Original Autograph Letter Signed by Actor Sir John Gielgud
signed
February 8, 1989 · Buckinghamshire, England
by GIELGUD, JOHN
Buckinghamshire, England: Notecard, 5 1/2” x 3 1/2”, February 8, 1989. Original autograph letter signed by the author, actor, Sir John Gielgud, to the sister of actress Lilli Palmer, on Lilli Palmer’s passing. Gieldgud writes: “...How sweet of you to trouble to write. They cut my tribute a bit, including ‘C’est-Lady Parlequi Piel’ - which I thought a pity. It seems she has left the Henley house to be used as a school for students of comedy! Not a very good idea it seems to me. Better to sell the house and found a scholarship at one of the drama schools with the proceeds. I was so very fond of her and of Lilli too. What became of Carlos [Palmer’s second husband]? Love to you as ever, John.” The letter is written on the verso of a printed notecard which reads: “With the Compliments of Sir John Gielgud” and comes with the postmarked envelope addressed in Gieldgud’s hand. Both the card and the envelope are in fine condition. The lovely and elegant Lilli Palmer (1914 - 1986) made her stage debut in Berlin in 1932, then, after the Nazi takeover, made her way to Paris to work in the Moulin Rouge. She first appeared in motion pictures in 1935 and in 1945 came to the U.S. with her first husband, actor Rex Harrison (with whom she starred in the 1945 film, The Rake’s Progress / Notorious Gentleman), where she enjoyed a career in Hollywood and on Broadway before returning to Europe in 1954. Her autobiography, Change the Lobsters and Dance, was met with critical and popular acclaim. Sir John Gielgud (1904 - 2000), a graduate of RADA, made his acting debut at the Old Vic in 1921 and subsequently went on to great critical acclaim as one of the greatest Shakespearean actors of our time. He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Becket as King Louis VII of France and won Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dudley Moore’s butler in Arthur. (Inventory #: 15933E)