Lot #127: A stunning portrait of Greta Garbo (previous page, bottom right) transcends the publicity still format; taken by Edward Steichen, it’s a serious piece of photographic history, regardless of the actress’s fame. This print was made before WWII and carries a stamp as proof that it was once owned by the Museum of Modern Art. It sold for $40,000.

Lot #527: Citizen Kane fans take note: Kane was inspired by publishing giant William Randolph Hearst, who here inscribes his portrait (and quotes a poem as well) as a Valentine to girlfriend Marion Davies, whose place in Hollywood lore has more to do with their relationship than with her acting career.

Lot #551: Behind-the-scenes documents, such as a contract signed by Frank Sinatra, may be among the least glamorous things in the auction, but they have a peculiar appeal, serving as a peek into the business dealings behind some iconic career moves.

Lot #571 isn’t just any hardbound movie script. This Wind in the Willows screenplay has notes written throughout by Walt Disney himself.

Lot #634: One of the granddaddies of movie poster collecting, this gigantic King Kong poster is one of only three of its kind known to exist, and was expected to sell for around $250,000. Not only did it meet that goal, it surpassed it: The poster sold for $300,000. Kong is grand, but if I could have had one poster in the auction it would have been Lot #615, which isn’t just a landmark movie with a legendary star (Marlene Dietrich’s Shanghai Express) but is a stunning piece of graphic design in its own right. I wasn’t alone: It sold for $65,000.

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