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Diane Hutton, director of retail operations for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, holds an authentic leather-bound script of “The Godfather.” This rare screenplay was found among thousands of books donated to the organization.
By Tom Gorman (contact) 
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 | 2 a.m.
Pawn Stars: Diane Hutton
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Las Vegas local Diane Hutton tries to strike a deal for her signed movie script.
Gold & Silver Pawn
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This is how Diane Hutton, who runs one of the largest thrift store operations in town, ended up on the hit cable TV show "Pawn Stars" on Monday night.
A while back she was explaining to one of the workers in the warehouse at Catholic Charities how to spot valuable books. The fellow was staring at six months’ worth of donated books that had yet to find their way onto the shelves at the charity’s main store on North Rancho Drive near Vegas Drive.
Yes, she told him never to judge a book by its cover.
“I showed him how to flip through the pages and look for money. I’ve found lots of cash in books,” said Hutton, director of retail operations for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. “And I told him to be on the lookout for old, first-edition books, and for anything signed by an author.”
The conversation was prompted because Hutton had realized the worker had thrown away a set of 18 Dr. Seuss books — first editions from 1953 and 1958. “He said he thought they were just junkie kid books,” Hutton said. Oops.
She retrieved them and will display them behind glass, for sale, at Catholic Charities’ newest thrift store, opening Saturday at Rainbow and Charleston boulevards.
“And then I told him to open the cover and look to see if it was signed by an author, or if there is a note in the book.”
A little while later, the worker approached Hutton with a book in his hand. “Like this?” he asked.
He handed Hutton an inch-thick book, bound in burgundy leather, with “The Godfather” and the name Robert Evans embossed on the front. She quickly flipped it open (there was no loose cash) and found the title: “The Godfather: Screenplay by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola.” At the bottom of the first page, a typed note read, “Third Draft, March 29 1971.”
At the time, Evans was head of production at Paramount Studios, where the epic 1972 film was made.
Hutton went back to the inside cover page, then turned to the next page. There was a note: “Bob — It cost me a lot ... but there’s one thing that I got ... ulcers — Thanks — Al.”
One of the stars of the movie, Al Pacino?
There was no way of knowing who dropped off the screenplay at the charity, and whether it was donated intentionally or unwittingly, Hutton said.
“I told people around me, ‘Let’s see if we can find anyone who can authenticate the signature,’ and one of the girls said we should take it to Pawn Stars.”
So with the 158-page screenplay in hand, Hutton and three others drove to Gold & Silver Pawn on Las Vegas Boulevard, where “Pawn Stars” is filmed. “The others were curious to see what the place looked like,” she said.
After all, the two businesses — the Catholic Charities thrift shop and the pawnshop — are competitors of sorts, trading on stuff — even if one is certainly nonprofit and one is decidedly for profit.
Hutton is not allowed to discuss any behind-the-scenes details, but suffice to say she found herself talking to Rick Harrison (“He’s the bald guy,” Hutton clarified) and Austin “Chumlee” Russell (“He’s the tattoo guy”).
Harrison beckoned an expert to check on the authenticity of the document and the suspected Al Pacino note, and the expert offered his endorsement.
Hutton hoped the book might bring a couple thousand dollars — money that would help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and find jobs for the unemployed.
Harrison, mimicking Marlon Brando, told Hutton: “I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse.” It was $500.
Hutton did refuse, saying she hoped she’d fetch at least $1,000. So that was that. And the draft copy of “The Godfather” screenplay — with Al Pacino apparently complaining that the filmmaking gave him ulcers — is still for sale.
Hutton said she may hang on to it for a silent auction in February during the charity’s Hearts of Hope awards banquet.
“But maybe the Mob Museum will want to make us an offer,” she said.
She should contact Joe Maddalena at Profiles In History auction house. They deal with movie memorabilia and will get a lot more for it than that for her. http://www.profilesinhistory.com/
I'm offering $501
Sometimes Internet auctions can go bad because people later complain about the item. You didn't tell me the book and a bad page, or there was this or that wrong with it. Pawn Stars cash on the spot might be less, but the deal is done. What if the item is a fake? China turns out all kinds of fake "rare" items.
amazing find.
the moral of the story...
as i see it is...
never ever go to a pawn shop...
