Description:

Monroe Marilyn

Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller 1957 Joint Financial Statement

 

1p partly printed and partly handwritten document signed by Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962) as "Marilyn Monroe Miller" and by her third husband and American playwright Arthur Miller (1915-2005) as "Arthur Miller" at lower right. Dated September 9, 1957. The document is a "Financial Statement for / Woodbury Savings Bank / Woodbury, CT". Expected light paper folds and a few chipped edges. Double hole punched along the left side. Unevenly trimmed at bottom. Else very good to near fine. 8.5" x 12.5". Accompanied by a photocopy of a bank document signed by Monroe and Miller on July 17, 1959, securing them a $35,000 loan at a 5.5% annual interest rate. Provenance: From the Collection of Dr. Goodman Basil Espy III.

 

The first document provides us with a snapshot of an unusual celebrity couple dubbed the "Egghead and the Hourglass". During Miller and Monroe's marriage between 1956-1961, the couple shuttled between homes in Connecticut and New York. The pair lived in a Revolutionary War-era farmhouse in Roxbury, Connecticut, approximately six miles west of Woodbury, where this document was prepared at the local bank. After their divorce, Miller continued to inhabit the Litchfield County house until his death in 2005.

 

In the fall of 1957, during what would become an extended hiatus from acting due to health problems, 31-year-old Monroe and 41-year-old Miller visited the Woodbury Saving Bank. Monroe's latest picture co-starring Laurence Oliver, The Prince and the Showgirl, had received mixed reviews. Miller was in between writing projects; his latest play A Memory of Two Mondays had been published in 1955.

 

The document reveals many fascinating aspects of the couple's financial lives. Their annual income was listed as "$50,000+". The sum cited as "Available for Home Ownership, Savings Etc." was probably seriously underreported at "$40,000 approx." The pair's total expenses were listed as "$30,000 + or -". The actress and the playwright did not have a mortgage. Their cars--of unspecified number--were appraised at $3,000.

 

Monroe listed her occupation as President of Marilyn Monroe Productions, the production firm that she cofounded with photographer Milton Greene in 1954. She also listed 20th Century Fox Corporation as the name of her second employer. Miller was described as self-employed. Under the "Total Liabilities" section, there is a possible reference to Monroe's impending split with her business partner. In answer to the question, "Are there any outstanding judgments or legal proceedings against you?", the response was recorded as: "Mr. + Mrs. Miller - none. Suit pending against M.M. Productions as a corporation." Monroe eventually bought out her business partner's share of the company.

 

Provenance

 

Dr. Goodman Basil Espy III is a Georgia-based collector whose collection--amassed over 70 years--was just liquidated. His primary interests included Hollywood memorabilia, especially anything pertaining to Marilyn Monroe; sports legends of football, boxing, and baseball; and vintage radios.

 

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.

 

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

January 16, 2020 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000