LONDON

[ Frank Pettingell, English film actor. ] Four Autograph Letters Signed, one unsigned Autograph Note and nine Christmas Cards, to theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan, with carbon copies of three of Duncan's letters.

Author: 
Frank Pettingell [ Frank Edmund George Pettingell ] (1891-1966), English film actor [ Barry Duncan, theatrical bookseller ]
Publication details: 
Two from Highfield Lodge, Wise Lane, NW7 [ London ], and two from Broadstairs, Kent. Dated items from between 1946 and 1954.
£280.00

The collection of seventeen items in fair condition, with light signs of age and wear. Two of the letters are signed 'Frank Pettingell', the others signed 'Frank (P.)' and 'Frank'. Two of the letters are in their original envelopes. They total 5pp., 12mo. On 22 August 1947 he writes regarding his collection of playscripts, mostly acquired from the son of the comedian Arthur Williams, and now at the Templeman Library, University of Kent: 'We are on holiday here [in Broadstairs] since "Fifty-Fifty" finished [...] When I get back next month I would like to sort the old M.S.

[ Langford Reed, film writer and director. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Langford Reed') to theatrical bookseller Barry Duncan, regarding the sale of 'Spy' cartoons and old plays.

Author: 
Langford Reed [ Herbert Langford Reed ] (1889-1954), writer and film writer and director, best known for his work on Charlie Chaplin's 'Chase Me Charlie' (1918)
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 59 Carlton Hill, St John's Wood, NW8 [ London ]. 7 January 1946.
£50.00

1p., 4to. On aged and worn paper. In response to Duncan's advertisement in 'The Stage', he asks whether he would be 'interested in the famous cartoons, in colour, which, with the signature of "Spy," used to appear in "Vanity Fair."? I have about seventy in good condition, all published between 1860 and 1885'. He also offers 'several volumes of old plays - some of them over 140 years old, and asks whether Duncan 'might care to drop in and have a look at these "treasures. | But, give me a tinkle on the 'phone first as I am rather a busy Man.'

[ Thomas Longdon Greenwood, lessee of Sadler's Wells Theatre? ] Manuscript of the opening of a Victorian pantomime, lacking title (featuring 'Hans' and 'Gretchen'), with note stating that it is 'in Greenwoods Hand Writing of Sadlers Wells'.

Author: 
[ Thomas Longdon Greenwood (1806-1879), lessee of Sadler's Wells Theatre, London? ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date, but with 'Adelphi' (i.e. the Adelphi Theatre, London) written inside the front cover.
£200.00

16pp. (of which 12pp. in 8vo and 4pp. in 4to). In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. Neatly written out, with underlinings in red ink. Loosely inserted in the marbled wraps of an exercise book, with 'Adelphi' in pencil on the inside of the front cover. The first scene is written out complete on ten leaves from the exercise book (now loose), with the main text on ten pages, and additions on two versos. In addition to this is a grey paper bifolium, carrying over 4pp., 4to, additional matter to be inserted at the beginning of the second scene.

[ Thomas Simpson, English mathematician. ] Autograph Note Signed ('T. Simpson') to the London bookseller John Nourse

Author: 
Thomas Simpson (1710-1761), English mathematician, eponym of Simpson's Rule [ John Nourse of the Strand, London bookseller ]
Publication details: 
Without place or date.
£180.00

1p., landscape 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with central spike hole. Addressed on reverse to 'Mr Nourse | Bookseller | in the Strand.' He is sending '10 Copies of Geometry', and asks him to send 'the Book of Algebra and Mr. Walmsley's Book by the Bearers'.

[ Charles Samuel Keene, Punch illustrator. ] Unattributed charcoal portrait (self-portrait?), in colours, accompanied by a letter about him to his brother Henry Keene from 'M. Jackson', and a letter to a descendant from Sarah Fox-Pitt of the Tate.

