Ed Sullivan Rehearsal #1&2

Auction Description 2014

Beatles Ed Sullivan Show, February 9, 1964, Original 8mm Color Film Taken at Rehearsal along with Dress Rehearsal Schedule. Two never-before-seen three inch reels of silent color film still in their original processing boxes with early 1964-dated postage labels. This footage was taken by Noreen Fay of Wells & Four Fays, another act on this now-legendary Sullivan show in which the Beatles made their first American appearance. It shows the Beatles arriving and departing by limo, as well as footage taken from the audience during the Beatles rehearsal (approximately thirty-three seconds). Part of this shows the George "stand-in" (Harrison was sick and stayed in his room for one rehearsal), the balance shows him performing with the group. Also included is an 8" x 11" pink dittoed sheet titled "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "Air: February 9, 1964" along with "Whitehall/ Pillsbury" (sponsors) and "Rev #2 Dress as of 12:00". It lists, in order, every segment of the show in including all acts and commercials. The film has been transferred onto an included DVD with background narration by Noreen. Also included is a signed and notarized letter explaining the provenance; a transcript is available on our website. Expected age and wear to the film boxes.

More Information:

"My name is Noreen Wilson Salce, aka Noreen Fay. As an acrobatic dancer I was employed with Wells & Four Fays for ten (10) years. We were booked to do the, Ed Sullivan Show live on February 9, 1964, as were the Beatles. It was their first appearance in the U.S.A.

"I was in the dressing room getting ready for rehearsal when outside there was a lot of noise. Looking out the window I could see the policemen on horseback, so I got my 8mm movie camera and took film from my window. There were also two rows of policemen waiting.

"A black limousine pulled up in front of the CBS stage door and the Beatles got out one by one and went into the theatre. I knew the Beatles would be filming for the pre-taped Ed Sullivan Show to be aired on February 9, 1964, so I sat in the theatre and took filming of it. The monitor was in front of the stage, and one can see them on stage and on the monitor.

"The film shows the Beatles leaving after rehearsal and a photographer trying to get into the limousine with them. Security pulled her away. Some people ran after the limousine going down the street.

"This is a true statement of my association with Wells & Four Fays who appeared live on the Ed Sullivan Show on February 9, 1964, along with the Beatles, George, John, Paul and Ringo.

"Sincerely,

[signed] Noreen Wilson Salce"