Scarce and desirable DS, one page, 8.5 x 11, September 2, 1949. Document by which Monroe instructs the cashier of 20th Century Fox Film Corp. to deliver all payments to William Morris Agency, Inc. In part: "You are hereby notified that I/we have authorized the William Morris Agency Inc., to accept delivery of any and all checks and/or sums of money which may from time to time be or become payable to me from you; and I hereby authorize you to deliver all such checks and/or sums of money to said William Morris Agency, Inc." Neatly signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Marilyn Monroe. In fine condition, with light creasing, a small stain in the left margin, and file holes to the top edge.



In March 1949, the young Marilyn Monroe signed a contract with the powerful William Morris Agency for representation in the film, radio, and television industries. Not long after signing on with William Morris, Monroe began dating the firm’s vice president, Johnny Hyde. Smitten with the young actress, Hyde purportedly paid for her to undergo minor plastic surgery, and was then instrumental in landing Monroe a walk-on part in the Marx Brothers’ 1949 musical comedy Love Happy. With Hyde’s persistence, Monroe appeared in a total of six films the following year, including memorable parts in John Huston’s The Asphalt Jungle and Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s All About Eve. Monroe’s incredible sex appeal enabled Hyde to negotiate a seven-year contract with 20th Century-Fox in December 1950, a deal that soon made her a household name.