Author: 
[ C. S. Keene [ Charles Samuel Keene ] (1823-1891), Punch illustrator; Henry Keene; M. Jackson ]
Publication details: 
Drawing undated. Jackson's letter on letterhead of 79 Warwick Road, Earl's Court, S.W. [ London ] 10 October 1891.
£90.00

The three items are unconnected, but clearly derive from the papers of a descendant. All three are in good condition, with light signs of age. ONE: The charcoal drawing, in colours, is on a 13 x 19.5 cm piece of wove paper, and is an impressionistic representation of his head, close cropped and with eyes closed, sleeping or in death. TWO: The letter from 'M. Jackson' is 3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In it Jackson invites Henry Keene, shortly after C. S.

[ Mark Hambourg, classical pianist. ] Autograph Card Signed to 'Cyril' [ English actor Cyril Maude ], regarding arrangements for his performance at Maude's 'grand benefit'.

Author: 
Mark Hambourg (1879-1960), Russian-born English pianist [ Cyril Maude [ Cyril Francis Maude ] (1862-1951), English actor-manager
Publication details: 
Card with letterhead 5 Langford Close, Langford Place, NW8 [ London ]. 24 February [ 1942 ].
£30.00

In good condition, lightly aged, with one vertical crease. Stamped and postmarked, and addressed to 'Cyril Maude Esqre. | Redlap | Dartmouth. | Devon'. For more about Hambourg, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. He writes: 'My dear Cyril | I'm afraid the Chappell Piano is necessary for me, as however good a theatre piano, it would not be good enough for a performance at your "Grand Benefit." | Yours with best wishes | Mark Hambourg'. Maude's 'Birthday Benefit Matinée' took place for charity at the Haymarket Theatre, 24 April 1942.

[ Lord Nugent, Irish politician and writer. ] Original Autograph Manuscript of the commencement of his tale 'The Confessions of A Suspicioius Gentleman. | by Lord Nugent'. With numerous emendations and deletions,

Author: 
Lord Nugent [ George Nugent-Grenville, 2nd Baron Nugent of Carlanstown ] (1788-1850), Irish Whig politician and writer
Publication details: 
Without place or date. On paper watermarked 'P EVERITT | 1827'. First published in London in 1830.
£520.00

9pp., folio. On five leaves of aged and worn paper. Heavily reworked, with numerous deletions and additions. Headed 'The Confessions of A [amended from 'The'] Suspicious Gentleman. | by Lord Nugent'. The present short story was first published in 'The Musical Bijou' for 1830, and was reprinted in 'The Polar Star' (abridged) and 'New York Mirror', before being collected in an anthology by Nugent and his Wife, 'Legends of the Library at Lilies, by the Lord and Lady there' (London: Longman, 1832), pp.51-91.

[ 'Winifred Emery', actress and wife of Cyril Maude. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Winifred Maude') to 'Mrs. Wead'

Author: 
'Winifred Emery' [ stage name of Maud Isabel Emery; later Maud Isabel Maude ] (1861-1924), actress, wife of the actor-manager Cyril Maude [ Cyril Francis Maude ] (1862-1951)
Publication details: 
One from 33 Brompton Crescent [ London ], on cancelled letterhead of Bolingbroke, Mostyn Road, Merton Park. 11 September [1891]. The other on letterhead of 33 Egerton Crescent, SW [ London ]. 9 September, [ no year ].
£30.00

Both items in good condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. ONE: ALS of 11 September [1891]. 3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. With stamped envelope addressed to 'Mrs. Wead | Buckingham | Old Shoreham | Sussex', with postmark supplying year. She thanks her for 'the kind invitation Cyril brought me to stay with you on our return from Switzerland', but cannot accept, 'as I may at any time be called for rehearsals after next week & the intervening few days I really must spend at home.

[ Charles Lefeaux, actor and producer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Charles Lefeaux') and Autograph Note Signed ('C L'), to theatre bookseller Barry Duncan, the second regarding the Repertory Players.

