Once Babe Ruth retired in 1935, Lou Gehrig became the most famous player in the game. Like Ruth, Gehrig was sought after to endorse many different products that capitalized on his fame. One of the lesser-known attempts to optimize his popularity was his short sojourn as a Hollywood movie star. Lou’s first and only motion picture was a Twentieth Century Fox western called “Rawhide”. Gehrig plays himself and the storyline revolves around his retirement from baseball to take up the quiet life on a ranch.

     Far from the peace and quiet he sought, Lou uncovers a protection racket that preys on the local ranchers. Teaming up with an on-the-level attorney, Gehrig successfully puts the criminals behind bars. While not exactly a cinema triumph, “Rawhide” does have its moments, such as the bar fight scene in which Lou fights off a gang of attackers by throwing billiard balls at them. The 7 ¼ x 9 ½ inch sepia photo shows Gehrig in all his western finery, including a king-size 10-gallon hat. The photo has been signed in black fountain pen “To Kirk With my Kindest Personal Regards Always Lou Gehrig”. The photo has been professionally matted and framed to a dimension of16 ¼ x 18 ¼ inches. A rarely seen signed memento from Lou Gehrig’s short but sweet Hollywood career. The photo comes with an LOA from PSA/DNA (AD07110) for the signature.

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