COMDEN & GREEN ROBERT MORSE ELLIOTT GOULD Signed LP '58

Attention fans of the Betty Comden/Adolph Green/Jule Styne "Comedy About A Musical," 1958's SAY, DARLING!  Here's a scarce and extremely desirable collectible, and it's signed by two of the stars of the original Broadway cast - and a legendary Broadway-Hollywood musical team!

This is the original 1958 RCA Victor Records original cast LP album of SAY, DARLING.  The standard 12-1/4" x 12-1/4" cover features a large color photo of David Wayne, Vivian Blaine and Johnny Desmond on a stage with a colorful backdrop behind them, against a red and blue background.  The back cover contains liner notes and a song list.

The front cover has been boldly signed by the following pertinent personages in black felt-tip pen against light portions of the background and Vivian Blaine's dress, making for a sharp contrast:

BETTY COMDEN (1915-2006) and ADOLPH GREEN (1914-2002) - The legendary team of Comden & Green wrote Broadway plays, screenplays, and songs, with credits that include THE BARKLEYS OF BROADWAY, ON THE TOWN, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN, THE BAND WAGON, PETER PAN, AUNTIE MAME and BELLS ARE RINGING, just to name a few.

ROBERT MORSE (1931-    ) (Ted Snow) - This beloved star of stage, film and television made his mark in the original Broadway cast of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, winning a Tony Award and going on on to star in the film version, as well as such other films as QUICK BEFORE IT MELTS, THE LOVED ONE and A GUIDE FOR THE MARRIED MAN.  His other Broadway work includes SUGAR and TRU (for which he won another Tony).  This was Mr. Morse's second Broadway show.

ELLIOTT GOULD (1938-    ) (Earl Jorgeson/Kid In Show) - This quintessential '70s anti-hero has appeared in such memorable films  as M*A*S*H, BOB & CAROL & TED & ALICE, THE LONG GOODBYE, CALIFORNIA SPLIT, HARRY AND WALTER GO TO NEW YORK, A BRIDGE TOO FAR and THE BIG PICTURE, just to name a few.  This was Mr. Gould's second Broadway show.

A scarce original Broadway cast LP to begin with, in splendid condition, signed by four entertainment giants!

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 colors. Younger fans may not remember when soundtrack LPs were issued for most films, with nice, big graphics and photos from the film, usually on the back.  As a rule, autographed soundtrack 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 the signed album.

The overall condition is VERY GOOD+, unfaded, unclipped, with virtually no ring or edge wear, a small area on the back where a sticker has been removed.  Neither the images nor the signatures have faded or smeared. The album is protected by a new, acid-free plastic record sleeve.

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 SAY, DARLING!