Author: 
Charles Lefeaux [ Charles Treoning Lefeaux ] (1909-1979), English actor and producer, Vice-President of the Repertory Players, London
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 4 Turner Close, Meadway, NW1 [ London ]. 1 and 17 August 1948.
£35.00

ONE: Note. 1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged. In envelope addressed to Duncan at 11 St Martin's Court, London. Reads simply: 'Please let me have your catalogue when its ready | C L'. Lefeaux's name in capitals at head. TWO: Letter. 1p., 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged. He asks him to 'put the enclosed leaflet about the Repertory Players' in his window as agreed, offering two tickets as a mark of the commitee's gratitude.

[ 'Erik Designer' [ Erik Nordgreen ]', Danish stage and costume designer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Erik') to the London bookseller Barry Duncan, with two handbill advertisements, one on coloured card (with portrait drawing) and one a handbill.

Author: 
'Erik Designer' [ Erik Nordgreen (1921-1987) ], Danish stage and costume designer, based in Bootham, York [ 'Formerly with Tobis (Continental) Films' ]
Publication details: 
Letter from a Blackpool address, on his letterhead with 'Perm. Address . . . Eastfield House, 32 Grosvenor Terrace, Bootham, York'. 6 April 1946. Handbill with same York address; card with both Blackpool and York addresses.
£150.00

ONE: Letter: 1p., 4to. In fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper. He asks Duncan to look out for books in a number of fields, beginning with ones 'on old-time stagecraft giving technical data & information on trick effects, transformation scenes, etc, with particular reference to pantomime'. TWO: Advertisement. Printed in black on one side of a 14 x 26.5 cm piece of blue card. Folded twice to make three 14 x 8.5 cm pages in concertina. In stamped postmarked envelope, with his device printed in red on cover, addressed to Duncan at the Thule Gallery, St Martin's Court.

[ Ronald Duncan, poet and playwright. ] Typed Letter Signed to bookseller Barry Duncan, regarding his play 'Nothing Up My Sleeve'. With a carbon copy of Barry Duncan's letter that elicited this response.

Author: 
Ronald Duncan (1914-1982), poet, playwright and author, collaborator with Benjamin Britten
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Welcombe, near Bideford, North Devon. 20 December 1950.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with slight rusting at head from paperclip. He writes that there is 'no relationship between myself and any of the people you mention. I have no antecedents such as you suggest and I cannot recall having received a copy of your catalogue.' Turning to the character 'Horace' in his play 'Nothing Up My Sleeve' he writes: 'he's just a figment of my imagination and the whole play is just a piece of work without any intended resemblance to anyone, only types.' The carbon copy of Barry Duncan's letter is somewhat aged and worn around the edges.

[ James Lamborn Cock, music publisher. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J Lamborn Cock | Music Publisher') to J. H. Friswell, giving an account of Thomas Moore's song 'My Heart and Lute'.

Author: 
James Lamborn Cock of London music publishers Leader & Cock [ James Hain Friswell (1825-1878), author; Thomas Moore, Irish poet; Lewis Carroll [ Charles Lutwidge Dodgson ]; Alice in Wonderland ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 63 New Bond Street ('Corner of Brooke Street'), London W. 16 February 1865.
£50.00

An interesting letter concerning a song mentioned in Lewis Carroll's 'Through the Looking-Glass'. 6pp., 12mo. On two bifolium letterheads. In fair condition, on aged paper. He begins by statig that he has 'taken much interest in theh discussion in the Athenaeum respecting a song of Moore's "My heart & Lute" and possessing some information relative to it' is sends it to Friswell. He proceeds to give an account of publication, with references including the music publisher Power, Sir H. R. Bishop, John Kemble, Sherwood & James, 'The London Stage' and 'The National Airs'.

