Description:

George Gershwin
n.p., ca. April 28, 1927; December 4, 1937
George Gershwin "Rhapsody In Blue" AMQS & "Rosalie"-Related Posthumous MGM Contract
AMQS & TDS

Two items related to modern American composer George Gershwin (1898-1937), including: a "Rhapsody In Blue" autograph musical quote signed as "George Gershwin"; and a posthumous typed document signed (though not by George Gershwin) relating to another George Gershwin project, "Rosalie." April 28, 1927; December 4, 1937. N.p. Expected wear which will be elaborated below, else very good to near fine. The largest item measures 8.5" x 12.875." The two items are accompanied by a black and white glossy photographic print showing Gershwin playing the piano, 5" x 6.875."

The lot includes:

1. A stock card signed, inscribed, and dated by George Gershwin as: "To Warren E. Colville / All good wishes / George Gershwin / Apr. 28, 1927. Rhapsody in Blue." Gershwin has hand-drawn several measures of his most iconic work, "Rhapsody In Blue," at lower left. Lightly toned, and with some fading to the black ink, though legible and displayable. Else very good. 4.25" x 2.75." The card was presented to Warren E. Colville, an autograph collector from Kennebunkport, Maine.

2. A 2pp typed legal contract related to the George Gershwin composed musical play "Rosalie" and its translation into film, signed by four individuals at its conclusion: Hungarian-born composer Sigmund Romberg (1887-1951), as "Sig Romberg" on the first line; playwright and theatre director William Anthony McGuire (1881-1940), as "Wm Anthony McGuire" on the second line; British writer P.G. Wodehouse (1881-1975), as "P.G. Wodehouse" on the third line; and George Gershwin's attorney as "William Styohus" (?) on the last line. December 4, 1937. N.p. Typed on legal sized onion-skin paper. Pencil-docketed and double hole punched along the top edge. Isolated brad and staple holes, with scattered gentle wrinkles, else near fine. 8.5" x 12.875."

The document reads in part:

"GEORGE GERSHWIN and SIGMUND ROMBERG composed the music of the musical play 'ROSALIE', and WILLIAM ANTHONY McGUIRE and GUY BOLTON wrote the book thereof, and by agreement dated January 4, 1929, the foregoing parties, with other then interested parties, conveyed motion picture rights in 'ROSALIE' to the INTERNATIONAL FILM SERVICE CO. INC. You inform us that you have now acquired these rights from the latter...

… since you are about to release a motion picture 'ROSALIE' whose story is based upon or suggested by the book of 'ROSALIE' (with music by Cole Porter to which the undersigned have heretofore agreed) you desire from the undersigned permission to broadcast such picture.

So far as we have right or interest therein, this authorizes you, your assigns and licensees, to broadcast by radio, the said motion picture 'ROSALIE'…

... and you and your licensees may publish stories and novelizations of the story of your motion picture based on 'ROSALIE' in books, newspapers, magazines, press books, including fan magazines, and in any manner, except in book form, up to a limit of seventy-five hundred (7500) words…"

George Gershwin's biographer, Edward Jablonski, describes the collaboration for "Rosalie" as quite "peculiar" in the context of music history:

"Romberg and Gershwin did not collaborate on the music, but Ira Gershwin and Wodehouse collaborated on some songs and worked independently on others. The Gershwins dug into their trunk for the consistently rejected 'The Man I Love,' and five additional songs… Romberg's contribution consisted of stock operetta numbers… If ever a score was a musical hodgepodge it was the one for 'Rosalie' - and yet it worked… Obviously the blend of operetta and musical comedy and pageantry worked… While it is generally dismissed as one of Gershwin's lesser efforts, a mere collection of scrapings from the trunk, it is notable for having saved 'How Long Has This Been Going On?' and was the source of other worthy songs…" [Edward Jablonski, "Gershwin" (New York: Doubleday, 1987), pp. 149-150.]

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios released the motion picture musical comedy "Rosalie" in December 1937, five months after George Gershwin's premature death. Based on a book by William Anthony McGuire, and a 1928 play by Guy Bolton, the original musical compositions were provided by George Gershwin and Sydney Romberg, with lyrics by Ira Gershwin and P.G. Wodehouse. The MGM film "Rosalie" showcased new music by Cole Porter.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: largest item: 8.5" x 12.875"
  • Medium: AMQS & TDS

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March 25, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
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