Description:

Golden Age of Hollywood
Hollywood, CA, ca. 1933-1948
Greta Garbo Signed Dramatic Still from "Queen Christina" Scrapbook, 100+ Photographs Documenting the Hollywood Career of Sir Charles Aubrey
Archive

More than 100 photographs of varying sizes, most approximately 8" x 10", mounted in a large scrapbook measuring 12.25" x 15"; with an additional 21 photographs laid in, three photographs inscribed to C. Aubrey Smith, and an LS from Emperor Haile Selassie. Overall condition varies with chipping to the edges of the scrapbook pages, without affecting the photographs. The majority of the photographs are mounted with adhesive, and some with cello tape resulting in minor staining in the margins.

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Most notably, the scrapbook includes a sepia toned still of Greta Garbo with C. Aubrey Smith in "Queen Christina." The photograph measures 9.2" x 7.2" and is signed "Greta Garbo" in pencil at lower right. Released in 1933, Garbo played the titular role of the 17th-century Swedish monarch who renounces her throne for love and freedom. It's one of her most acclaimed performances and is often cited as her signature role. The still captures Garbo and Smith, playing the role of Count Axel Oxenstierna, the Queen's senior adviser, in a tense exchange. Early signed photos of Garbo are exceptionally scarce, and this dramatic scene will have tremendous appeal for Early Hollywood collectors.

The photographs in the scrapbook span the entirety of Smith's career in Hollywood with the earliest being stills from his 1931 film, "Daybreak" and ending with casual snapshots of the esteemed actor with his wife and dog. Occasional magazine photos and articles are included. A partially typed filmography is included at the very front; the films up through the year 1935 are typed, and the rest are added by hand (possibly Smith's). Earlier photographs of his stage work are laid in at the rear of the album. Included in the more than 100 photographs are three promotional portraits signed by Smith in white ink and stamped, "Proof Photo / Unretouched." There are an additional six photographs captioned in white ink. The completeness of the archive together with the photographs inscribed to Smith suggests that these items belonged to him.

Additional items of note include an Ethel Barrymore signed photograph, and a manuscript letter signed by Emperor Haile Selassie. The Barrymore photo is 7" x 10.5"; a sepia toned studio profile shot inscribed and signed at bottom right, "For dear Aubrey Smith / from / Ethel Barrymore / 1927." The Emperor Haile Selassie is one page, 8.25" x 10", sending thanks to Smith for his "film appeal on behalf of the Ethiopian refugees."

Sir Charles Aubrey Smith was one of the most distinguished British character actors of the early Hollywood era. The scrapbook offered here documents a notable career and provides valuable provenance for a spectacular Garbo signed photograph.

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: scrapbook: 12.25" x 15"
  • Medium: Archive

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November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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