As the Academy Awards approach, we delve into the fascinating world of collectible screenplays, some of which can fetch a small fortune. Discover the hidden gems of Hollywood's past and learn what makes these scripts so valuable.
In the realm of ephemera, appearances can be deceiving. What might look like a scruffy pile of paper could actually be the blueprint of a Hollywood blockbuster, such as Quentin Tarantino’s star-studded Pulp Fiction, a document valued at $950 [^1]. Movie scripts or screenplays can become highly valuable and sought after in collector markets, while others can be relatively inexpensive. Like book collecting, there are key factors to determine if you have a treasure on your hands.
To gain more insight into film scripts, we spoke with Dan Gregory, a bookselling expert from Between the Covers in Merchantville, New Jersey. Between the Covers is one of North America's leading sellers of screenplays and film ephemera.
Screenplays appeal to cinema lovers and book enthusiasts alike. "Book collectors who also love movies often find film scripts and screenplays interesting additions to their collections," says Dan. The reasons for collecting can vary widely. For some, scripts are artifacts that recall the experience of watching a classic movie. For others, they reveal the inner workings of the filmmaking process and the decisions that shaped the movie. Regardless of the reason, film scripts can be a delightful addition to a book collection or the starting point for a comprehensive collection of film material.
Unlike books, the condition of a screenplay is less critical for most collectors. "Condition, a factor usually critical for book values, is less important for film scripts because of their limited and fragile productions, and because all copies were intended for daily use," explains Dan. The chances of finding a "better" copy of a script are much more limited than for a book.
The value of a script, like that of a book or most other commodities, depends on supply and demand. "A script for a classic movie loved by millions is always going to cost more than a script for a little-known picture watched only by film historians and aficionados," says Dan. For example, a copy of the 1943 Ernst Lubitsch-directed classic Heaven Can Wait ($1,200) will understandably garner a higher price than the 1981 film Taps ($200) [^2].
Signatures can significantly affect the value of screenplays, but there is greater room for variance in the screenplay market. With a book, the only signatures that usually appear are those of the author and possibly the illustrator. With a film, however, many more people are visibly involved in the production, such as the writer, director, and cast. For instance, a script for the 1938 film Man About Town ($8,500) is signed by many actors, including Jack Benny and Dorothy Lamour, making it highly desirable [^3].
Sometimes, the name of the actor, screenwriter, or production person that a copy was intended for can add to the provenance and value. For example, a copy of The Highlander priced at $750 is believed to have belonged to Sean Connery. Notations by someone involved in the production can also enhance the value, similar to notations in an uncorrected proof of a book.
With screenplays, it is not always the first edition that will fetch the highest price. The number of copies can vary from a few dozen to several dozen, depending on the needs of the production. These different states can be worth different amounts depending on how many of that specific state were produced. For example, copies of The Shop Around the Corner can range from $2,000 to $2,500, depending on the version [^4].
You don't always need to spend a lot to get something interesting. On the lower end, you can buy a copy of Howard the Duck for $75 or Night of the Living Dead for about $30. Stepping it up a notch, you can get Gremlins I & II for $400, Silence of the Lambs for $150, or Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan for $600.
For those willing to spend more, you can get your hands on a piece of history: Oliver Stone’s JFK ($1,250), Stanley Kubrick‘s 2001: A Space Odyssey ($2,001), or Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather ($12,500).
When asked about the most valuable script he had ever sold, Dan Gregory mentioned Gone with the Wind, which sold for $9,500.
Collecting screenplays can be a rewarding hobby, offering a unique glimpse into the world of filmmaking. Whether you're a casual collector or a serious aficionado, there's something for everyone in the world of collectible screenplays.
[^1]: AbeBooks - Pulp Fiction [^2]: AbeBooks - Heaven Can Wait [^3]: AbeBooks - Man About Town [^4]: AbeBooks - The Shop Around the Corner
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