Boris Karloff's Arsenic and Old Lace Reception Guest Book, Alaska, 1957. ...

Description

Boris Karloff's Arsenic and Old Lace Reception Guest Book, Alaska, 1957. In March of 1957, Boris Karloff reprised his role of Jonathan in Arsenic and Old Lace in Anchorage, Alaska. The Community College Theatre Workshop, Little Theatre, and Symphony of Anchorage hosted a reception on the eve of rehearsal in his honor -- hence this 6" x 7" guest book with green leather cover, which Karloff signed in full on the special guests page in blue fountain ink. Additionally, Karloff gave the play's director, Frank Brink, his old "Arsenic" shoes (Brink had requested them when Karloff proposed a gift) and the book contains a typed note, reading, "My dear Frank, You can't possibly know what this experience has meant to Evie and me. And of course we will come back whenever you want us. I meant what I said last night. It was indeed the most rewarding moment of my career. Now I can't imagine why you would want my old Arsenic shoes but they are yours. They tramped through hundreds of performances of 'Arsenic' and other works as well, mostly because they were comfortable. Please rest your mind. I have no emotional attachment to them." Karloff signed the note in black fountain ink, "love, Boris Karloff." The book contains two color snapshots of the shoes, with a printed card identifying them and signed in blue ink by Karloff's widow Evelyn. She also signed the guest book, as did more than 200 guests and 30 members of the company. Later in 1957, director Frank Brink was one of the guests on the This Is Your Life show honoring Karloff. An unusual item with two great Karloff signatures, and a keepsake that held considerable sentiment for its famous former owner. In Excellent condition. From the Boris Karloff Estate Collection. Accompanied by a COA from PSA/DNA and a letter of provenance from Sara Karloff Sparkman.

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