Original Sheet Music (9×12) for the song “The Girl Friend of the Whirling Dervish” sung in the Busby Berkeley musical comedy, GARDEN OF THE MOON (1938) starring Pat O’Brien, Margaret Lindsay, and John Payne. The plot involves a very young John Payne and his band traveling from New York to play in the ruthless and unscrupulous Pat O’Brien’s popular club in Los Angeles. This film gave Payne the kind of break that led to a seven-year contract with Fox after they saw him as the brash band leader/singer. “The Girl Friend of the Whirling Dervish” performed by Payne and his band is the most memorable song in the film, and this original sheet music is in very fine condition.

Original First National Pictures One Sheet Poster (27×41) for the George Amy and Busby Berkeley drama, SHE HAD TO SAY YES (1933) starring Loretta Young, Winnie Lightner, and Lyle Talbot. This was Berkeley’s first directorial credit (shared with the film’s editor), and he got stuck with one of the most sleazy and sexist scripts in pre-code Hollywood, in which the boss decides to use secretaries to “entertain” clients after hours. The exploitation, manipulation, and harassment of women are the focus of every scene. Every male role is a sleazy businessman who constantly tries to trick a woman into sex or into making money for him. This original one sheet poster is folded and in very fine condition, with some minor fold separations and distresses. One of the best pre-code posters we have seen. You have to say YES.

Original First National Pictures Scene Lobby Card (11×14) for the Busby Berkeley musical comedy, STAGE STRUCK (1936)—starring Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, and Warren William. Following the pattern of their earlier musical hits, in this film Broadway director George (Powell) has to stage a show starring a wealthy but untalented performer (think Paris Hilton in 1936) named Peggy (Blondell), who is starring only because she is backing the show. Berkeley directed the film while also going through a trial for manslaughter resulting from driving while drunk. Despite the fact that Berkeley was known for his outrageous and surreal production numbers, a tight budget precluded any of these signature extravaganzas. This original scene lobby card is in very fine plus condition.

This is an original MGM Insert Poster (14×36) for the Norman Taurog and Busby Berkeley musical comedy, GIRL CRAZY (1943) starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Besides the on-screen magic of Judy and Mickey (their eighth film together and many believe their best), the film boasts one of the best scores of Ira and George Gershwin songs ever, captivating performances by the Tommy Dorsey Band, and even a spectacular Busby Berkeley staging of the sensational “I Got Rhythm.” For Judy, Mickey, and Gershwin fans—this film is a treasure. This original insert poster is in very fine condition.