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The Golden Age of Hollywood
Lot 243

A James Cagney handwritten letter to William Wellman with personal color snapshots

14 May 2019, 13:00 PDT
Los Angeles

Sold for US$637.50 inc. premium

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A James Cagney handwritten letter to William Wellman with personal color snapshots

Autograph Letter Signed ("Jim Cagney"), 1 p, 8vo, Beverly Hills, May 11, 1973, to William Wellman, with original transmittal envelope. James Cagney's rise to stardom is directly linked to his collaboration with director William Wellman on The Public Enemy (1931), the film that cemented Cagney's status as a tough guy and Wellman's as a top-tier director in any genre. They remained lifelong friends and Cagney made a rare public appearance at a tribute to Wellman in 1973, where at the party afterwards he reminisced with Wellman's family and actors such as June Haver, Jean Simmons, Jack Warden, and Mike Connors, among others. According to his letter, a good time was had by all: "We were really pleased to see your wonderful vitality still in evidence. Hathaway [Henry], too, what a revelation. Tay G. [Garnett] can still get his share." Cagney writes more and also includes his Martha's Vineyard address and phone number. Accompanied by 19 color snapshots taken at the event, including 2 of Wellman and Cagney talking and hugging and many more with Wellman and guests.
Provenance: William Wellman, Jr.
4 x 8 in.

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