This is an AUTHENTIC HAND SIGNED ORIGINAL Vintage 8"x 10" BW photo of American film actress, producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist MARION DAVIES featuring her autograph. Marion Cecilia Davies (born Marion Cecilia Elizabeth Brooklyn Douras; January 3, 1897 – September 22, 1961) was an American film actress, producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist.

Davies appeared in several Broadway musicals and one film, Runaway Romany (1917), and then became the mistress of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. He then took over management of her career. Hearst financed Davies' pictures and promoted her heavily through his newspapers and Hearst Newsreels. He founded Cosmopolitan Pictures to produce her films. Hearst preferred to see her in historical dramas, but her real talent was in comedy. Today Davies is remembered mainly as Hearst's mistress until his death, and as the hostess of many lavish events for the Hollywood elite. In particular, her name is linked with the 1924 scandal aboard Hearst's yacht when one of his guests, film producer Thomas Ince, died.

In the film Citizen Kane (1941), the title character's second wife—an untalented singer whom he tries to promote—was widely assumed to be based on Davies. But many commentators, including Citizen Kane writer/director Orson Welles himself, have defended Davies' record as a gifted actress, to whom Hearst's patronage did more harm than good. She retired from the screen in 1937, choosing to devote herself to Hearst and charitable work. In Hearst's declining years, Davies provided emotional support until his death in 1951. She married for the first time eleven weeks after his death, a marriage which lasted until Davies died from complications due to malignant osteomyelitis (cancer of the jaw)  in 1961 at the age of 64.

This is an awesome autographed piece of entertainment memorabilia and will look great framed. This signed photo comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. All of the autographed items I have listed are from my personal collection. They were either obtained by me personally from the celebrity(s) or through a reputable dealer. If not satisfied with this item you may return it within 10 days. This photo is boldly signed and is in Xlt. condition. Any of the (LOGOS ON PICTURES ARE NOT ON ACTUAL PHOTO). Any flaws you might see in the picture other than mentioned are from my camera, not the photo itself! All photos are sent in either top loaders and/or archival acid free backer boards and clear plastic sleeves. Shipping and handling is $8.00 U.S, $38.00 Canada, OVERSEAS- OUTSIDE OF CANADA PLEASE EMAIL FOR S/H QUOTE AS IT COULD BE MORE. Insurance is extra cost. Seller not responsible for uninsured items. WE WILL COMBINE ORDERS TO SAVE YOU COSTS FOR S/H. We do our very best to ship items within 24 hours of payment being received. Email us if you have any questions regarding this item.   1-7-12 NC BK# 159-35  CHECK OUT OUR MANY OTHER GREAT ITEMS LISTED!