MOVIES

[ 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.'

[ Maurice Chevalier, French entertainer. ] Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Maurice Chevalier [ Maurice Auguste Chevalier ] (1888-1972), French actor, singer and entertainer
Publication details: 
Place and date not given.
£20.00

On 5 x 12.5 cm slip of good-quality laid paper. In good condition, lightly aged. In blue ink, and simply consisting of the christian name above the underlined surname: 'Maurice Chevalier'.

[ L. P. Williams, English art director. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Bill') and Typed Letter Signed ('Bill | Bloody Williams') to 'Edward Carrick' (Edward Craig), giving personal news and 'a little professional dirt' from Hollywood.

Author: 
L. P. Williams [ Lawrence Paul Williams ] (1905-1996), English art director in England and Hollywood 'Edward Carrick' [ pseudonym of Edward Anthony Craig ] (1905-1998), film and stage designer ]
Publication details: 
ALS: 138 Mabery Road, Santa Monica, California, USA. 12 December 1940. TLS: 1914 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Hollywood, California, USA. 21 June 1941.
£80.00

Both items in fair condition, on lightly-aged and creased paper., the typed letter having a few autograph notes by Craig at end. ONE: ALS. 4pp., 8vo. He begins by telling Craig that he has been worrying about 'how to get your dope for you'. He is going to get in touch with 'Say & Drier', but does not know how the latter will react, 'being pro German you know - in the Guard Cuirasiers of the Prussian Guard in the last war'.

[ George Pearson, English film director. ] Christmas Card, with Signed Autograph inscription to his pupil the set designer 'Edward Carrick' (Edward Craig), with copy of his 'Photographic Journal' article 'The Film in Colonial Development'.

Author: 
George Pearson [ George William Pearson ] (1875-1973), English film director [ 'Edward Carrick' [ pseudonym of Edward Anthony Craig ('Teddy') ] (1905-1998), film and stage designer and artist ]
Publication details: 
Christmas card dated 1970. Photographic Journal article, August 1948.
£45.00

ONE: Christmas card. 12mo bifolium, with coloured illustration of Christmas candle on cover. Pearson writes: 'FOR [corrected from 'from'] | Edward. A. Carrick | from his old inspirer | George Pearson | 1970'. The association between the two men was warm.

[ Printed pamphlet. ] Materials & Apparatus of Visual Education. A Lecture delived to the Department of Eduation of Oxford University.

Author: 
F. E. Farley [ Frank Edgar Farley (b.1868); British Film Institute, London ]
Publication details: 
The British Film Institute, 164 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C.2, England. [ 1947 or 1948 ]
£30.00

7 + [1]pp., 8vo. Stapled. In good condition, with lightly-rusted staples. Delivered on 1 December 1947. Introduction reads: 'The Governors of the British Film Institute feel that the contents of the following lecture of sufficient interest to justify their presentation to a wider audience. It should be noted, however, that the opinions expressed by Mr. Farley are not necessarily in agreement with the policy of the Bristol Film Institute.' Only three copies on COPAC and now scarce.

[ Daniel Frohman, American theatre produced. ] Autograph Letter Signed, inviting General Townshend to 'the Famous Playerrs Ball', where he will met 'some of our leading lights in the picture world', including Elsie Ferguson.

Author: 
Daniel Frohman (1851-1940), American theatre and film producer and manager [ Elsie Ferguson (1883-1961), American stage and screen actress ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Lyceum Theatre, 43rd Street, New York. Undated, but circa 1921.
£40.00

2pp., 12mo. On tinted paper. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. The letter begins: 'Dear Gen. Townshend | Won't you come with me to the Famous Players Ball on Wed. eve? | I am going to ask Miss Balfour. We can all dine here at my office at 7 on that eve - & have time to see later a litttle entertainment prior to the dancing.' He offers to present him to 'some of our leading lights in the picture world especially Elsie Ferguson who is now playng in Arnold Bennetts "Sacred & Profane Love' (which appeared in 1921).

[ Laurence Irving, Hollywood set designer. ] Two Typed Letters Signed ('Laurence' and 'Laurence Irving') to 'Teddy' [ set designer 'Edward Carrick',i.e. Edward Craig ], regarding the film industry and his membership of the Society of Art Directors.

Author: 
Laurence Irving (1897-1988), Hollywood set designer, artist and RAF Squadron Leader, grandson of the actor Sir Henry Irving [ 'Edward Carrick' [ Edward Craig (1905-1998) ],; Society of Art Directors ]
Publication details: 
Both on his letterhead, 11 Apple Tree Yard. 23 August and 24 November 1949.
£220.00

Both items in good condition, lightly-aged. ONE: 2pp., 4to. Having returned from 'a rather long painting expedition to France' he finds that 'circumstances have arisen in regard to the administration of the Society' [ the Society of British Film Art Directors and Designers, of which Craig was a leading light], and in the light of these circumstances Irving feels compelled to resign. 'It is [...] unlikely that I shall design any more films.

