Hollywood legend Marlon Brando 's personal effects were auctioned in a sale that raised more than $2.4 million, but which Brando 's biographer said would have the renowned recluse "turning over in his grave."
Fans and collectors flocked to Christie's salesroom and telephone bidders called in from around the world during the 6 1/2 hour auction. The final tally for the 320 items sold was well above the presale estimate of about $1 million.
Many of the lots featured scripts, pictures, clothing and other materials from Brando's movies. His annotated script from The Godfathercollected $312,800, a record for an auctioned film script, and far surpassed the $10,000-$15,000 estimate.
A note from The Godfatherauthor Mario Puzo appealing to Brando to take the starring role garnered $132,000, much more than the anticipated $800-$1,200. And a telegram to Marilyn Monroe when she was hospitalized for depression sold for $36,000. It was predicted to fetch between $300 and $500.
Marlon's daughter, Rebecca Brando, said she was happy with the way the auction was conducted, but said it was an emotional day for her.
"It is sad ... all these things were part of my childhood," she said.
Proceeds will be split among Brando's nine children, all of whom she said were in favor of the auction.
But Brando biographer Peter Manso said, “I think the whole auction is creepy and I can tell you I'm not the only one who thinks so after spending two days with ( Brando 's son) Christian.“
"The auction borders on complete tastelessness and Brando would never, ever, ever have wanted this," the author of Brando: The Biographysaid.
According to Mr Manso, Brando left instructions that his bedroom be sealed with a padlock after his death.
“I can assure you Marlon is turning over in his grave to think that someone has his driver's license.“
Even mundane items went for thousands of dollars. At auction, a pair of Brando's California driver's licenses went for $25,000. A collection of credit cards sold for $10,000. And a burrwood coffee table made by Brando garnered $5,500, double the estimate.
A 1959-dated letter from Martin Luther King Jr. asking for Brando's help with the youth march for integrated schools was sold for $11,000, nearly three times its pre-auction estimate.
Brando, regarded as one of the world's greatest actors, launched his career after a stage performance as a swaggering brute in “Streetcar Named Desire.” He later immortalized the role in the 1951 screen version.
He won Oscars for On the Waterfrontin 1954 and The Godfatherin 1972, and influenced subsequent generations of actors.
The enigmatic actor shunned mainstream Hollywood and advocated environmental and Native American causes. He died in July of lung failure at the age of 80.
His estate, worth just over $20 million, was split among his nine children after he died.