As it is now a custom in California, the auction houses try their best in providing some sort of background for the lots they offer. The last is almost comical, it is no longer the legacy of a star washed away by time or the unknown supporting actress who had a bit part in a major blockbuster, but the collection of the respectable lawer Harold Berkowitz. It seems that having been a prominent figure in his field, several stars turned to him for legal advice and only 'that' makes it something else altogether, or so it seems from the press note distributed by the California firm.  

What influence did Harold Berkowitz have on Shelley Winter 's performance in Staley Kubrick's Lolita? And in Jack Lemmon's role in Neal Simon's The prissoner on second Avenue? It is irrelevant, the important thing is he knew these and other celebrities and he helped them with their legal matters. The truth is Berkowitz's roast of famous clients included the Canis Lungus family, that is the dog superstar Rin Tin Tin. 

But is that a good enough reason to pay more for a pastel and oil on canvas work by Monique Frydman entitled Jaune Majeur III which has an estimate of 12.000-18.000 dollars? Expirience tells us yes, but one must not forget to never over estimate the love of America for their royals, and that is something every film producer knows.  

The golden age of mythomania makes it very tempting for auction houses around Hollywood to focus on the glorious past of its owners. Saying goes: 'It sells beter with a little Hollywood charisma'. The lastest Elisabeth Taylor jewllery sales held in December by Christie's or a few pitiful possesions belonging to Michael Jackson confirm this trend.

But not everything is light and smoke in the movies, or in real life, since Berkowitz will share the stage with philantropists of the Silverlake Jewish Community, who expect to donate the proceeds to their foundation. Even so, the bidding room offers works that need no cosmetics, such as the bronze work by Alfio Castelli with an estimate of 20.000-40.000 dollars. Let us pray it did not once belong to Berkowitz. Alfonso Carbajo Agrasar  

• Back to Auctions