[ James Laver, museum curator and authority on fashion. ] Two Autograph Letters Signed (the first 'James Laver | Keeper of Prints') concerning purchases from bookseller Barry Duncan. With carbon copies of two of Duncan's letters.

Author: 
James Laver (1899-1975), art historian and authority on fashion, Keeper of Prints, Drawings and Paintings at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Publication details: 
Laver's two letters both on Victoria and Albert Museum letterheads, and dating from 30 December 1947 and 19 March 1948.
£120.00

Five items, in fair condition, on lightly aged and worn paper, with slight rust staining from staple which held them together. Laver's two letters are both 2pp. long (one 8vo and one 12mo). The two relate to a collection of Dalziel wood-engravings, there being 'too many already in the Museum to justify our purchasing the collection in its entirety'. Laver suggests taking a selection of 100 engravings for £5, and with the second letter returns the residue, the price paid being £7 10s 0d. With Laver paying personally for two engravings damaged while in his care.

[ Henry Russell, song writer and entertainer. ] Printed ticket of admission to 'Mr. Henry Russell's Entertainment' at the Lyceum Theatre, signed 'Henry Russell'. With newspaper cutting of letter from Russell concerning reports of his death.

Author: 
Henry Russell (1812?-1900), English song writer and entertainer [ The Lyceum Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
Lyceum Theatre [ London ]. 7 September 1858.
£35.00

On one side of a 7.5 x 10.5 cm piece of grey paper. Laid down on a piece of cream paper cut from an album. In fair condition, aged. Reads (with manuscript additions in square brackets): 'LYCEUM THEATRE. | Mr. Henry Russell's Entertainment, | ADMIT [Four Dress Circle] | On [ Wed ] day, September [ 7th ] 1853. | [Henry Russell.] | Not admitted after a quarter to 8.' Also included is an undated newspaper cutting of a letter from Russell 'To the Editor of the Daily News', from '74, Kensington-gardens-square, Bayswater, Nov.

[ Henry Russell, song writer and entertainer. ] Autograph Letter Signed to 'Massingham' [ W. W. Massingham of the Princess's Theatre ], requesting complimentary tickets to 'the Pantomime'.

Author: 
Henry Russell (1812?-1900), English song writer and entertainer [ William Wright Massingham, essee of the box-office at the Princess's Theatre, London ]
Publication details: 
Without date or place. On paper watermarked 'A PIRIE & SONS | 1852'.
£30.00

1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged paper, with minor traces of glue from mount on reverse. Reads: 'My ydear Massingham. | Will you give me an admission for myself & friend to see the Pantomime - I hear it is great - how are you - can I do any thing for you! - | Thine sincerely | Henry Massingham'. 'Old Massingham' was well-known in his day as 'the lessee of the box-office at the Princess's Theatre during the reign of Keeley and Charles Kean'. His collection of theatrical material was auctioned after his death.

[ J. R. Planché, English dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('J: R: Planche') to William Jerdan, editor of the Literary Gazette, thanking him for a notice of his wife's death.

Author: 
J. R. Planche [ James Robinson Planché ] (1796-1880), English dramatist [ his wife Elizabeth Planché (1796-1846) born Elizabeth St George; William Jerdan (1782-1869), editor of the Literary Gazette ]
Publication details: 
'Garrick Club | Tuesday' [ 1846 ].
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, aged and lightly-creased. The letter begins: 'Four thousand thanks for the very kind manner in which you have given the notice of my dearest wife in your last number.' The notice will be extremely gratifying 'to her family and any of the many who loved her'. Mrs Planché was also a playwright, and is thought to have collaborated with her husband on a number of works.

[ George Grossmith junior. ] Unpublished autograph family reminiscences by his younger daughter, with two Autograph Letters Signed by her ('Rosa George' and 'Rosa George. | (Grossmith)') to W. Macqueen Pope, praising her father in the fondest terms.

