Object of the Day: An Autographed Photo of Bette Davis

For a country that has no proper royalty, we have a knack for creating our own Kings and Queens. One of the greatest was Bette Davis—true “Hollywood Royalty” (all right, make all your Mommie Dearest jokes regarding “Hollywood Royalty” now). She was an actress, a producer, a wife (several times), a mother, a grandmother, a ball of fire, a bitch and a friend. Even after a debilitating stroke, a bout with cancer, and the betrayal of her eldest child, she kept going with a keen wit, a sense of humor and no small amount of pride.


I’ve always admired Miss Davis and love her films. This autographed photo dates to the mid 1940’s, though I suspect it was signed later than that. She has a special place in my study and it’s always nice to see her looking out at me. If I had half of her gumption, I’d be in very good shape.

Object of the Day: Garry Moore’s Autograph

Known for his crew-cut, bow ties and cheery disposition, Garry Moore was one of the most famous faces in early broadcasting. His successful Garry Moore Show introduced the world to many up-and-coming entertainers, most notably Carol Burnett. He was the host of I’ve Got a Secret for many years and has subsequently been named one of the greatest personalities of the era.


I used to enjoy watching the vintage game shows. Seeing the sophistication of people like Kitty Carlisle, Arlene Francis, John Charles Daly and Garry Moore always appealed to me. Mr. Moore photo has a special place in my study, next to a picture of Kitty Carlisle. The two of them look out at me while I work and remind me of an elegance and wit to which we all should aspire.

Object of the Day: An Autograph from Arlene Francis

Though not a household name any more, Arlene Francis was a pioneer of early broadcasting, and the first woman to be entrusted with hosting a television program in the 1950’s. This remarkable woman was welcomed into American homes first as a radio personality, and, then as the host of her own TV show, Blind Date. She’s also fondly remembered as a panelist on the extremely urbane and sophisticated, What’s My Line?


Francis, also a Broadway and film star, was the epitome of elegance and intellect. Known for her wit, her beauty and her grace, Arlene Francis was a role model for many women in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This autographed photo of Arlene Francis dates to the late 1940’s following her marriage to actor/producer Martin Gabel. She’s wearing the iconic diamond heart pendant that was one of Gabel’s first gifts to her. She wore the pendant almost every day until it was snatched from her throat by a mugger in 1988.

Arlene Francis plowed a path for women in broadcasting. She should be remembered not only for her beauty and sophistication, but for her fearlessness.

Object of the Day: Butterfly McQueen's Autograph

Though you may not know her name, you know her most famous line, “I don’t know nothin’ ‘bout birthin’ babies.” A former dancer, Thelma McQueen was given the nickname, “Butterfly” because of her ever-fluttering hands and the delicacy with which she danced. She legally changed her name to “Butterfly” later in her life. Her very first film role as Prissy, Scarlett’s maid in 1939’s Gone with the Wind, has forever placed Miss McQueen in an important niche in movie history. She appeared in many famous films over her career, including two with Joan Crawford: The Women and Mildred Pierce. McQueen quickly grew tired of the racially insensitive and stereotypical roles she was forced to play, and ended her film career in 1947. Later, she made many television appearances and made a brief return to film in 1986.


This framed photo still from Gone with the Wind depicts the moment just before her most famous line. Framed and matted with a border of the incised design of the pediment and columns so associated with antebellum plantations, the still is presented above a page autographed by Miss McQueen.

The autographs of classic film stars are big business, and Gone with the Wind Autographs are among the most sought after. Though Butterfly McQueen worked in a time when she would never be able to play the roles of substance that she could have now, she will always be remembered as a consummate professional, and a very talented performer.