SCREEN

[Mary Ellis [Mary Belle Elsas], American actress on Broadway and in film, who later found fame in England.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph.

Author: 
Mary Ellis [born May Belle Elsas] (1897-2003), American Broadway and screen actress and singer, particularly associated with Ivor Novello
Publication details: 
February 1944. No place.
£25.00

A black and white publicity photograph on an 11 x 15 cm collotype print. Signed at bottom right: ‘Yours sincere / Mary Ellis / Feb. 1844’. A head and shoulders portrait of a dreamy-looking Ellis in front of netting, staring downwards to her right, with her head cradled in her right hand, which is clasped by her left. In good condition, lightly aged. Scan on application

[Jessie Matthews, ‘The Dancing Divinity’, English actress, dancer and singer, star of stage and screen.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph for Gaumont-British by Raphael Tuck and Sons.

Author: 
Jessie Matthews [Jessie Margaret Matthews] (1907-1981), British actress, singer and dancer, star of stage and screen, dubbed ‘The Dancing Divinity’ [Gaumont-British; Raphael Tuck and Sons]
Publication details: 
No date. [1920s?] ‘A Gaumont-British Star / Raphael Tuck and Sons’ “Real Photograph” Postcard No. 66’, Printed in England.
£25.00

9 x 14.5 cm glossy publicity photograph. On reverse: “A Gaumont-British Star / Raphael Tuck and Sons’ “Real Photograph” Postcard No. 66”. In fair condition, lightly aged, with a couple of indentations. Inscribed at bottom right: ‘Best Wishes / Jessie Matthews’. A black and white head-and-shoulders shot of a wide-eyed Matthews staring at the viewer over her left shoulder, with short hair, in a white feather hat and white fur coat, against a black background. Scan on application.

[Elizabeth Allan, English actress, star of stage and screen.] Autograph Signature to publicity photograph.

Author: 
Elizabeth Allan (1910-1990), English actress, star of stage and screen
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£25.00

Publicity photograph on 8.5 x 13.5 postcard. In good condition, lightly aged, with a tiny piece worn away from bottom left. Inscription diagonally at bottom left: ‘Best wishes / Elizabeth Allan’. A black and white head-and-shoulders portrait of a young Allan, against a white background, with short wavy hair and side parting gazing to her left with beatific smile.

[‘Our Gracie’, ‘The Lancashire Lass’: Gracie Fields, much-loved English singer, actress and comedienne, star of music hall and screen.] Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Gracie Fields [born Grace Stansfield] (1898-1979), much-loved English singer, actress and comedienne, star of music hall and screen, known as ‘Our Gracie’ and ‘the Lancashire Lass’
Publication details: 
No date or place.
£25.00

See her entry in the Oxford DNB. Good bold signature ‘Gracie Fields’, underlined and rising upwards. On 11.5 x 9 cm piece of thin light-grey card. In good condition, lightly aged, but with border of discoloration created by tape, a tiny part of which has encroached on the initial ‘G’ of the signature.

[Hartley Power, American stage and screen actor who settled in England.] Signed publicity photograph of him with trilby and pipe in mouth.

Author: 
Hartley Power (1894-1966), American stage and screen actor who settled in England
Publication details: 
No date (1930s). No place.
£35.00

Power made his Broadway debut in 1922. The film role for which he is perhaps best remembered is as Gregory Peck's boss in 'Roman Holiday' (1953). A 15 x 12 cm black and white image, printed on 17 x 14 cm matt card. In good condition, lightly aged. A head and shoulders shot of a pensive Power, pipe in mouth, trilby on head, in pin stripe suit jacket with white shirt and tie. At top right, against the plain background, in green ink, Power has written: ‘Best Wishes / Hartley Power.’

[Charlie Chaplin [Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin], English comedian, star of the silent screen.] Autograph Signature to matt bromide print of portrait by Witzel of Los Angeles of Chaplin playing his violin.

