Bea Arthur was good friend’s with the man who became Rue’s fourth husband. It really irked Rue that Bea remained friends with him after the divorce, too! Anyway, here is an original 8″ x 10″ professional photograph from the wedding that shows Bea dancing with the happy (?) couple.
$250 NOW $80!
Setof Polaroids From Rue's Madame Role
We aren’t sure, but we think these Polaroids are from a movie Rue made in 1995 entitled “Blackbird Hall.” We know the Polaroids are from a movie she made when she was playing a madame, but we can’t find anything about the movie online to confirm that it is the correct film. Anyway, the Polaroids are fabulous, right? We also found a few stills from the production and we’ll include prints of those. Rue’s three original Polaroids will appear on one Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.
$225 NOW $112.50
1967 - "MacBird!" Lot [DONATATED]
This is a combination of American theatre history and the history of Rue McClanahan. In 1967 she co-starred with Stacy Keach in the controversial production of “MacBird!” Public officials were trying to get it banned because it touched too closely on the relatively recent assassination of JFK. Rue didn’t care about the drama off the stage though, she just knew this was a meaty part on the stage, so she went after it and got it. This production produced one of my all-time-favorite Rue images – her in character getting touched up by the smoking makeup man. Ah, the ’60s! This lot comes with a gorgeous 16.75″ x 12.75″ framed image from the production featuring Rue and Stacy Keach, with the little publishing sticker on the back indicating the photograph was used in Rue’s book – “My First Five Husbands…and The Ones Who Got Away.” We also found Rue’s numbered opening night party invitation and a telegram her agent sent her on opening night (although the corner of that is ripped, but what do you expect? It is over 45 years old!). Also comes with Rue’s original paperback of the play, published in 1966, and an original Playbill from the production with Rue and Stacy Keach on the cover. This is a singular collection from a moment in time and a moment in Rue’s life. Everything comes with one Certificate of Authenticity and prints of the three production images shown.
$325
Rue's Yardstick
This is one of those household items of Rue’s that has practical value. If you are anything like Rue, you will use this yardstick all the time, too. Rue used this for any of the things one uses a yardstick for; she used it to measure stuff and to draw straight edges. But mostly, Rue used this yardstick with her sewing. In particular, she used this yardstick every time she worked on that quilt she spent 32-years finishing! I remember her using it one day when she was working on the ticking, or whatever it is called along the back of the quilt, and I said something sassy and this yardstick promptly cracked me right on the top of the head – Rue! Rue’s yardstick/weapon comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.
$99 NOW $49.50
Original Martha Swope 8" x 10" Stage Shot
Martha Swoop is one of the most prolific and successful dance and theatre photographers in the world. This is an original rehearsal shot that she took of Rue in her early career. If we knew who the man was, we could figure out the show. Do you know? We’re thinking this may be “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” but Rue looks a little too young for her turn as Martha. If you know, please email us at info@estateofrue.com. Ms. Swoop stamped this piece, so it is clearly marked as one of her photographs. Remember, because the photographer is famous, the piece is already highly collectible, but when you add in that it was OWNED by the Rue McClanahan, the provenance goes off the chart! Rue’s Martha Swoop original 8″ x 10″ comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.
$325 NOW $162.50
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Rue's Fancy Schmancy Demitasse Cup and Saucer
I remember the day Rue bought an espresso machine and used this fancy cup to drink the first one she made. I also remember her tapping out the grounds and accidentally throwing out the metal cup inside the handled piece and not being able to use the machine again until we could get a new one – oh, Rue! Rue’s fancy schmancy demitasse cup measures 2″ high and 2.5″ across, and the matching leaf shaped saucer is 4″ across. Rue’s lavender cup and saucer come with a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.
$275
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Rue's Mini Avon Breast Cancer Awareness Pin
I think I’ve told you this story before: I remember when Rue told me about her battle with breast cancer. It was a beautiful spring evening and we were riding in the back of a limousine through Central Park. She told me about the fear when she was first told the news, how she almost fainted, and about the horrors of treatment. However, the story had a happy ending because Rue McClanahan beat breast cancer and was alive to sit in the back of that limo with me and enjoy the gorgeous spring foliage in Central Park. Rue gave a lot of herself to support breast cancer awareness, early diagnosis, and support for the victims of the wretched disease. This is a mini-pin that Rue used to wear on her lapel. The pink ribbon was made by Avon and it measures one inch long. Rue’s breast cancer awareness pin comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Estate of Rue.
$175 NOW $87.50
