Description:

Dealer's Lot, Australian Actor/Dancer Robert Helpmann Re: Knighthood & Katharine Hepburn's "Coco" Role

A wonderful lot of dance, theatrical, and film memorabilia related to Australian ballet dancer, actor, choreographer, and director Sir Robert Helpmann (1909-1986). The lot consists of a 1p autograph letter signed by Helpmann as "Robert" discussing his recent knighthood and close friend Katharine Hepburn; and two autograph notes signed as "R" and "Robert."

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 1p autograph letter signed by Helpmann as "Robert" at lower right. January 1, [n.y.] but probably 1969. [London, England.] On personalized watermarked stationery with Helpmann's London address embossed at the letterhead. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and a few extra wrinkles, else near fine. 7.875" x 10."

Helpmann addressed this letter to Laura Dubman (ca. 1925-1993), a classically trained pianist, and a mutual friend of Hollywood actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003). Helpmann's letter refers to Hepburn as "Kate," and also mentions her upcoming role-playing fashion designer Coco Chanel.

Helpmann wrote in part, with silently corrected spelling and punctuation:

"Darling Laura. I will be in New York from Sunday Jan 14th to the 20. at the Hotel Maurice West 58th. I am on my way to Australia and Michael [probably Michael Benthall (1919-1974), Helpmann's longtime partner] is staying at that Hotel until he finds an apartment: Darling I want to tell you as I am sure it won't be in the New York press today I received a Knighthood from the Queen so I am now Sir Robert. Of course I am thrilled except it makes me laugh when people say 'Sir Robert.' I suppose I'll get used to it. It was divine having Kate here and I talk to her every day… What about her being a big musical star in 'Coco.' Long to talk to you and fond love to you all.

always
Robert."

Robert Helpmann was appointed a Knight Bachelor of the Order of the British Empire in 1968; it would be just one of several international awards bestowed on the multi-talented entertainer over the course of his career.

Katharine Hepburn and Robert Helpmann had acted opposite each other during the Old Vic Theatre Company's Australian Tour of 1955, and in the Bob Hope vehicle "The Iron Petticoat" (1956), and the two remained close friends during the following decades. Katharine Hepburn played Coco Chanel in the eponymous Broadway musical after its mid-December 1969 premiere. With music by André Previn, lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, elaborate sets and costumes by Cecil Beaton, and Hepburn in the starring role, the musical proved incredibly popular to audiences, if not to critics. "Coco" ran for 40 previews and 329 performances before closing in New York in early October 1970. From January to June 1971, the show went on a national tour. The cast and crew collected seven Tony Award nominations for the production, including Hepburn's nomination as Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.

2. A Christmas card signed by Helpmann as "R" above his printed name as "Sir Robert Helpmann, C.B.E." N.d., n.p. The large, fold-out Adams Card Ascot Berkshire card features a pictorial Christmas tree with glittery, embossed, and shiny metallic accents. A few gentle wrinkles, else near fine. Measures 13.5" x 9" unfolded.

Helpmann conveyed his Christmas wishes (probably to Laura Dubman), and provided a review of Katharine Hepburn's performance as Elinor of Aquitaine in the 1968 film, "The Lion in Winter."

In part, with silently corrected usage:

"It's great Kate being here. Saw 'The Lion in Winter.' She's just great, in fact so is the whole movie, I think. See you in March. R."

3. A Christmas card (probably to Laura Dubman) signed by Helpmann as "Robert" below his crossed-out printed name as "Robert Helpmann. N.d., n.p. The Calypso card with an elf motif is inscribed by Helpmann as, "When the world is so small why don’t we ever meet." A few isolated wrinkles and scuffs, else near fine. 3.75" x 8.75."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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September 6, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
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