Cast-Signed Memento
1939.
Lillian Hellman's personally owned cast-signed hand-made premier memento, presented to her by the National Theatre, February 15, 1939, the opening day of her classic play Little Foxes. 8" x 12", ornately illustrated and penned with drawings of foxes climbing a ladder in pursuit of grapes , with the plays title inscribed on top, and the full cast signing below. The signatures include: Tallulah Bankhead, Frank Conroy, John Marnott, Dan Duryea, Charles Dingle, Lee Baker, Abbie Mitchell, Florence William, Patricia Collinge, and Carl Benton Reid. Framed in a matt with 2 openings, the other containing an original photograph of Tallulah Bankhead and Patricia Collinge in their respective roles, the overall measure of the piece 13 1/2" x 26"
The Little Foxes is a classic of American 20th Century drama. Set in Alabama in 1900, the play explores themes of greed and passive violence in the Deep South, not yet 50 years removed from the end of the Civil war. Despite the success of its Broadway run, including 410 consecutive sold-out performances, the play caused a vicious feud between Hellman and her hand-picked star, Tallulah Bankhead. Evidently, Bankhead wanted to perform a benefit show for Finnish relief, as the USSR had recently invaded Finland. Without thinking she needed Hellman's permission, Bankhead informed the press and was shocked when Hellman declined permisson citing non-intervention and non-militarism. Around the time of this event critic George Jean Nathan shared a cab with Hellman and Bankhead. Bankhead reportedly said: "That's the last time I act in one of your god-damned plays." Hellman responded by slamming her purse against the actress' jaw. The two did not speak again until late 1963.Included in this full cast is the rare signature of African-American soprano opera singer Abbie Mitchell, best remembered for her role as Clara in the premier production of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess in 1935. She was the first to record "Summertime" from that musical, with Gershwin accompanying her on piano. Binding: Framed
Condition: Fine
Language: English
Price: $2,500.00
Item #318994