Nov 5, 2025 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
63
Mary Martin and Ethel Merman signed Big Apple poster
Property of a Massachusetts Collector
MARY MARTIN and ETHEL MERMAN
The Big Apple. New York: Ogilvy & Mather, 1976. Number 1569 out of 2500 numbered copies, signed by Mary Martin and Ethel Merman. Color printed poster, 35 x 25½ inches. Framed with a cutting from the program to Merman and Martin's 1977 "Together on Broadway" event. Some creasing and a few scratches to the poster. Visible remnants of adhesive used to secure program to the poster.
In 1977, Ethel Merman and Mary Martin gave a one-night-only performance called "Together on Broadway" for the Friends of the Theater and Music Collection of the Museum of the City of New York. The performance was a hit—Walter Kerr called it a "2-alarm fire of genius." Presumably for the same benefit, Merman and Martin signed this poster, printed as part of Ogilvy & Mather's iconic "Big Apple" campaign that helped revitalize New York's image in the midst of the 1970s fiscal crisis. A wonderful piece of New York City history, signed by two of the city's most enduring entertainment icons.
Sold for $1,408
Estimated at $250 - $500
Includes Buyer's Premium
Property of a Massachusetts Collector
MARY MARTIN and ETHEL MERMAN
The Big Apple. New York: Ogilvy & Mather, 1976. Number 1569 out of 2500 numbered copies, signed by Mary Martin and Ethel Merman. Color printed poster, 35 x 25½ inches. Framed with a cutting from the program to Merman and Martin's 1977 "Together on Broadway" event. Some creasing and a few scratches to the poster. Visible remnants of adhesive used to secure program to the poster.
In 1977, Ethel Merman and Mary Martin gave a one-night-only performance called "Together on Broadway" for the Friends of the Theater and Music Collection of the Museum of the City of New York. The performance was a hit—Walter Kerr called it a "2-alarm fire of genius." Presumably for the same benefit, Merman and Martin signed this poster, printed as part of Ogilvy & Mather's iconic "Big Apple" campaign that helped revitalize New York's image in the midst of the 1970s fiscal crisis. A wonderful piece of New York City history, signed by two of the city's most enduring entertainment icons.
Auction: Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Nov 5, 2025
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Popular Stage & Screen Auction on November 5, 2025 Attracted Global Audience
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Memorabilia, Autographs, Artwork & Photographs Celebrating Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
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Archive of Samuel Beckett Material from the Estate of His American Director Alan Schneider Topped $75,000
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Sale Featured a Special Section Devoted to the Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's popular Stage & Screen auction on November 5, 2025 attracted fans and collectors around the world vying for an exciting range of offerings celebrating the performing arts of Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.
The Estate of Alan Schneider
Featured in the sale was fascinating collection of early Waiting for Godot material from the Estate of Alan Schneider that topped $75,000 amid trans-Atlantic competition. “The primary American director of Samuel Beckett plays” and a close friend of the playwright, Alan Schneider died in 1984, and his widow died at 101 this past summer. This remarkable archive offered an extraordinary glimpse into the creative partnership between Schneider and Beckett, spanning decades of groundbreaking theatrical work. Highlights included Schneider’s annotated working copy of Waiting for Godot used in the landmark American production, an inscribed typescript of Eh Joe, and first editions and presentation copies of Endgame and Happy Days, many personally inscribed to Schneider by Beckett. Other treasures included manuscripts, letters, awards, recordings and posters that document a pivotal collaboration in modern theater history. Read more
The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Doyle was honored to offer a sequel to the successful 2011 auction of property from the estate of the legendary actor. Featured in the sale were artwork, furniture, photographs and memorabilia. Read More.
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