Hayden, Sterling - Inscribed to Jean Hagen, Book Title Page - Asphalt Jungle
Book title page, removed from a very well-read and well-traveled copy of Sterling Hayden’s 2nd book, “Voyage”. The book was published January 1st, 1976.
On this 5 ½ x 9 title page, Sterling Hayden has written the following inscription to Jean Hagen, who was his costar in the 1950 classic John Huston noir film, “The Asphalt Jungle”, …
“For you, Jean Hagen – Scared and detached as I was, I always knew you had both class and courage (Along with a few other things) I hope these pages will give you a few laughs and maybe a feeling of the heart of your old friend Dix. With admiration and respect, Sterling”
In “The Asphalt Jungle” Jean Hagen had played “Doll” Sterling Hagen played “Dix”. This signed page comes with two 10x8 stills from the film, both showing Hayden & Hagen together.
Because of Sterling's portrayal of Captain McCluskey, in the Godfather, his autograph is today uncommon. Even though it is signed just using his first name, referring to himself as Dix, his charter in the Asphalt Jungle, a great movie in its own right, is priceless and unique.
Jean Hagen died of esophageal cancer on August 29, 1977, at the age of 54 at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Los Angeles.
Hayden died of prostate cancer in Sausalito in 1986, age 70.