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Lot
23527

Marlon Brando and Tennessee Williams Signed Letters. A fascinating bit of correspondence that includes letter from playwrigh...

2006 October Music/Entertainment Memorabilia Signature Auction #634

 
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Auction Ended On: Oct 7, 2006
Item Activity: 5 Internet/mail/phone bidders Number of Bidders
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Description:
Marlon Brando and Tennessee Williams Signed Letters. A fascinating bit of correspondence that includes letter from playwright Tennessee Williams to Brando discussing Williams' Orpheus Descending, with a response letter from the latter. Williams' single-page, typed letter reads in part: "Gadg [director Elia Kazan's nickname] says he doesn't think you would be interested in doing a play but Sam Spiegel says he talked to you about his enthusiasm for 'Orpheus Descending' which he felt as I do contains a great part for you...[actress Anna] Magnani is interested in doing this play sometime next year...Is it true that you are frightened of Magnani? That I don't believe, and certainly there would be no reason for it, to have you and Magnani playing together would give the theatre something to remember for many years to come, it would be an electrifying experience...". It features the notations "In 10 days -- 323 E. 58; N.Y.C.", the date May 2, 1955, and Williams' signature in red pencil.

Brando gives a priceless, eyebrow-raising response to Williams' queries in his two-page, typed letter dated May 24, 1955 and signed "Marlon" in black ink on the last page. It reads in part: "I have read the play three times since yesterday and am going to read it again. I think that it is the best play that you have done so far. I have been afraid for you sometimes, because success sings a deadly lullaby to most people. Success is a real subtle whore, who would like nothing better than to catch you sleeping and bite your [expletive] off."

In regards to Magnani, he adds: "Magnani doesn't frighten me. How can anyone so homely and so choked with longing frighten anyone. I think that she is a woman of unusual force who'd had a very hard time because she can't find anyone that would be willing to defeat her if they could. She yearns to be subjigated [sic] in a way that is natural t Accompanied by LOA from PSA/DNA.o all women but she can't find anybody with enough fire to 'burn her down'. As well as strength, she has weakness, and that makes her pitifully incongruous because it makes her domineering in her search to being dominated. As an actress, She is a different rag on a different shoe. I can't think of an actress I would rather play with providing the potential dynamics of the parts are equal. I have not seen ROSE TATTOO yet, but I am sure that Burt Lancaster, trapeze artist and all, was given a lesson in the art of not being remembered after the lights go on. When you play with her you either make sure that the parts are equally volatile, or plan to carry a fair-sized rock in your hand when you go on stage." Both letters are in overall Excellent condition with only very mild wear and some fold creases. From the collection of Marlon Brando. Accompanied by LOA from PSA/DNA.

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