$3,200
A seven-page autograph letter on four leaves of paper in the hand of Sir Laurence Olivier on blue stationery with Olivier's Lowndes Cottage address and original envelope addressed "For Miss Marilyn Monroe from L. O." in Olivier's hand. There are numbered notations throughout the letter in red wax pencil, underlining words that were difficult to make out. The letter is together with a three-page typed transcription of the letter with corresponding numbered blanks for each of the difficult words, which have been filled in by hand. The letter is dated simply June 9, and it accompanied the latest version of the script for The Prince and the Showgirl . Olivier discusses Monroe's dialogue and that he has "written some extra dialogue and a direction or two." He reports on where they are in the script writing process and that they have cut the script down from "well over 3 hours" to 2 1/2, to 2 hours 10 minutes. He continues about the scenes that were and were not cut, including "The Duke of Strelitz is, I think essential, as otherwise they will be saying 'what's the matter with them - why the heck can't they get married' particularly in view of Grace Kelly and all that, and our only answer to that question must be 'Yes but Look at the poor Windsors' do you see?" On an amusing note, Olivier mentions, "By the way Lady Maidenhead has degenerated to Lady Swingdale because I am assured the Hayes Office will not believe there is also a place in England of that name.\ Read more…
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2016-11-17