Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon autographed photo

• A rare and beautiful Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon autographed photo

Ben Lyon (1901-1979) began his career as an actor on Broadway. He starred in a number of Hollywood movies, notably 1930's Hell's Angels. Following the decline of his acting career he became a studio executive with 20th Century Fox.

It was while working at 20th Century Fox that Lyon discovered a young actress, Norma Jeane Dougherty, renamed her Marilyn Monroe, organised her first colour screen test, and signed her to her first studio contract. Of Monroe, he is quoted as saying that she was "Jean Harlow all over again".

Lyon married Bebe Daniels (1901-1971) in 1930, at the height of his success. Daniels was a star in her own right, carving out a career as a child actress in Hollywood's silent movies. She made over 230 films and, from the 1950s, worked on radio and television to much acclaim in England.

This striking photograph shows the successful couple bathed in soft light. The Hollywood sheen of glamour is evident with the flawless skin and engaging eyes. Lyon's hair is greased back neatly, his eyebrows slightly furrowed with intensity. Daniel's hair is softly curled, her eyes and lips glossed heavily in make-up.

Sepia-toned and attractively mounted, the photograph measures 6.5 x 4.5 inches, without mount. Daniels' and Lyon's autographs feature in the bottom portion of the photograph. Daniels has written: "Our best wishes, Bebe Daniels", with Lyon adding "Ben Lyon".

The photograph is in excellent condition, with the autographs standing out superbly against the photograph's white border.

Their autographs are rare separately, together they're extremely scarce.

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