Description:

A very upset Princess Grace writes her MGM agent "Like a fool ... I signed this note which will give Gant Gaither permission to write what ever he likes ... He sent me the galleys. I nearly collapsed when I saw the cover. The Story of Grace Kelly. I just couldn't believe it ... I found the whole thing so unbearably personal and in bad taste..."

GRACE KELLY (1929-1982) Typed Letter Signed "Grace," 2p, 8.25" x 10.5", separate sheets. [Switzerland], Thursday [August 29 / September 1957]. To her MGM press agent, Morgan [Hudgins]. Lightweight paper. Fine condition.

On July 3, 1957, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier began a two month vacation in a chalet in Schonreid, Switzerland. "Princess of Monaco: The Story of Grace Kelly" by Gant Gaither was published by Henry Holt & Company in New York on August 26,1957. Gant Gaither had known Grace Kelly since she was an apprentice actress in Bucks County Playhouse, in New Hope, Pennsylvania. In 1949, at the age of 19, she made her stage debut there in "The Torchbearers" written by her uncle, 1926 Pulitzer Prize winning playwright George Kelly.

In full, "Just received your letter concerning the Imperial Ball. Please tell them for me that we very much appreciate their kind invitation but it is impossible for us to be there at that date. Conrad Hilton asked us to the same affair last year. It is just too far for one evening and November is a very busy time for us in Monaco. Thanks so much for your very newsy letter of July 24th. The statement of Mr. Vogel was quite something. What a pity there is so much confusion and jealousy it makes it so much more difficult.

"Gant is very amusing and great fun to be around and he was always so sweet and such a good friend to me. That is why I was so hurt and disappointed when he chose [next five words are handwritten] the loyaltie (& royalties) of Henry Holt instead of considering a friendship. I was a bit embarrassed when Gant first asked me if he could write a book (that would be mostly photographs) of the wedding and Monaco. It was an odd thing for a friend to want to do but because he was a friend I said yes. He felt I had doubts and assured me that it would be done with great taste and I would certainly be pleased. He also said if I wasn't that he wouldn't do it. You know how I hate personal things printed and Gant knows that too.

"In New York he told me that a few changes were being made and I begged to see any part of it as I was getting anxious as to how the story was being changed. Gant always said that it was in such a rough state that he couldn't show it. Finally in March or the end of Feb. He sent me the galleys. I nearly collapsed when I saw the cover. The Story of Grace Kelly. I just couldn't believe it. Gant has an amusing way of tell-[ing] a story but in print it loses the humour and I found the whole thing so unbearably personal and in bad taste and the few things I asked him to take out - from what I have seen quoted in columns were never taken out. I should have learned that lesson long ago but I don't know why I am such a sucker to go on believing people. No writer yet has ever kept his word about cuts. Gant has me saying things that I have never uttered and that is the most infuriating part. Anything a person has said that I have been in the same room with is always attributed to me. I should be used to it but I guess I never will.

"On the Constitution before landing in Monaco [for her April 19, 1956 wedding] Gant asked me to write him a letter or note saying that I approved of the project. Like a fool I did without mentioning a title or anything. I didn't fully realise what it was about and what exactly the note was for (As I was not really at my mental best at the time) So I signed this note which will give Gant Gaither permission to write what ever he likes and as long as he likes about me. I am stuck.

"The fact that the book is boring and full of slop is not the point and with all of the other slop that has been written I am really beyond caring very much but the principle of the thing annoys hell out of me, that I could have been such a sucker and that a friend took advantage of me. I don't believe Gant would have change the idea of the book if Henry Holt co. hadn't asked him to but he considered them and everyone else before me. Besides a friend's job above all is discretion. Enough about that. It is something I would like to forget.

"We have had a wonderful summer here in Switzerland and I hate the thought of going home. Our Baby has a tooth and Oliver is the father of six beautiful puppies. I am not looking forward to the trip to Monaco with nine dogs, not to mention baby and equipment, two days of driving. Burt Lancaster would be wonderful as Ben Hur. When you're in Italy you must stop by in Monaco at some point. It would be so nice to see you. Give my best to all. Fondly."

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000