(LOT 655)
c.1931 Babe Ruth "Play Ball" Film Type 1 Universal Studios Photo - Measures Approx. 8" x 10" - PSA Type I Encapsulation
The "Sultan of Swat's" unparalleled popularity in America led the Yankee star to being lured into the business of making several films. Capitalizing on his unbridled charisma, movie producers sought out the Babe to star in films such as "Headin Home", "The Babe Comes Home", "Play Ball" and "Pride of the Yankees". This majestic offering provides an image of the great Bambino from his Universal Studios film "Play Ball" as Ruth engages a school teacher during one of his classroom sessions. Baseball purists who have seen Ken Burns "10-innings" baseball documentary can vividly recall this scene that was used during the 1920's segment, whereby an animated Ruth enters the classroom during a mathematics session and questions the schoolteacher with regard to his methodology for teaching multiplication tables.

Sponsored by Christy Walsh, the verso reveals a short caption reading: "Scene for the third of Universal's Christy Walsh All American Sports Reels which star Babe Ruth". The obverse side black & white image is absolutely breathtaking, portraying the finest possible contrast and clarity as well as a nearly dead-centered illustration that reflects no glaring flaws. Extremely well preserved for a photo approaching its 90th birthday, it clearly reminds us of how the incomparable Babe Ruth not only "stole the show" between the white lines, but "off the field" as well in various Hollywood related roles!

MIN BID $500
_