Description:

Dealer's Lot, British Director Anthony Harvey Re: Katharine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall & Other London Gossip

A wonderful lot of film memorabilia related to British film director Anthony Harvey (1930-2017), whose second directorial endeavor, "The Lion in Winter" (1968), was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director and won a Golden Globe for the same category. The lot consists of two vintage photographs signed by Harvey, including one shot with Katharine Hepburn during "The Lion in Winter" filming. Also included is a 3pp autograph letter signed by Harvey as "Tony," discussing 1980s London film, theatrical, and literary gossip.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 3pp autograph letter signed by Harvey as "Tony X" on the bottom of the third page. July 5, 1985. London, England. Featuring an original drawing of a stylized sun at top. On three blue-lined sheets of white notebook paper, double hole-punched along the left margin. Expected wear including flattened folds and wrinkles, and a few unevenly torn top edges, else near fine. 8.25" x 11.5."

Harvey addressed this conversational letter to Laura Dubman (ca. 1925-1993), a classically trained pianist, and a mutual friend of Hollywood actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003). Harvey's letter refers to Hepburn throughout as "Kate," and also mentions Fenwick, Hepburn's longtime residence in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Harvey and Hepburn collaborated together four times over 30 years: "The Lion in Winter" (1968); "The Glass Menagerie" (1973); "Grace Quigley" (1984); and "This Can't Be Love" (1994).

Harvey wrote in part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"Dearest Laura,

I am sorry that you are still in agony - I hope very much that you get to Fenwick however difficult the journey…

I was rather puzzled about your saying Kate was waiting for a commitment from me!!? I have said 'Yes' ever since the script was written and only stay on home in the peace of London because I am really tired - I have grave doubts about Mr. Levine - is he serious? Who knows - … but when it comes to business Ugh! Ugh! I have also called Kate quite a few times + written - Have heard from her only once (a phone call). Are you quite sure that you should be passing Messages??

Life in London is extremely peaceful - A little sad + lonely but its good for ones soul - and I do need this time to think about the past + what to do with the future. Weather has much improved and I cycle everywhere + go to the theatre Richard III (great) Betty Bacall very good in a lousy play 'Sweet Bird of Youth' but it was great - seeing old friends - All rather disturbing + glum - I would like to move back here but …. ? …

My thoughts are with you - Will be back late Summer unless Mr. L. comes up with a contract.

All love

Tony X

Am reading Virginia Woolf last diary - Brilliant

Trouble writing due to Have Fever - Sorry."

Other film and theatrical personalities whom Harvey mentions in his chatty letter include former leading lady Lauren Bacall (1924-2014), as "Betty Bacall"; and probably American producer Joseph E. Levine (1905-1987), as "Mr. Levine" and "Mr. L." Harvey praises Lauren Bacall's performance as Alexandra Del Lago in the 1985 West End adaptation of Tennessee Williams's 1959 play "Sweet Bird of Youth." Harvey's skepticism of Levine is especially revealing considering the two had worked closely together during the filming of "The Lion in Winter."

2. A vintage black and white photograph depicting Harvey seated next to Katharine Hepburn in her Elinor of Aquitaine costume during the filming of "The Lion in Winter," signed and inscribed by Harvey in green pen as "To Valentina / with much / love / Tony" in the upper left corner. N.d., n.p. A moderate vertical crease near the center and several other minor corner and edge wrinkles, else near fine. 10" x 8." The photograph was dedicated to Valentina Fratti, Dubman's daughter with Italian playwright Mario Fratti; Valentina was also Hepburn's goddaughter.

3. A vintage black and white photograph showing Harvey on an unknown film set, seated under film equipment, signed and inscribed by Harvey in green pen as "Lots / of / Love / + Best / love / Tony" at lower left and at upper right. Expected wear including edge wear, chips, and minor closed tears, scuffs, and wrinkles. The bottom edge has been trimmed. Else very good. Overall size: 9.125" x 12.5."

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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