I wouldn't take my garbage to those bozos on pawn punks. There ain't a star among them.
A great show, but they always ask how much you want and then chop it in half..sometimes more..while entertaining, they do seem "out of it at times"..here is a book that "THEIR expert" verifyied and they want to give her $500 for it? it's worth more than that..take it to a reputable auction house and you'll do better..
Remember - a pawn shop is a pawn shop, not an expert in all things and auctions truly tell you the vaule of what people wil lpay for it..thats the price that determines the value - what people will pay for it.
4 hours to the south west by car there is a city called Los Angeles, within that is the city of Hollywood, the home and heart of the motion picture industry. THAT is where Ms. Hutton would do well to sell this screenplay. $500? That's an insult. If she wants to make top dollar for her charity, she would be wise to look south and west for a buyer or an auction house that appreciates the value of the manuscript.
List it on Ebay. Better chance of getting top dollar than relying on the local market!
The one thing you people are failing to notice is that pawn shops need to make a profit as well. If they pay top dollar how are they suppose to make money? Yes you can go to an auction house, but by the time you pay there share you could be at the same price, then again you could see the book for even less if not a lot of people are bidding on it. I do not work in a pawn shop but this is just common sense.
Auction houses take 20 to 30% of sale. She would not have done much better. What will do better is that she had free advertising. Now that the world knows she has this and it is for charity as a tax write off for some, the charity will get more and maybe full price. Unless the auction house donates their commission, she's better off with the public.
PS: remember the pawn shops have to make money too. Good show Rick! Hope you have a good year.
when is the las vegas sun going to do a series of articles on the economics behind typical pawn shop transactions???
or payday loans perhaps???
i thought this paper prided itself on sticking up for the little guy...
The show is entertaining to watch but I feel sorry for folks who get taken advantage of while star-struck! lol
Dear Ms Hutton -- pawn shops are wholesalers not retailers, while true values are typically obtained from markets such as those represented by auctions -- place the piece on ebay (online auction) setting the minimum amount you'd take for the piece as its "reserve" price and see what the "market" value of your piece commands -- be sure your description of the piece is detailed and all autographs authenticated with clear digital photos.
FWIW: A recent Pawn Stars episode had a gentleman trade his 1932 Ford Roadster (museum piece) for gold coins -- although the auto was worth substantially more than the $95,000 worth of gold bartered for the real kicker was that the coins received were gold alloy, (not 24-carats) which reduced the amount of "gold" actually received in exchange for the auto, apparently without the gentleman even knowing the difference -- preying upon another's ignorance makes for entertaining TV huh?
Only in Vegas baby -- where suckers are sliced-n-diced the old fashion way.
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they need to get ahold of hollywood treasures.
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Well these Pawn Stars guys are supposedly some very nice and down to earth guys. Maybe since this community and show has been so good to them they should offer the charity $500 for the book and then a cash donation to help the hungry for whatever the additional real value is. That would have been classy. Sometimes its ok not to make money off of everything.
Actually I'd like to also add that I have no idea what types of donations and such they make in private. These guys have a great show and are very charismatic. I like them alot. It is not fair to judge them on this. For all we know Rick took the lady in the back room and handed her a check for $2000 to help the hungry. But it sure would have been fun to see it if anything like that did happen.
I read my mom's 1980 copy of the Godfather during high school (97-01) abour 40 times. The cover is discentegrating from being read so much. It's an awesome novel. I'd throw down $1,000 for the screen play. Hell, it's a piece of history.
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Going to a pawn shop, ANY pawn shop, and expecting to get "retail value" for your stuff...
AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!!
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Pawn Stars loves to low ball customers I'll never step thru their door again.
The show's nothing special
If some of you think its worth more than a $1000, then buy it and resell it. Easy money right!
The 'put it on ebay, sell it auction or sell in LA' are dreamers.
Autographed items like this require some sort of authenticated history-which experts charge to document and research. Unless there is a backed certificate of authenticity, most buyers in the industry would back away.
To sell in other markets, auctions or other takes time and money. Ebay/Paypal takes a large chunk in fees, auction houses even more. Ebay generally performs 30-50% less than auction houses in these type of items, because the seller isn't backed. I see these type of items sell for $2-300 on ebay, because the item can't be inspected or authenticated online.
