KATHARINE HEPBURN
Katherine Hepburn writes a twelve page letter to Clifton Webb, about movies, theater, Spencer Tracy, 1944.
Katherine Hepburn, Autograph Letter Signed, 12 pages on 4 bifold sheets of gray speckled 8vo stationery, Dec. 31, 1944. Hepburn writes about Spencer Tracy, George Cukor, movies and a play she was never offered starring Tallulah Bankhead. Hepburn pens the twelve page letter to fellow actor and friend Clifton Webb (1899-1966, aka, Webb Parmelee Hollenbeck). She asks for his “words of wisdom” and a detailed description of the place he is staying. Hepburn explains that "Spence," Spencer Tracy, is “very anxious to find out about it" as he is looking, "to find a place to rest & ... never to be seen or heard of again - it would be exciting...." Hepburn tells Webb that she took a drive to Santa Barbara with George Cukor who directed her in the 1940 film, "The Philadelphia Story." They drove by Webb's beach property which she thinks, "is a good spot," away from "traffic noises...." She writes about her latest film, "Without Love," released in 1945, also starring Tracy, Lucille Ball and directed by Harold Bucquet. "We finished the picture Friday - and they expect to preview in 10 days - I have a ticket for you for Jan. 16 & unless there is some horrible trouble which will mean...reconstruction - I shall be in N.Y. on Jan, 20. It is a most exciting prospect...." " Hepburn mentions the actress Tallulah Bankhead (1902-68) and how it will be “fun to see her in Phil’s play… she should be perfect…” Hepburn explains that she is, "very jealous that it was never even mentioned to me...." She is likely referring to Philip Barry (1896-1949), the playwright who wrote over twenty plays for Broadway including "The Philadelphia Story," and "Foolish Notion," produced in 1945 starring Tallulah Bankhead. Hepburn starred in the film version of "The Philadelphia Story" directed by George Cukor. Towards the end of her letter, Hepburn notes that, “George’s picture is a big hit & he is the toast of the town." She may be referring to the classic film "Gaslight" directed by Cukor, released in May 1944 or closer to the December date of this letter, "Winged Victory" released on December 22, 1944. She also refers to Webb's 1944 classic, "Laura," directed by Otto Preminger, writing that she still hears, "wonderful things," about it. "Spence & I shall now have a chance to see it...." She ends this expansive letter letting Webb know she thinks of him and misses him. She signs, "Kate," and adds her New York City address and phone number.
Item #4874
Price: $3,200.00