[ Percy Nash, pioneering British film director. ] Nash's own volume of newspaper cuttings, including reports of his work in Italy for Tiber Films.

Author: 
Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-1958), pioneering British film director and dramatist [ Tiber Films, Italy; Marie Corelli ]
Publication details: 
Mainly English. Between 1916 and 1926.
£320.00

In a 28 x 22 cm album, with 'PREMIER PRESS SERVICE' label on cover, also carrying 'PERCY NASH, Esq' in manuscript. Cuttings and album in fair condition, lightly aged and worn. Of the 55 cuttings, 28 are laid down in the album, with the other 27 loosely inserted, some of the latter backed with card, and others with labels of Durrant's and other cuttings agencies. Publications include: Star; South Wales Echo; Era; Stage; Glasgow Citizen; Nottinghamshire Guardian; Yarmouth Independent; Bioscope; Evening News; Sunday Express; Aberdeen Evening Gazette; Daily Telegraph; Kinematograph Weekly.

[ Percy Nash, film director and dramatist. ] Large collection of material relating to Nash's musical play 'Clancarty', including correspondence with librettist Stanley West and composer H. Wolseley Charles, accounts, receipts.

Author: 
Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-1958), pioneering British film director and dramatist [ H. Wolseley Charles (1889-1962), composer; Stanley West, librettist; Winter Garden Theatre, Drury Lane
Publication details: 
Mainly from London, and dating from between 1930 and 1934.
£600.00

The collection consists of around 140 items, and is in good condition, with light signs of age and wear. It includes two drafts of the play, correspondence with librettist and composer, agents, the syndicate backing the play, a disgruntled contributor, solicitors, theatre managers, and also includes returns, receipts, accounts and projections.

[ Henri Lucas and Percy Nash, film score. ] Manuscript orchestral muscial parts of 'The Golden Ballot. Two-Step composed by Percy Nash. Orchestrated by Henri Lucas.'

Author: 
Henri Lucas, composer; Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-1958), pioneering British film director and dramatist
Publication details: 
New Theatre [ London ]. 4 April 1920.
£450.00

38 items, in fair condition, lighty aged and worn. The main item is the complete score, containing all the parts, on 12pp., folio, and signed at foot of last page: 'New Theatre | April 4th. 1920 | Henri Lucas'. This is accompanied by 37 parts for separate instruments, each 4pp.in a 4to bifolium. According to the British Film Catalogue a film by the title 'The Golden Ballot' appeared in 1920.

[ Sidney Morgan, English film director ] Autograph Letter Signed to fellow film-director Percy Nash, regarding the British Association of Film Directors and the 'great fight to obtain The Quota'.

Author: 
Sidney Morgan (1874-1946), English film director, who acted for Alfred Hitchcock [ [ Percy Nash [ Percy Cromwell Nash ] (1869-1958), film director and dramatist; Cinematograph Films Act of 1927 ]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the British Association of Film Directors, The Players Club, Denman Street, London. 30 May 1927.
£90.00

1p., 4to. In good condition, lightly aged. Nash is named on the letterhead as the Association's president, and Morgan as Honorary Secretary and Treasurer. The letter begins: Dear Percy / | For various reasons we did not get a largely attended meeting on Friday, but the better feeling between members seems still to grow.' Nash's 'protracted illness' has clearly necessitated his stepping down as president, and '[a]fter considerable discussion it was decided to ask Pearson & Elvey [i.e. George Pearson (1875-1973) and Maurice Elvey (1887-1967)] to be President & Vice with myself to continue'.

[ MIles Malleson, film actor and dramatist. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Miles Malleson') to Kenneth Sephton, regarding his work as a playwright.

Author: 
Miles Malleson [ William Miles Malleson ] (1888-1969), English film actor and dramatist
Publication details: 
135 Harley Street, W1 [ London ]. 3 May 1960.
£35.00

2pp., 12mo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. He thanks him for his 'most generous & warming letter' about his 1927 comedy 'The Fanatics'. He has not answered sooner as he was 'suddenly caught up in some very hectic & engrossing rehearsals for "Rhinoceros" at the Court Theatre'.

