Bette Davis Signed Letter to Producer Mark Hellinger and Comet Over Broadway Archive....

Description

Bette Davis Signed Letter to Producer Mark Hellinger and Comet Over Broadway Archive. The script for Mark Hellinger's Comet Over Broadway, a 1938 saga based on a Faith Baldwin story of an ambitious stage star, was initially refused by Bette Davis ("It reminds me of weak tea," she carped) and Kay Francis (then in severe career decline) accepted the job of lead. In hindsight, a thankful Bette Davis wrote a letter to Hellinger, typed, on her personal stationery, dated March 31, 1939, reading: "Dear Mark Hellinger, I appreciated your kind letter of congratulations regarding Dark Victory so much, especially so since I felt that you had no adverse feelings toward me regarding Comet Over Broadway!! Kindest personal regards," and signed in black fountain ink. The letter comes with its original envelope, postmarked Los Angeles, April 1, 1939, and with a three-cent stamp. The accompanying bound script for Comet Over Broadway (red leather binding with Hellinger's name embossed on the cover in gold) contains the 145-page script (which bears Bette Davis's name for the star role of Eve Appleton). Also included is a 72-page treatment by Hellinger and three letters from writer Faith Baldwin, each on her personal stationery and signed "Faith". In Very Good condition. From the Mark Hellinger Archive. Accompanied by James Spence Authentication auction LOA.

Heritage Auctions provides detailed information when available but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements and photographs are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of facts, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Framed artworks are not examined outside their frames, and additional details from Heritage may be unavailable; therefore, the condition of unexamined works is not guaranteed. Heritage is not responsible for damage to frames, glazing, original boxes, display materials, or for works that have shifted within the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" in accordance with our Terms & Conditions of Auction.