Uncommon vintage inscribed black fountain pen signature on a 4x6-inch tan autograph album page, acquired in-person in the 1930s. In good condition, with the first letter in the dedication almost grazing the left edge. There was no forgetting Patsy Kelly, with her dumpy looks, loud mouth, brash mannerisms, and heavy Brooklyn accent. In 1933, Hal Roach lured her away from the New York City stage to Hollywood, to replace ZaSu Pitts as Thelma Todd's costar in a popular series of two-reel comedies. Over the next decade, she sustained a busy screen career, often playing the deadpan, wisecracking friend of the heroine. She retired after 1943, reportedly due to heavy drinking, and, years later, would popped up as a member of the Castavets' coven in Roman Polanski's horror classic, Rosemary's Baby (1968).

• Tweet