[ C. Aubrey Smith, Hollywood actor and test cricketer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('C. Aubrey . . S.') to 'George'

Author: 
C. Aubrey Smith [ Sir Charles Aubrey Smith ] (1863-1948), English stage and film actor and test cricketer
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 'The Round Corner', 2881 Coldwater Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills. 22 July 1943.
£35.00

1p., 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. He thanks him for thinking of his birthday, and taking the trouble 'to bring me that sherry'. He has not yet sampled it, as 'it's a bit too hot for anything but water, just at present'. He will telephone him, as he doesn't 'feel cocksure' about his address. He ends with regards to 'Mrs George'. In pencil in another hand at head: 'Here it is, George | C.A.S.'

[ Anna Lee, Hollywood actress. ] Typed Letter Signed ('Anna Lee') to'Ken' [ Sephton ], discussing a number of topics including her charity the Royal Oak Foundation of California and her work on the soap opera 'General Hospital'.

Author: 
Anna Lee [ Joan Boniface Winnifrith ] (1913-2004), British-American Hollywood actress, associated with the director John Ford
Publication details: 
1240 North Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, California 90069. 28 April 1981.
£120.00

2pp., 4to. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight wear at head of second leaf. She begins: 'I always love to receive a letter from England, especially at this time of year when I become especially homesick, thinking of April at home with the bluebells and the primroses out! Your description of the forget-me-nots, tulips, fruit-blossm etc . . .

[ Brian Aherne, British Hollywood actor. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Brian Aherne') to 'Mr. Cathrey', regarding an invitation to take part in a cricket match.

Author: 
Brian Aherne [ William Brian de Lacy Aherne ] (1902-1986), British Hollywood actor
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 703 North Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California. 27 May 1942.
£25.00

1p., 8vo. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper. He has 'not played cricket for twenty years, so you had better not count on me!' He will 'try to turn up as a spectator', and if Cathrey will send him a card, he will make 'a special effort to do so at Mesa, whichh I have visited several times'.

[ Bryan Forbes, film director. ] Autograph Card Signed to Ken Sephton, regarding a letter and its 'nostalgic reference'.

Author: 
Bryan Forbes [ John Theobald Clarke ] (1926-2013), English film director
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£25.00

In blue ink on one side of a 10 x 16 cm piece of white card with Forbes's name printed at the head. In very good condition. He thanks him for the 'kind and interesting letter': 'I particularly liked your nostalgic reference to snak where I had many a meal "on the slate"!'

[ Paul Robeson, African-American singer and actor. ] Autograph Signature, with that of his accompanist Lawrence Brown, on a photographic reproduction of a drawing of Robeson.

Author: 
Paul Robeson [ Paul Leroy Robeson ] (1898-1976), African-American singer and actor associated with the Civil Rights Movement; Lawrence Benjamin Brown (1893-1972), African-American pianist and arranger
Publication details: 
[ On Robeson's concert tour of the British Isles with Lawrence, 1934. ]
£56.00

The two signatures are on a reproduction of a drawing of Robeson, on a 15 x 11 cm piece of shiny art paper, cut from a programme from Robeson's 1934 tour of Britain. In good condition, lightly-aged. The head and shoulders portrait shows a moody Robeson in collar and tie. The two signature are at the foot of the image, with Robeson's, in blue ink, slanting downwards, and Brown's, in green ink, slanting upwards, around the line of Robeson's lapels.

[ Don Ameche, American Oscar-winning actor. ] Autograph signature.

Author: 
Don Ameche [ Dominic Felix Amici ] (1908-1993), American Oscar-winning actor
Publication details: 
On letterhead of the Savoy Hotel, London. Undated.
£30.00

Good firm inscription on 19.5 x 16 cm letterhead. In good condition, lightly aged and creased, with slight rust staining to top left-hand corner from paperclip. Inscription reads: 'Sincere best wishes | Don Ameche'.

[ Sabu, Indian film actor. ] Autograph Note Signed, given during the shooting of the film for which he is best known, 'The Thief of Baghdad'.

Author: 
Sabu [ Sabu Dastagir; Selar Shaik Sabu; Sabu Francis ] (1924-1963), Indian film actor working in England and Hollywood
Publication details: 
No place [ Twickenham Film Studios ]. 1939.
£65.00

Good firm inscription on 18 x 16 cm leaf of blue paper removed from album. Reads: 'To Ann | with very Best wishes | from | Sabu | THE THIEF OF | BAGHDAD | 1939'. The recipient was the daughter of a cameraman at Twickenham Film Studios.

[ 'Carnival', 1946 British film. ] Autograph Signatures of director Stanley Haynes and actors Sally Gray, Michael Wilding, Stanley Holloway, Jean Kent, Catherine Lacey, Hazel Court, and two members of the crew.

