Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 312 - Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1648

Hollywood: Mae West American actress, singer, and screenwriter (1893-1980) known for her risque persona; her suggestive humor often led to censorship that she used to further promote her career. Outstanding association and telling content Typewritten Letter Signed "Mae West", 2 pages, 8vo, on blue stationery imprinted with her name, Hollywood, August 26, 1941. She writes to film superstar Gary Cooper in what may be a kind of form letter, asking him to help Warden Clinton Duffy of San Quentin Penitentiary, who is "preparing to award prizes to the men in prison who prove most worthy of them...It has been suggested that I let you know about this personally...I attended the National Congress of the American Prison Association as an appointed delegate...I accepted because I felt I owed something to the bad boys...since my stage and screen successes have been about the underworld..." She asks Cooper to send a donation either to her or directly to the warden. Staple holes, otherwise VG. A great relatively early West letter showcasing her social conscience.

Estimate
$400 to $500