of Friends (including the one consigned here) and two La-Z Boy recliners, as Joey and Chandler had in their apartment. Unfortunately, the couple split up before the show filmed, and the consignor—who had entered a contest in a magazine to appear on the show—went on with his wife in their place. They pretended to be Friends superfans, even though they were only casual fans. The skit was shot live in their one-bedroom apartment, and the consignors and their friends dressed up as the cast of Friends. As part of the skit, a “crew member” from the production of Friends picked these items off the show’s set in the U.S., packed them up, and “passed them through the TV” to the UK using special effects.

Please note: Some of the gold paint is not present--it is unclear whether this is due to age, or if it was original to the production.

Includes a DVD of season three of the series.

35 x 14.5 x 14.5 inches

A Tribute to Kay Thompson and the Enduring "Eloise"

This auction presents a rare and comprehensive collection dedicated to Kay Thompson, the multifaceted artist behind the irrepressible "Eloise." A prototype of a life-size Eloise doll (Lot 244, $2,000-$3,000), never produced for the mass market, stands as a testament to the character's enduring appeal and Thompson's creative genius. Fashion aficionados will be captivated by an original costume design illustration by Edith Head for Thompson's role in "Funny Face" (Lot 238, $2,000-$3,000), a window into the film's iconic fashion moments and Thompson's influence on her own wardrobe.

Kay Thompson: "Eloise" Screen-Used 1957 Life-size Doll Prototype

Estimate:

$2,000 - $3,000

A prototype for a life-size Eloise doll that Hol-Le Toys (the manufacturer of the first Eloise doll) intended to produce circa 1957, with its original Hol-Le Toy Co. tag. Because Hol-Le Toy Co. could not keep up with the demand for the small Eloise rag doll, the life-size dolls never went into production, and only seven were made.

Kay Thompson: "Funny Face" Edith Head Fashion Show Sequence Costume Design Illustration with Fabric Swatch and DVD

Estimate:

$300 - $500

Created for Kay Thompson as Maggie Prescott in Funny Face (Paramount Pictures, 1957), which also starred Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.

Kay Thompson

"Funny Face" Edith Head "Bonjour Paris" Costume Design Illustration

Estimate:

$300 - $500

An original costume design by Edith Head for Kay Thompson as Maggie Prescott in Funny Face (Paramount Pictures, 1957), which also starred Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. The mixed media illustration by Grace Sprague has been initialed and approved by director Stanley Donen and producer Roger Edens, and signed and dated 3/15/56 on the verso by production manager Fred Caffey. The verso also includes studio "Approvals" stamps and annotations, including "Prod. #11520" and "Miss Thompson."

The khaki suit, matching hat, and bold orange blouse with scarf suggest that this may be the initial design for Thompson's costume in the musical number "Bonjour Paris," which she craftily managed to cover with a Givenchy raincoat. Thompson hated Paramount designer Edith Head's designs for her, finding them unflattering and old-fashioned compared to Audrey Hepburn's costumes by Givenchy (whose style was much more aligned with Thompson's own personal taste). However, Head insisted on designing for Thompson. A fierce battle of impressive egos ensued. With approval of producer Roger Edens, Thompson's close friend, she all but took over the design of her costumes. All of Head's original designs, like the one illustrated here, were radically revised or jettisoned.

Thompson craftily managed to get her wish to wear a Givenchy design in the film by seizing an opportunity when the crew arrived in Paris for the shoot and found it raining every day. Irvin writes:

"She convinced Stanley and Roger that it would be prudent to add rain gear to her ensemble for the 'Bonjour, Paris!' montage. They agreed but pointed out that it was far too late for Edith Head to create something at Paramount and ship it to France...Thompson jumped in a taxi and burned rubber all the way to the House of Givenchy, where Audrey was busy with last-minute fittings supervised by Hubert himself. Explaining the predicament, Kay persuaded the coutourier to come to her rescue, resulting in the elegant camel-colored raincoat that she gladly wore over her clothes, concealing every last stitch of Head's dud throughout 'Bonjour, Paris!' Thompson could barely contain her glee."

It is possible that she replaced the handbag, which matches her blouse, with the umbrella seen in the film.

In Sam Irvin's book Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise (Simon & Schuster, 2010), he quotes an interview with Head, who says: "In Funny Face Kay had a code: two-piece costume with a short, short skirt and a long, long jacket, a tiny sailor collar at the top. She wore this from tweeds to chiffon. It became a long skirt for evening wear. The point of the uniform was that here was the editor who told every woman what to wear--'Everybody must wear pink!'--but for herself, 'I wouldn't be caught dead in it.' She announces that every woman must wear different clothes for different moods, and then proceeds to wear her two-piece suit."

16.75 x 14 inches

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Sam Irvin, Author of Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise (Simon & Schuster, 2010)

Preserving Hollywood's Legacy: The Importance of this Auction

The "Classic Hollywood" auction transcends the realm of a typical sale; it's a cultural event with far-reaching significance. It's a testament to the enduring power of Hollywood, a celebration of the artists who shaped our entertainment landscape, and a vital act of preservation. These artifacts, carefully curated and documented, offer a tangible link to the past, allowing us to connect with the legends who inspired us and to safeguard their legacy for future generations.

By participating in this auction, you're not just acquiring a piece of memorabilia; you're becoming a steward of Hollywood history. You're joining a community of collectors, fans, and scholars dedicated to honoring the artistry and impact of these iconic figures.

Join the Celebration

Mark your calendars for December 11th and prepare to be captivated by the "Classic Hollywood" auction at the W Hollywood. It's an opportunity to own a piece of the dream factory, to relive the magic of cinema, and to contribute to the preservation of Hollywood's rich history.

Don't miss this chance to own a piece of Hollywood history! Register to bid and be a part of the legend that makes Tinseltown gleam!

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Live Auction

HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS: CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD

Dec 11, 2024

11:00 AM PST