Author: 
Michael Wilding; Stanley Holloway; Sally Gray; Catherine Lacey; Stanley Haynes; Michael Clarke; Hazel Court, Jean Kent, Guy Green [ Twickenham Film Studios; 'Carnival', 1946 British film ]
Publication details: 
No place [ Twickenham Film Studios ]. 1945.
£80.00

On 18 x 16 cm leaf removed from an album. In good condition, lightly-aged. Headed '"Carnival" July 1945' and with the following signatures: 'Stanley Haynes (Director) | Guy Green . (Camera) | Sally Gray | Stanley Holloway (actor) | Catherine Lacey | Michael Clarke | Hazel Court. | Michael Wilding | Jean Kent | <?> (stills)'. The recipient was the daughter of a cameraman at Twickenham Film Studios.

[ George Sanders, English film actor. ] Typically-caddish Autograph Inscription to a six-year-old girl, given during shooting of 'The Saint in London'. With autographs of the brothers John Paddy Carstairs (director) and Tony Keys.

Author: 
George Sanders (1906-1972), English film actor; John Paddy Carstairs [ born John Keys ] (1910-1970), film director, and his brother Tony Keys, film producer associated with Hammer Films
Publication details: 
No place [ Twickenham Film Studios]. April 1939.
£90.00

The three inscriptions are all on one side of an 18 x 16 cm leaf taken from an album. In good condition, lightly-aged. Given during the shooting of the RKO film 'The Saint in London' (1939), which Sanders starred in and Carstairs directed. Sanders writes, at the head of the page, 'To Anne | I want to see you in about 8 years time! | George Sanders | April 1939.' Beneath this is: 'Anne - let's make it seven! | John Paddy Carstairs: | '39.' And beneath Carstairs' inscription: 'Six years. X. | Tony Keys'. The recipient was the daughter off a cameraman at Twickenham Film Studios.

[Printed with MS. additions] An Agreement [...] Between Anthony Bernardi [...] Analytical Chemist (hereinafter called the Inventory) of the first part Charles Alfred Bolton [...] Metallurgist [..] and RAYCOL LIMITED [...]

Author: 
[Colour Films Movies; Colour Cinematography] Raycol and Anthony Bernardi, inventor
Publication details: 
13 November 1928.
£220.00

Thre leaves, last leaf blan, folion, fold marks, small closed tear on middle fold, mainly good condition. The agreement covers "Improvements in and relating to Colour Photography and Colour Cinematography" a Patent Application #5271/28 20th Febryaury 1928. Signed C.A. Bolton and Anthony Bernardi, with the Company Common Seal of Raycol, witnessed by two directors and a secretary.

Autograph Letter Signed from the 'actor-dramatist and film adapter' Forbes Dawson to the naval writer 'Bartimeus' [Captain Sir Lewis Anselmo da Costa Ricci], describing his credentials for adapting stories for film.

Author: 
Forbes Dawson (b.1866), English 'actor-dramatist and film adapter' ['Bartimeus' [Captain Sir Lewis Anselmo da Costa Ricci [in 1941 altered to Ritchie] (1886-1967)]
Publication details: 
On his letterhead, 15 Merton Hall Gardens, SW20. 14 August 1934.
£150.00

1p., 4to. On aged paper. Printed in block capitals at head of letter: 'Experienced actor-dramatist and film adapter. Author of plays and films produced in England and America. Expert in "Dramatic Construction" gained in years of practical experience on the stage, and in films. Adapts stories to the talking films, the bigger the story with opportunities of being developed on a large scale, the better.' Addressed to 'Commander L. A. da Costa Ricci | Naval & Military Club, | 94 Piccadilly | W'.

Advance Prospectus

Author: 
North American Films Corporation; George Munroe.
Publication details: 
[c.1913]
£150.00

Advance Prospectus, four pages, 4to, bifolium, fold marks, small closed tears along folds, sunned, minor staining, good condition. A detailed view of the state and potential of the Motiuon Picyure Industry is give (commercial, entertaining, educational, growth, attraction of stage stars, etc.) but apparently the invention of a fraudster.

Autograph Signature of the English actress Anna Neagle.

Author: 
Dame Anna Neagle (1904-1986), English singer and stage and screen actress
Publication details: 
Undated.
£15.00

On rectangle of paper, laid down on leaf removed from autograph album. In fair condition, on lightly-aged paper. Reads 'Good wishes | Anna Neagle.' With two newspaper cuttings carrying photographic portraits, one loose and one laid down to the left of the signature.

Signed black and white photograph by the Scottish silent movie star John Stuart, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's first film (and another by the director), and in several Gainsborough Studios features.

