WALTER MITTY (Off-B'way 1964) Signed LP RUE McCLANAHAN

Attention fans of James Thurber's witty and whimsical short story, THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY!  Although it was made into a popular 1947 film starring Danny Kaye (which Thurber hated), here is a scarce and desirable collectible from a 1964 off-Broadway musical version that's signed by a beloved television icon in her off-Broadway debut!

This is the original 1964 Columbia Records Stereo off-Broadway cast LP album of THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, book by Joe Manchester, music and lyrics by Leon Carr and Earl Shuman. The standard 12-1/4" x 12-1/4" front cover features a clever black-and-white drawing of Mr. Mitty, with colorful images of his imagined alter egos on view in his derby, against a white background.  The back cover has extensive liner notes, a song list, and rave blurbs from the New York papers.

The front cover has been boldly inscribed by RUE McCLANAHAN in black felt-tip pen against the white background, making for a strong contrast:

RUE McCLANAHAN (1934-    ) (Hazel) - "Love, Rue McClanahan"- Television viewers know her as a regular on the sitcoms MAUDE, MAMA'S FAMILY and especially GOLDEN GIRLS, but Rue McClanahan has appeared in such films as THE ROTTEN APPLE, SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS ARE..., THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, OUT TO SEA and STARSHIP TROOPER.  Her stage credits include JIMMY SHINE, CALIFORNIA SUITE, STICKS AND BONES, WHO'S HAPPY NOW? and MacBIRD.  In this show - her off-Broadway debut - she played Hazel, a jilted friend of Walter Mitty's buddy, Fred Gorman.  On this album, she can be heard singing the song Two Little Pussycats.

An uncommon off-Broadway cast album in nice condition, signed by this beloved performer.

A note about these albums: Many - if not most - of the vinyl records themselves appear to be in excellent - probably unplayed - condition, but since I do not have a working turntable, I cannot vouch for the audio quality.  These should be thought of as signed album covers (that happen to have the original records still inside). The covers are extremely appealing because of their size and graphics. As a rule, autographed albums are markedly scarcer than signed photos, and they display equally as well, if not better. Almost all of these albums have been reissued on CD, so if you want to hear the music or dialogue, I would recommend getting the CD as a supplement to the LP.

All of the autographs on these LPs were obtained in person over a number of years.

The family of a longtime autograph collector (now deceased) have put his astonishing collection up for auction, on consignment. This man was so dedicated to "staking out" the stars - beginning in the 1920s! - that he puts latter-day paparazzi to shame (which, come to think of it, doesn't take all that much). If he knew that a certain star was going to be in a play, at a screening, making a live appearance, or otherwise attending an event, he was there and ready with a photo, a book, a record album, a 3 x 5 card - in short, this man was prepared!

In addition to being a fan, he became personal friends with the likes of Igor Stravinsky, Thomas Mann, and Alma Mahler. He truly led a remarkable life and, in his many decades of collecting, amassed a jaw-dropping collection that ranges from inarguably legendary luminaries to supporting actors to singers, composers, sports figures, and sit-com stars.

Over time, I will be offering items from this amazing collection, and I try to add four or five new ones each day.

Please note that there is No Reserve on this particular item, although the starting bid should be thought of as a "jumping off" point, rather than a reflection of the full value of this very rare signed album.

The overall condition is VERY GOOD-, unfaded, unpunched, with minor ring and edge wear, including a small split on the bottom edge.  Neither the graphics nor the signature has faded or smeared. The album is protected by a new, acid-free plastic record sleeve.

Please note: Any darkening around the periphery of the scans is due to the cover not entirely fitting on the scanner glass. In reality, there are no darkened areas.

With regard to authenticity: I have no reason to doubt the authenticity of any of these signed pieces, collected over so many years. But if for some reason (other than simple buyer's remorse, of course), you decide that this piece is not "as advertised," you may return it within two weeks for a full refund (minus shipping).

I'm often asked about Certificates of Authenticity. I do not issue them, but I will include a copy of the signed letter that this longtime collector wrote about how he amassed his vast collection, written several years before he died.  As a caution to autograph collectors: I have never seen a forged autograph that did not come with a Certificate of Authenticity! Knowledge is power. Compare items you see up for sale with other known examples of the signature. Deal with sellers who have a solid reputation. Do your homework; don't put all your faith in Certificates of Authenticity.

I prefer PayPal.

I ship USPS worldwide and delivery confirmation is included in U.S. Media Mail shipping, and I'm happy to combine shipping to save you some money.

Winning bidder: Please make payment arrangements within one week of the auction's closing.

Please email me before the auction closes (for obvious reasons) if you have any questions.

Feel free to check out my other interesting offerings!

Thanks and best of luck to all you fans of RUE McCLANAHAN and THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY!