Lucille Ball's First Film Contract Donated to Lucy-Desi Museum

A signed contract by Lucille Ball for her first film, Romans Scandals was found in California by major donors to the Lucy-Desi Museum in Jamestown.

William and Mary Rapaport, where Mary is also a member of the board of the museum wanted to donate the signed contract to the museum instead of the possiblity that the contract ending up in a private collection.

This contract, signed July 11, 1933 helped launch Lucille Ball's career from modeling to film, radio and finally to TV. Lucy spanning over 60 years of entertainment from her beginning with the Hollywood studio of Samuel Goldwyn, signed the contact at age 22 which landed her a role as a chorus girl in her first film.

The contract stated Lucy would receive "railroad transportation including lower berth from New York to Los Angeles" and be paid $60 per week with the option to extend the contract for up to 7 years with a final salary of $500 per week.

You will be able to see this contract at the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center in Jamestown, Lucy's hometown.