Author: 
John Stuart [John Alfred Louden Croall] (1898-1979), Scottish silent movie actor [Alfred Hitchcock; Gainsborough Studios]
Publication details: 
'Photo by L. Protheroe.' Undated [1930s?].
£35.00

Black and white studio photograph, postcard format (14 x 9 cm). Laid down on leaf removed from autograph album. Good, on shiny photographic paper, with margin making dimensions of image 12.5 x 8 cm, captioned at foot 'JOHN STUART' and, in smaller type, 'PHOTO BY | L. PROTHEROE'. Stuart's inscription, in bottom right-hand corner, reads 'Best wishes | Sincerely yours | John Stuart'. Stuart's two Hitchcock films were the director's debut 'The Pleasure Gardens' (1925), and 'Number Seventeen' (1932).

Signed Autograph Inscription by the English cinema actor Peter Haddon.

Author: 
Peter Haddon (1898-1962), English actor, whose career began in 1924 and ended in 1952
Publication details: 
Dated by Haddon 1928.
£12.00

On leaf removed from autograph album, with one set of rounded corners. In good condition. Reads ' Good Morning - Bill! | With every good wish | Yours Sincerely | Peter Haddon | 1928 -'. Together with a loose newspaper cutting carrying a photographic portrait.

Two Typed Letters Signed from the Hollywood actress Bebe Daniels, wife of Ben Lyon, to 'Ruby', the variety entertainer Rubye Mae Colleano, mother of the film actor Bonar Colleano.

Author: 
Bebe Daniels [Phyllis Virginia Daniels] (1901-1971), Hollywood actress, and star of the British radio series 'Life With The Lyons' [Rubye Mae Colleano; Ben Lyon (1901-1979)]
Two Typed Letters Signed from the Hollywood actress Bebe Daniels
Publication details: 
Letter One: 24 October [1943]; Queen's Hotel, Leeds. Letter Two: 2 April [no year]; 18 Southwick Street, London.
£75.00
Two Typed Letters Signed from the Hollywood actress Bebe Daniels

Both items on 'Bebe' letterheads, and both with signature 'Bebe' incorporating a drawing of a stick figure with hat. Letter One: 12mo, 1 p. Twelve lines. Good, on lightly-aged paper. With addressed envelope. She is sorry they missed one another 'at the station, especially after all the trouble you went through to get there'. Gives news of show: 'Boy, it will be good to get back to town again. | I have enjoyed the tour but as you know travelling nowadays isn't what it used to be, by a long shot.' Letter Two: 8vo, 1 p. 21 lines.

Autograph Letter Signed ('Jackie & Ann Coogan') by Hollywood actor Jackie Coogan to the variety entertainer Rubye Colleano.

Author: 
Jackie Coogan (1914-1984), Hollywood actor [Rubye Colleano; Bonar Colleano]
 ALS signed by Hollywood actor Jackie Coogan
Publication details: 
Undated [c. 1947?]. On letterhead of the Grand Hotel, Plymouth.
£100.00
 ALS signed by Hollywood actor Jackie Coogan

12mo, 2 pp. 19 lines of text. Clear and complete. Fair, on lightly-aged paper. Begins 'Just a line to tell you we miss you like mad & hope you are well & happy. Praises a 'dinner at Mary's'. They hope to call on Colleano when passing through London on 'Sunday Nite'. Ends 'Well honey, keep us in mind & we will see you soon - Our very best to Bonar Jr. [Colleano's son the film actor Bonar Colleano]' Postscript 'Billy sends his best'. Coogan was married to Ann McCormack, his third wife, from 1946 to 1951. From the Colleano Family archive.

Typed Letter Signed by Bruce Long, concerning the William Desmond Taylor murder case, together with the first issue of Long's pamphlet 'Taylorology'.

Author: 
Bruce Long [William Desmond Taylor (1872-1922); Taylorology]
Bruce Long [William Desmond Taylor (1872-1922); Taylorology]
Publication details: 
Letter: 10 January 1986; Mesa, Arizona. Pamphlet: Number 1, Fall 1985.
£350.00
Bruce Long [William Desmond Taylor (1872-1922); Taylorology]

Letter: 4to, 1 p. Twenty-six lines. Text clear and complete. On aged and worn paper, with a couple of holes, light staining and indentations. Addressed to 'Jon', whose book, with a 'chapter pertaining to the Taylor case' Long 'would like very much to see'. Long encloses the copy of 'Taylorology', of which he writes, 'Despite my intentions, there was only one issue due to very poor response -- only a dozen subscribers.' He boasts that his 'collected material on this case', 'primarily newspaper clippings', 'weighs over 30 lbs., with more information coming in every week'.

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