Author: 
George Grossmith junior (1874-1935), actor-manager and comedian, his daughter Rosa Mary George (1907-1988) [ W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre manager and historian]
Publication details: 
The reminiscences without place or date. The letters from 26 Lawnbodle Road, Hampstead, NW3 [ London ]. 30 October and 4 December 1950.
£220.00

ONE: Autograph family reminiscences by Rosa Mary George (née Grossmith). 19 pp., 12mo. Rough pencil notes, on ruled pages torn from a notebook. Seventeen pages on George Grossmith junior, with a page apiece on 'His Father' and 'His Uncle'. TWO: The two letters, totalling 9pp., 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper.

[ Charles Kenney and Charles Kean. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('<Eleyn?> Zahn') by a half-sister of Kenney, requesting a private box for her sister and herself.

Author: 
Ellen Zahn [nee Holfcroft ] (b.1808), half-sister of playwright Charles Kenney [ Charles Lamb Kenney ] (1821-1881) [ Charles Kean [ Charles John Kean ] (1811-1868), actor-manager ]
Publication details: 
11 Hart Street, Bloomsbury [ London ]. No date.
£30.00

3pp., 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with unobtrusive spike hole through both leaves. The signature is unclear, and appears to read 'Eleyn Zahn', but the only one of Charles Kenney's sisters with a name beginning in 'E' was Ellen. She asks for a private box for the following Thursday on behalf of her sister 'V. Kenney [ Virginia Kenney, born 1821]and self'. She refers to his 'long and prosperous reign', and fears that it will be 'long before we shall enjoy the gratification of seeing both you and Mrs. Kean again, as we leave for Paris in a few days'.

[ Frank Wilson, Premier of Western Australia. ] Typed Letter Signed to Walter Bramall, declininng an invitation to a meeting of the Diggers' Club.

Author: 
Frank Wilson (1859-1918), ninth Premier of Western Australia, serving two terms, 1910-1911, 1916-1917 [ The Diggers' Club, London; Walter Bramall ]
Publication details: 
15 Victoria Street, SW [ London, England ], on deleted 1890s letterhead of the Premier's Office, Perth [ Australia ]. 31 May 1911.
£100.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Brammall's address is given as Cheetwood, 123 Dartmouth Road, Brondesbury, NW. Note Wilson's parsimonious or thrifty use of his old Premier's letterhead despite his return to England. He regrets having to decline Brammall's invitation 'relative to the Dinner of the Diggers' Club to be held on the 8th June', due to his 'being absent in the North of England on that date'. A manuscript list of attendees (presumably by Bramall) is on the reverse, with the note: 'I should like a small table in the room for the artistes after dinner'.

[ Edward Loomis Davenport, American actor. ] Autograph Letter in the third person, to T. F. D. Croker, praising his 'Dramatic Register'.

Author: 
Edward Loomis Davenport (1816-1877), American actor [ Thomas Francis Dillon Croker (1831-1912), son of Irish antiquary Thomas Crofton Croker (1798-1854) ]
Publication details: 
'T[heatre] R[oyal]. D[rury] Lane | Mar 19 [ 1853 ]'.
£35.00

1p., 12mo. In good condition, on aged paper. In envelope with Penny Red stamp and postmarks (including one dated 21 March 1853), addressed by Davenport to 'J F. D. Croker Esq | 3 Gloucester Road | Old Brompton'. He thanks him for sending 'his Dramatic Register of 52 (& one also 51 while in Scotland)', and congratulates 'Mr C upon the very excellent style in which he has put the facts together'. Also present are a cutting relating to Davenport, from the New York Albion, 24 February 1855, and a small engraved portrait of 'MR.

[ Caryl Brahms, ballet critic. ] Autograph Note Signed ('With thanks | Caryl Brahms'), acknowledging payment to London bookseller Barry Duncan.