Pawn Stars is a good show and very entertaining I watch it often. But I did go to thier shop with a 3/4 Karat diamond that a relative wanted to sell. I had paperwork from the jewlery store that it was bought from and when I tried to sell it at Gold and Silver the guy behind the desk said it was a quarter Karat and worth only $150. I didn't argue figured whats the point and went to another shop and got $750. Go figure.
Pawn Shops, like all businesses do what they do to make a profit. More often than not that means exploiting the need for IMMEDIATE cash some people find themselves in. However, when Harrison was dealing with Hutton (who does what she does to better the community and help people) perhaps he should have set such things aside and did a good thing. Harrison's choice to try and low ball a charity says loads about his character. Imagine the good will created had Gold and Silver cut Catholic Charities a check for $5,000 dollars for the script. Now what would that have said about the type of person he is. The business he would have generated by those moved by that gesture and those coming by to see such a rarity would more than have more than made up for the money that went to (God Forbid) help people in need.
But, doing good works wasn't in Harrison's nature, I guess.
Finally, here is a recap of EVERY PAWN STAR EPISODE. Guy brings in something rare. Harrison lets us in on the secret that rare things are often hard to come by and that there are people out there who will pay top dollar for said rare things. Harrison then admits that he knows absolutely anything about said trinket, but that "he knows a guy" who does have that knowledge. He then gives the astute observation that if said trinket is indeed valuable and he can buy it for a low price, he could sell it for more money and make a profit. (Gordon Gecko beware!) Expert comes in and give the item a value between $0 and $1 million, and Harrison offers around 1/3 of that. If customer is in need of cash for rent/food/crack/meth or something like that, he tries to haggle a bit and then sells if for less the he was just told it was worth. If not, he passes and does the smart thing, sells trinket to a guy who wants it and will pay what its worth. Chumlee then says something stupid, the old man says something cantankerous and they roll credits. That's award winning television, right there.
Personally, I would rather watch a show about people how have knowledge about things, not someone who "knows a guy."
To bghs1986, I could care less who has the info. Its entertaining to see people come in with something and then get to learn a little about it. Plus the guys in the shop are funny. You have the script pretty much down pat but i still like it. Although I am usually happy when i see someone who walks out with their item because they wont sell it at low ball price.
"Auction houses take 20 to 30% of sale."
Yes but the buyer pays that on top of what they bid, not the seller.
cCaro, Excellent idea. Call Diane Hutton at Catholic Charities and put her in contact with Joe Maddalena at Profiles in History. He'll make sure it is authenticated, finds a good home and gets the best price.
Should easily sell for around 5000 dollars, and perhaps more. Should be listed on Sotherbies (not sure on spelling) NOT eBay. Hope they read this
@bghs1986 I have to agree you. Same old thing every
show. Got real boring to me and stopped watching it quite a few months ago. But that"s just my opion --
as each and everyone has a right to express. Have a nice day.
Comment removed by moderator. Off topic. Please call me at work, 259-2310, to discuss your concern. Tom Gorman
What the he$$. Catholic Charities will just use the money to bring many more starving masses to our already teaming shores.
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush!
go mommy!
Bghs1986 makes an excellent point. What were they thinking lowballing a local charity that provides job training, housing, food, and assistance to anyone in need? Hmm... maybe Pawn Stars will read this...
I never cared for that Rick character - he strikes me as being very sleazy :(
"Pawn Punks".... good one. LOL....
I agree with bghs - there might have been a time when these (to borrow the term) pawn punks needed to make money but my understanding now is that they are all sitting very very pretty indeed (moneywise) so perhaps a charitable act WOULD have gone a long long way and could only help, not hurt, their image. I don't like seeing anyone be taken advantage of by slick talking shyster - taking advantage of ones ignorance of an item is just plain wrong but some seem to have no problem doing just that.
There should be a law....Anytime you go to a pro in the Bizz toi find out a value,they should have to give,IN WRITEING, like 3 things.What it's worth to the public,at auction,AND what they're offering. THIS should be a NORM for ALL BIZZ/PROS'S