Money Can't Buy Love...Or Tom Hanks A Beatles Poster

By Eriq Gardner

Figuring out great gifts to get for loved ones is one of the tougher things to do in life. Imagine if your spouse is world famous, rich, and seemingly has everything.

Thus was the predicament facing Rita Wilson, wife of Tom Hanks. Wilson, however, came up with a great gift idea: a vintage 1962 poster of the Beatles. And she was willing to pay $75,000 for it, even though she says she was advised by advisers, including Sotheby's, that the poster was overpriced. All Wilson wanted in return for the money was the poster, a certificate of authenticity, and a notarized statement from the seller that the item was free and clear of any liens or encumbrances.

Unfortunately, getting a poster of John, Paul, George, and whomever played drums for the band when the photograph was taken, turns out to be not so easy.

Wilson has filed a lawsuit against the seller and sales agent claiming she couldn't get that certificate. After she became suspicious, she confronted the sales agent, Melissa Pearl, who allegedly became belligerent and demanded a completion of the sale and $300,000 for her time and trouble. Wilson now wants a judicial declaration that no enforceable agreement exists on the sale.

Hey, it's the thought that counts.

Wilson is represented by Marty Singer at Lavely & Singer in Century City.