Author: 
Caryl Brahms [ Doris Caroline Abrahams ] (1901-1982), English author and theatre and ballet critic
Publication details: 
3 Cambridge Gate, London NW1. 29 June 1955.
£28.00

1p. 4to. Enclosing £2 10s 0d, and written out by hand on a piece of aged ruled paper. With acknowledgment by Duncan at bottom right. In stamped and postmarked envelope, addressed by Brahms to Duncan at his London shop, 11 St Martin's Court.

[ Charles Cole, cartoonist. ] Signed photograph, accompanied by Typed Note Signed to 'Mr. Wakefield'.

Author: 
Charles Cole, British cartoonist
Publication details: 
Note on letterhead of 'Charles Cole | Cartoonist', 1 Montrose Court NW11 [ London ]; 28 September 1945. Cole's inscription on photograph dated 1945.
£40.00

ONE: TNS. 1p., landscape 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged with nick to corner. Letterhead features two small cartoons: a caricature of himself and a lion. Covering letter sending 'herewith my autograph for your collection'. TWO: Signed black and white portrait photograph of Cole. 8 x 5.5 cm. In good condition. Signed at bottom right: 'Sincerely | Charles Cole | 1945'. Cole has rather disappeared under the radar.

[ Dorothy Tutin, actress. ] Autograph Letter Signed and Autograph Card Signed to the theatre bookseller Barry Duncan, thanking him for sending her theatrical items.

Author: 
Dorothy Tutin (1930-2001), English film and theatre actress
Publication details: 
Letter from the New Theatre [ London ], 8 January [ 1955 ]. Card, on letterhead of 'Miss Dorothy Tutin', 30 November [ 1970 ].
£28.00

Both items in good condition, on lightly-aged paper. ONE: ALS. 1p., 4to. In stamped envelope addressed to Ducan in St Martin's Court, London. Begins: 'O, thank you for the beautiful print. I think it's really lovely - couldn't be more delighted.' She thanks him for 'the charming note', adding: 'If I'd known it helped I'd have smiled more often!' TWO: ACS. In red ink. Begins: 'How lovely - the programme. So pleased to have it'. She ends: 'Hope we manage as well as they did!'

[ Bernard Miles, actor and director. ] Two Typed Notes Signed and one Autograph Note Signed to the bookseller Barry Duncan.

Author: 
Bernard Miles [ Bernard James, Baron Miles ] (1907-1981), English actor, writer and director
Publication details: 
One typed note (28 September 1948) on letterhead of Duff House, Acacia Road, London, NW8, the other on letterhead of the Mermaid Theatre, Blackfriars, 16 November 1964. The autograph note without place or date.
£40.00

The two typed notes in good condition, lightly aged; the autograph note in fair condition, on aged paper. Two items signed 'Bernard Miles' and one 'B. M.' The first typed note suggests an exchange of material, with the autograph postscript 'One or two of the appeals for charity are endorsed by H. I. [ Henry Irving? ] himself.' The second typed note declines a collection: 'I managed to pick up an almost complete set in Leeds soon after we talked - nearly 200'. The autograph note simply acknowledges the sending of a cheque for a 'little lot of photographs I took away'.

[ Luther Munday, Secretary of the Old Lyric Club. ] Printed handbill for a 'Private Farewell Matinee' for Mr and Mrs Luther Munday, at the Green Park Club, London, with facsimile signatures of 'Stars in the firmament of Art'.

Author: 
[ Luther Munday, Secretary of the Old Lyric Club; Constance, Countess of Romney; the Green Park Club, London; the Old Lyric Club; Herbert Beerbohm Tree ]
Publication details: 
'at the St James' Theatre, kindly lent by Mr. George Alexander, On Friday, June 7th, 1907, at 3 p.m.'
£120.00

4pp., folio. Bifolium. In fair condition, on aged paper slightly worn at head. The front page is headed 'H.R.H. Princess Christian and the Royal Members, are Patrons of a Private Farewell Matinee arrranged by Lady Romney on behalf of the Green Park Club for Mr. and Mrs. Luther Munday'. The names of twenty performers are listed beneath this, headed by Herbert Beerbohm Tree, with various other individuals named.