Author: 
Charlie Chaplin [Sir Charles Spencer Chaplin] (1899-1977), English comedian, star of the silent screen; Albert Witzel (1879-1929), Los Angeles photographer
Chaplin
Publication details: 
Photograph by [Albert] Witzel of L[os] A[ngeles]. [Said to have been taken on 1 May 1928.]
£1,500.00
Chaplin

The present image is not in the National Portrait Gallery, but the licencing rights are held by Getty Images, by whom it is dated to 1 May 1928. 24 x 18.5 cm bromide print, on 25 x 18.5 cm matt.In fair condition, discoloured and with light creasing at extremities. Chaplin's genuine signature is at bottom right: 'Yours Truly / Charlie Chaplin'. Wittzel's monogram (featuring 'WITZEL' and 'L A') is printed at bottom left. An excellent and unusual artistic image of a figure of world renown.

[Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Hollywood star.] Publicity Photograph with Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Douglas Fairbanks Jr. [Douglas Elton Fairbanks Jr.] (1909-2000), Hollywood star and film producer
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Publication details: 
No date or place, but during the latter part of his life.
£65.00
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

A 7.5 x 10 cm photograph on 8.5 x 13 cm piece of shiny Kodac paper. Black and white head and shoulders shot of an old Fairbanks, nattily attired in jacket and tie, smiling at the camera towards his right shoulder. Signed ‘Douglas Fairbanks’ beneath the photograph in blue felt-tip pen. In very good condition. See Image.

[Robert Morley, English actor, star of stage and screen.] Autograph Note Signed, with 'most abject apologies'.

Author: 
Robert Morley [Robert Adolph Wilton Morley] (1908-1992), quintessentially-English actor, star of stage and screen
Morley
Publication details: 
Undated; on letterhead of 25 Burton Court S.W.3 [London].
£35.00
Morley

1p, 12mo. On grey paper. In fair condition, lightly aged and with slight creasing. Large firm signature. Presumably responding to a request for an autograph. Reads: ‘With my most abject apologies - but I have been away for three months / Robert Morley. See Image.

[Dame Judi Dench, star of stage and screen.] Typed Letter Signed to Neil Hurst, responding to his expression of appreciation for her work.

Author: 
Dame Judi Dench [Judith Olivia Dench] (b.1934), star of stage and screen, widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest actresses
Publication details: 
11 January 2000. No address, on paper headed ‘JUDI DENCH’.
£56.00

See her entry in Encyclopedia Britannica. 1p, 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with some grubbiness around the top-left corner. The text of the letter and the stylish and assured signature are unaffected. Reads: ‘Dear Neil Hurst, / Thank you very much for your letter. I’m delighted to know that you have enjoyed my work, and it was kind of you to write. / I have pleasure in sending you a signed photograph, with my best wishes. / Yours sincerely, / Judi Dench’. Dench terminates the signature with a diagonal dash through a widely-spaced colon.

[Angela Lansbury, Hollywood actress, star of TV series ?Murder, She Wrote?.] Typed Card Signed to Kenneth [Sephton], stating that 'the show' ['Gypsy', at the Piccadilly Theatre'] has ?turned into more of a success than I could have ever hoped for?.

Author: 
Angela Lansbury [Dame Angela Brigid Lansbury] (1925-2022), stage and screen actress, born in Britain of partly Irish extraction, who settled in America and starred in the TV series ?Murder, She Wrote'
Lansbury
Publication details: 
9 July 1973. [London.]
£45.00
Lansbury

On one side of 15 x 10 cm grey-blue card, with facsimile of her signature at the head. Addressed to ?Dear Kenneth?, and with bold stylish signature at bottom right. The subject of the letter is the Piccadilly Theatre production of ?Gypsy?, which had opened a few days before on 29 May 1973. She thanks him for his ?kind letter?, adding ?Thank god you were right about the show and it has turned into more of a success than I could have ever hoped for.? She is sorry he couldn?t attend the first night, as ?it was a good show and I know you would have enjoyed it?.

[Ernest Lauri, Australian actor and singer, ‘The Singing Anzac’.] Autograph Letter Signed [to theatre historian W. Macqueen-Pope], requesting tickets, as an Australian theatre correspondent, to the London production of South Pacific.

