This listing is for the original autograph pictured.

From a great autograph book from the 1960’s. This book belongs to a friend of mine' in his 80's. He is clearing out his house prior to moving. Amongst what is best described as mainly Junk was a little bit of treasure that has remained untouched for 50 years.

An autograph book that was in very good condition by virtue of having been set aside some 50 years ago. Not many pages had been used but you can have great confidence in the authenticity of these autographs. The proceeds from this sale will help with the costs of his move.

He started as a part-time doorman at was then the Watford Gaumont cinema in 1963. It later changed its name to the Odeon. He worked his way up and was offered a full-time managerial position in March 1965, and went as an Assistant Manager to the Odeon, Southend, and later that year he was promoted to House Manager of the Ritz Cinema, Southend. He had other positions throughout the country, leaving the industry in 1970.

He has many entertaining anecdotes from his time in the industry. He says the Rolling Stones took over the male staffroom at the Watford cinema as a dressing room. There was not much accommodation for artistes appearing in shows backstage in those days. He had to clear up the mess that they had left behind and it is something he has always remembered. He did go in early with his Autograph book. Whilst there he met up with three of the Stones obtaining their signatures. He says The Stones left it in an appalling state. Remnants of take away food including chicken bones were just scattered on the floor There was a lot of fan mail in there and they showed him some of the letters, one of the letters from a fan saying she would leave her bedroom window open for Mick who could climb up the drainpipe to get in!

Another of his anecdotes refers to Dorothy Squires. Her dresser came round to the management office asking whether they had a glass of sherry that Miss Squires could gargle with before she went on stage? They obliged but ten minutes later the dresser was back wanting another. They duly filled up the glass and a short time later the dresser returned for more. The General Manager gave him the bottle and said for him to take it round to the dressing room with his compliments. He went backstage with it to Dorothy Squires' dressing room where he was warmly welcomed, and he had my autograph album so asked her to sign it. She happened to have Mark Eden (later to be Coronation Street’s Alan Bradley), with her so he asked him to sign, too. They had a chat for about 20 minutes, and he then arranged a seat for Mark to see the show. 

 

The autograph book contained those listed below. The Rolling Stones page sold for £650

Brian Jones, Mick Jagger & Bill Wyman Rolling Stones Show Odeon Watford 6th October 1964

Inez & Charlie Foxx Odeon Watford 6th October 1964

The MoJo’s Odeon Watford 6th October 1964

Oliver Reed photo front and back Odeon Elephant & Castle London 1966

Dixie Cups Odeon Watford 27th October 1964

The Hollies Odeon Watford 27th October 1964

Heinz Odeon Watford 27th October 1964

Jess Conrad Odeon Watford 27th October 1964

Mark Eden Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

Dorothy Squires Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

The Batchelors Photo card & Book Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

Ronnie Jones Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

Susan Maughan Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

Mike Preston Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

Ray Cameron Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

Freddy Parrot Face Davis Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

Elaine & Derek Odeon Southend 6th June 1965

Des O’Conner Odeon Southend 26th July 1965

Cliff Richard (Photo card and page) Odeon Southend 26th July 1965

The Shadows Odeon Southend 26th July 1965

Joe Brown 1963 (stuck in photo card)