[ The Vestris Family. ] Printed receipt to 'M. Gye', on letterhead, signed over tax stamp by 'G Vestris' (;Mad[moisel]le Vestris'.

Author: 
[ The Vestris Family, dancers on the London stage; Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden. 6 June 1866.
£56.00

1p., landscape 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. Reads, with manuscript text in square brackets: 'Royal Italian Opera, | Covent Garden. | [Madle Vestris] | Londres, [Le 6 Juin] 18[66]. | Recu de M. Gye la somme de [£40 - -] | [G Vestris | B.V, | £[40 : - : -']'.

Typescript, marked 'Producer's Copy', of the play 'Ghost for Sale', with manuscript addition to ending.

Author: 
Ronald Jeans (1887-1973), British playwright over five decades
Publication details: 
In manuscript on front cover: 'Return to 40c Palace St: London S.W.1'. Undatd. From Pinker's Play Bureau, Talbot House, Arundel Street, Strand, London, WC2.
£220.00

147pp., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged paper, with rusty binding, in worn covers. In manuscript on the cover are the return address and 'Producer's Copy'. In the same hand is an addition to the ending: 'Judy | Then there is a ghost' | Geoffrey | Not a word to your father'. 'Who's Who in the Theatre' records a production of the play in 1938, but there is no reference to it on either OCLC WorldCat, or on COPAC.

[ Mark H. Lubbock, composer. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Mark Lubbock') urging the actress Mary Ellis to take the lead role in his musical 'Hearts Beloved'. With copy of a typescript of his play.

Author: 
Mark H. Lubbock (1898-1986), British composer [ Mary Ellis (1897-2003), American actress who settled in Britain ]
Publication details: 
Letter on letterhead of the British Broadcasting Corporation, Broadcasting House, London W1. 19 May 1943. Typescript without place or date.
£320.00

ONE: TLS. 1p., 4to. In fair condition, on aged paper. The letter begins: 'Dear Mary, | I am writing a musical play called "Hearts Beloved". The central character is MARIA FITZHERBERT and it is the story of her love affair with GEORGE IV, (Prinny). I am very anxious for you to consider playing MARIA FITZHERBERT. The part would suit you very well and I think the present time is just the moment to produce a historical play on an English stage.' He has seen 'Tom Arnold's representative', who would be interested if she agreed. TWO: Typescript. 49pp., folio. No title page.

[ Michael Martin Harvey, actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Michael M. H.') to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope ('Dearest Popie'), accompanying a typescript of his unpublished play 'Trust Chapeau'.

Author: 
Michael Martin Harvey (1897-1975), British actor, son of Sir John Martin-Harvey (1863-1944) [ W. Macqueen-Pope [ Walter James Macqueen-Pope ] (1888-1960), theatre manager and historian ]
Publication details: 
Both letter and typescript from Rowstock Cottage, Rowstock, Didcot, Berkshire. Both undated.
£280.00

ONE: Letter. 1p., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged paper. Smudged signature. He is sending the play, which he thinks has 'originality and charm and would be very funny. Who could play "Chapeau"? - I could, but I expect I'm too old!!!!' TWO: Typescript of play. 91pp., 4to. With autograph emendations. In good condition, on aged paper, in worn card covers.

[ Philip Leaver, film actor and playwright. ] Typescript of his unpublished 'The Dark Shore | A Play in Three Acts'.

Author: 
Philip Leaver [ Samuel Philip Leaver ] (1904-1981), English film actor and playwright
Publication details: 
7 Primrose Hill Studios, London NW1. Undated.
£120.00

129pp., 4to. In fair condition, lightly-aged, in worn wraps with label on cover. Leaver's first name misspelled 'PHILLIP' on title-page. Unpublished.

Syndicate content