Author: 
Ernest Lauri (1891-1977), Australian actor and singer, ‘The Singing Anzac’ [Walter James Macqueen-Pope, English theatre historian]
Publication details: 
2 April 1952; from an hotel in Paris, on letterhead of ‘Ernest Lauri / (The Singing Anzac)’.
£80.00

From the Macqueen-Pope papers. (See his entry in the Oxford DNB.) 1p, 4to. Aged and creased, on discoloured high-acidity paper. Folded twice for postage, and with closed tear at head of vertical fold. Slight damage and rust staining from removal of staple. The letterhead incorporates two photographic portraits of Lauri, with press comment from ‘Everyone’s Magazine’ and career resume beginning: ‘Ernest Lauri / (The Singing Anzac) / STARRED IN AUSTRALIAN PICTURES / Versatile Vocalist and Monologist’. Macqueen-Pope is not named, but is presumably the recipient.

[1920s ladies' fashion: Heather Thatcher, stage and screen actress and dancer.] Autograph Signature to Corrected Typescript of article ‘ “Dress To Suit Yourself.” / says Heather Thatcher / In an Exclusive Interview with Dorothy Owston-Booth.’

Author: 
Heather Thatcher (1896-1987), stage and screen actress and dancer whose Russian-designed costumes caused a sensation in the 1920s [Dorothy Owston-Booth (b.1889), journalist;1920s ladies’
Publication details: 
No date or place. [London. 1920s.]
£90.00

An excellent bold and sprawling signature ‘Heather Thatcher’ at the end of a carbon typescript of a 1920s article from an unascertained source, with a few minor corrections in pencil. 3pp, 4to. Fifty-nine lines of text, on three leaves attached with a slightly rusty paperclip. In fair condition, lightly aged and creased. Begins: ‘ “Luckily, fashion for this autumn and winter are going to be varied; so every woman will be able to find something to suit her own particular type,” said lovely Heather Thatcher when she was showing me some of her new autumn dresses.

[Oscar Hammerstein, American lyricist and librettist associated with Richard Rodgers.] Typed Note Signed ('Oscar') to W. J. Macqueen-Pope, regarding the opening of the London production of 'The King and I'.

Author: 
Oscar Hammerstein [Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II] (1895-1960), American lyricist, librettist, associated with composer Richard Rodgers [W. J. Macqueen-Pope]
Publication details: 
12 October 1953. On London letterhead of 'The King and I', Williamson Music Limited, 14 St George St, W.1.
£220.00

1p, 4to. In fair condition, lightly aged. Folded once. The printing of the letterhead, in red and black, extends along three edges, with decorations including an oriental-style architectural motif in front of a tree at bottom right. At the head of the page the letterhead reads 'Williamson presents The King and I as originally produced by Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein 2nd.' The four directors of Williamson Music Limited are named at the foot, including Rodgers, Hammerstein and 'Louis Dreyfus (British formerly American)'. The note, addressed to 'Mr.

[Leo Genn, British stage and screen actor.] Typed Letter Signed ('Leo Genn') to 'Miss Grundy', on his forthcoming film 'Green for Danger', his preference for the theatre over the screen, and his playing 'strong stuff'.

Author: 
Leo Genn [Leopold John Genn] (1905-1978), English stage and screen actor
Publication details: 
'c/o Two Cities Films, | 15, Hanover Square, | London, W.1.' June 1946.
£50.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper, with binder holes in one margin. Folded once. He apologises for not answering her letter sooner, but he has been 'buried in a film studio for the past four months'. She will know that the film he is working on is 'Green for Danger'. The film has a planned autumn release.

[Paddy Carstairs, film and television director.] Two Autograph Letters Signed to 'Mrs Greenwood', the first encouraging her screenwriter aspirations, the second rejecting one of her scripts.

