Milne, A.A. (1882-1956) Autograph Letter Signed 13 October 1938.

Description:

Milne, A.A. (1882-1956) Autograph Letter Signed 13 October 1938. Single sheet inscribed over two pages on 13 Mallord Street letter paper, to a London casting agent, concerning the casting of a female actor for Milne's upcoming play, Gentleman Unknown, 7 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.

"Dear William, Be an angel, and 1. Give your favourite flower-shop the enclosed and get them to send something pretty to my ex-leading lady, who is making her debut in the musical comedy world with Jack Hulbert on Monday and is feeling very unhappy about it. (Opera House?)
2. I have a play just going into rehearsal. Is there an old Liverpudlian (help!) Repretorial Companion (in other words a good actress) who is startlingly beautiful, or, more accurately, bursting with sex-appeal, to play the shortish but most important part of a vamp. I don't mean the languorous 'oh-la-la' pre-war vamp, but the modern one who sails straight in. At her first meeting with the hero--
Nella: Hallo!
Geoffrey: Hallo!
N: A perfectly good man!
G: So what?
N: So what?
G: Anything you say.
N: That sounds hopeful (Coming a little closer) Have we met before?
G: Does it matter?
N: I can't say that it does. As I'm just going or just coming?
G: Just wondering
And so on. She must be quick, hard, sure of herself, a little insolent, that is, able to give that effect. In other words, she must have 'attack.' Now then, recommend one of your old girls. I may say that we are trying to get Hilary Eves into the play somewhere, but she's not good for this, is she? I'm giving you a lot of trouble, but forgive me. Blessings on you, and I hope you're having a good season. [Closing], A.A.M."
Estimate $350-450


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