Absolutely rare original signed check for $5002.30 from Samuel Goldwyn Productions

Absolutely rare original signed check for $5002.30 from Samuel Goldwyn Productions made out to Pearl Bailey, dated September 6, 1958. Pearl Bailey was working on Porgy and Bess, which was released June 4th, 1959 (Otto Preminger, Director). This check was all or part of her payment for playing Maria in Porgy and Bess. The check is signed on the back twice -- Pearl Bailey and Pearl Bellson (Pearl was married to jazz drummer Louie Bellson, who revitalized the Duke Ellington Orchestra in the 1950s). The Porgy and Bess film was marginally successful when released, winning an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy Award. Ira Gershwin and the Gershwin estate were unhappy with the film, however, and rescinded the rights to the film in the 1970s. As a result, the film has never been on video or DVD here in America, and few public screenings have been permitted, albeit begrudgingly. It is believed that the original negative is in dire need of a restoration. This collection has a DVD copy of the entire film, obtained from another country.