Lot 297

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Description:

Lenny Bruce Signed 1958 Performance Contract

A 4pp typed document signed by comedian Lenny Bruce (1925-1966) in blue ballpoint on onion skin paper measuring 8.5” x 13”, Los Angeles, November 14, 1958. Countersigned by Bruce's manager, Herbert Cohen (1932-2010). Stapled at the top to a light blue legal back. Slight musty odor. Central horizontal fold, minor toning and light wear, else in near fine condition.

A partnership agreement between Bruce and Cohen defining the terms of a venture entered into by both parties concerning three months of performances of "A Wonderfully Sick Evening" at the Attic Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

Lenny Bruce revolutionized American comedy, by his transgressive interrogation of taboo issues like sex, race, religion, and society, and also by his use of unedited language. Bruce pushed the envelope of humor, and by so doing, also pushed against the boundaries of socially and legally acceptable public behavior. As such, he is now known as a champion of free speech. Bruce was arrested 15 times in two years, mostly on obscenity charges. The entertainer was blacklisted and facing bankruptcy when he died of an accidental morphine overdose at the age of 40 in 1966. On December 23, 2003, 37 years after Bruce's death, New York Governor George Pataki granted Bruce a posthumous pardon for his obscenity conviction.

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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February 1, 2023 11:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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