Author: 
Paddy Carstairs [John Paddy Carstairs, born John Keys] (1910-1970), film and television director
Publication details: 
Both on letterhead of Two Cities Films Ltd, 15 Hanover Square, London. The first undated (but with date of receipt noted as 10 July 1949; the second dated 22 July 1949.
£50.00

Both 1p, 8vo, and each in fair condition, on aged paper, with creasing along one edge. The first letter with smudged date of receipt in one corner. The first letter signed 'Paddy Carstairs', the second 'John Paddy Carstairs'. ONE: Begins: 'Dear Miss Greenwood | What can I possibly say? I am “set” for my next pic, but always want very unique stories – who doesn't?! | In 22 years (nearly!) I've only sold 3 originals for the screen and none of my novels – you see, there aren't any rules'.

[Jeanne de Casalis, film and stage actress, writes to 'Mr. Knot' (E. V. Knox) of 'Punch'.] Autograph Card in the third person, informing him when she will be doing a BBC radio broadcast of his 'Reparation'.

Author: 
Jeanne de Casalis [born Jeanne Casalis de Pury in Basutoland] (1897-1966), Anglo-French stage and screen actress [E. V. Knox [Edmund George Valpy Knox, pseud. 'Evoe'] (1881-1971), editor of Punch]
Publication details: 
On her letterhead, Hunger Hatch, Little Chart, Kent. Postmarked 28 June 1941.
£35.00

Card with stamp and postmark. Of the two addresses in her letterhead, she has deleted the London one (105 Hallam Street, W1). In good condition, lightly aged and worn. Addressed to 'Secretary to | E. V. Knot [sic] Eq. | Offices of “Punch”'. The card reads: 'Miss de Casalis hopes to broadcast Mr. Knot's “Reparation” at the end of her turn on Friday 27th 9.35 to 10.15 (Forces programme) & again on Sunday to Forces abroad.'

[ Ginger Rogers, Hollywood star. ] Autograph Signature.

Author: 
Ginger Rogers [ born Virginia Katherine McMath ] (1911-1995), Hollywood actress, dancer and singer, famed for her partnership with Fred Astaire
Ginger
Publication details: 
Place and date not stated.
£20.00
Ginger

Good, firm signature in blue ink, 7cm. long, on a piece of paper laid down on a 16 x 25cm. piece of card, beside a magazine cutting of a photograph of Rogers, the two protected by a loose plastic sheet. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper.

Attractive and colourful 1930s scrapbook, compiled by G. H. Manchester of Ashton-under-Lyne, mainly devoted to motoring, but with pages of footballers, boxers, cricketers, tennis players, aircraft, film and radio stars, pretty girls, dandies.

Author: 
[Geoffrey H. Manchester of Ashton-under-Lyne; 1930s scrapbook; motoring; transport; motor sports; football; Hollywood stars]
Publication details: 
Mostly compiled between 1934 and 1937, with a few pages at the end from the 1950s and 1980s.
£160.00

Several hundred images (most illustrations rather than photographs and most in colour), many carefully cut out, all laid down on 68pp. in an album made up from a ruled exercise book roughly 20 x 16 cm, including three fold-outs (the first, beneath a decorative flap that reads 'Birds Unfeathered | Worth A Bit Of Study', carrying eight 1930s illustrations women in underwear). The album has been attractively customised with printed illustrations of motor racing over board covers.

Autograph draft of a circular letter by the comedian Tommy Trinder urging Equity members to vote in favour of Sunday opening in a wartime ballot on that question. With a typescript of the circular, and a printed facsimile of Trinder's signature.

Author: 
Tommy Trinder [Thomas Edward Trinder] (1909-1989), English stage, screen and radio comedian with the catchphrase 'You lucky people!' [C.A.S.T., Campaign of Actors for Sunday Theatres, 1943]
Publication details: 
Undated [1943].
£120.00

The three items are stapled to one another, in good condition on lightly-aged paper. The first item is the typescript, which is 1p., 4to. It is addressed to 'Dear Brother Artist,' and begins: 'You will possibly be rather surprised to receive a letter from me, but after having spent most of my life in the Provinces, I now find myself landed in London. I am surprised at the amount of discussion and activity that takes place here regarding the "politics" of the theatre - and realise how you in the Provinces are apt to get left out.

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.

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