Jackie Gleason Signed Program w/ Gertrude Niesen, "The Honeymooners!" JSA Auto

Title: Jackie Gleason & Gertrude Niesen Dual-Signed 1944 Follow The Girls Program Pages – JSA Certified

Description:
Presented here is an original 8.25" x 11" dual-sided program page from the 1944 wartime stage musical Follow The Girls, signed in graphite pencil by its two headlining stars—Jackie Gleason and Gertrude Niesen. Each performer has signed their respective program page, with Niesen personalizing her autograph: “To John”. Both pages feature striking black-and-white promotional photos along with period biographical write-ups.

Of additional historical note, the Niesen side bears a handwritten notation in ink stating that the autographs were obtained by a U.S. Navy servicemember who attended the show on September 7, 1944, making this a poignant example of wartime Broadway memorabilia. The page shows slightly uneven edges from removal from the original program and exhibits minor handling wear, but both signatures remain bold, crisp, and legible.

Historical Context:
Follow The Girls opened at the Century Theatre on April 8, 1944, and became a successful wartime musical comedy. The show gave Jackie Gleason, then a young comedian, a significant early spotlight that would help launch his iconic entertainment career. Gertrude Niesen, already an established singer and actress, was hailed for her performance and stage presence. This production marked a unique moment when two major talents shared the stage at a time when Broadway was offering escapism and morale-boosting fare to American audiences, including servicemen on leave.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This dual-autograph piece is accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from James Spence Authentication (JSA), with Certification Number YY56048. The Gleason signature is specifically noted on the front, and Niesen's on the reverse, both signed in graphite pencil. The signatures have been examined and verified against known exemplars for style, formation, and ink characteristics.

Closing Appeal:
A rare, wartime-era signed artifact featuring an early Jackie Gleason signature—particularly scarce from this period—paired with a personalized autograph from Gertrude Niesen. This dual-signed program page from a popular 1940s Broadway production carries not only celebrity and entertainment value but also a tangible connection to the American home front during World War II. A unique and desirable piece for collectors of vintage entertainment or wartime ephemera.