Description:

K. Hepburn ALS Likely Written During Production of 5th Tracy-Hepburn Vehicle, "State of the Union"

A 1p autograph letter signed by legendary actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003), as "Kate" in the lower right corner. N.d. but the corresponding original transmittal envelope also engrossed by Hepburn is postmarked July 1, 1947 from Chicago, Illinois. The place where the letter was written is identified as "Somewhere in Kansas." Written on blue-lined legal sized paper. Expected folds and a few extra wrinkles, else near fine. 8" x 12." The envelope bears a cancelled airmail stamp, and shows some weathering, else very good.

Katharine Hepburn wrote this amusing and colorful letter to Laura Dubman (ca. 1925-1993), the classically trained concert pianist who had recently worked with Hepburn during the production of the MGM romantic drama "Song of Love." A child prodigy who had made her concert debut at age 5, Dubman was then a pupil of Arthur Rubenstein (note that the envelope is addressed to Dubman, "c/o Mrs Arthur Rubenstein.") Dubman had helped Hepburn portray Clara Schumann, opposite male leads Paul Henreid as Robert Schumann and Robert Walker as Johannes Brahms. "Song of Love" was scheduled to be released just three months later, in early October 1947.

Paragraph breaks have been added for ease of reading, and minor punctuation (periods) have silently been inserted. Hepburn wrote in full:

"Somewhere in Kansas

Dear Laura -

Things continue - the cooling system has been on the blink ever since we left - so it is hotter than hell - Also we are 2 1/2 hours late + I shall miss the Century - But being of a quiet and philosophical nature these things do not disturb me - Take what comes + at least I believe I shall be as far as Chicago.

The countryside is heavenly - fresh green + damp + it looks great to me after the dried up California ant hills - It is exciting to be on my way + I only wish you were here to sweat + laugh -

I can never tell how grateful I am for your assistance in my distress - You really saved its being so dreary as to be unendurable - I look back now even + it seems kind of fun - + I put cigarette stubs in the glasses - dirty all the china spill things with a sense of reckless wantonness which I never before enjoyed -

My love to you + to Nela -

- Kate -"

In the summer of 1947, Hepburn was likely involved in the filming of her next picture, the Frank Capra-directed political satire "State of the Union," co-starring her real-life partner Spencer Tracy. The film, produced by Liberty Films and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, was the fifth Hepburn-Tracy vehicle. Hepburn played Mary Matthews, the estranged wife of Tracy, an aspiring presidential candidate named Grant Matthews. The couple must thwart Kay Thorndyke, Matthews' Machiavellian lover, played by Angela Lansbury. "State of the Union" production had already been underway since that spring and would continue for several months. Principal photography would take place later that year, from late September through early December, and second unit photography was filmed in California and Texas. The film was released two months after shooting wrapped, on April 30, 1948.

Hepburn does not explicitly state how Dubman helped her in her "distress," but it is likely that she was referring to Dubman's expert instruction on the set of "Song of Love." Dubman had worked closely with Hepburn, showing her how to position her hands so that it looked like she was actually playing the piano, and Hepburn completed the illusion by memorizing the fingering. Dubman's mentor Rubenstein played the actual notes.

Dubman later married Italian playwright Mario Fratti in 1964, and their only daughter Valentina became Hepburn's goddaughter.

Over Katharine Hepburn's 66-year-long acting career, she would star in dozens of films, television movies, and stage productions. Named the leading female actress of Hollywood Classic Cinema by the American Film Institute, Hepburn also won four Academy Awards (1934's "Morning Glory," 1968's "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," 1969's "The Lion in Winter," and 1982's "On Golden Pond") and racked up eight further Oscar nominations. Hepburn was as comfortable in serious theatrical dramas as she was in screwball comedies or period pieces.

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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