A Rosalind Russell group of letters from Alec Guinness
Comprising 2 Autograph Letters Signed ('Alec'), 4 pp, 12mo, Los Angeles and Petersfield, England, March 15, 1961 to August 12, 1961, to Rosalind Russell, on monogrammed stationery and 'Kettlebrook Meadows' stationery, one with original autograph transmittal envelope; together with 4 Autograph Notes Signed ('Alec,' 'Alec G.'), 4 pp, Los Angeles, March 10, 1961 to May 27, 1961, one on monogrammed stationery, two with autograph transmittal envelopes; and together with 5 silver gelatin photographs, all doubleweight matte finish, of Russell, Guinness, and others in scenes and candids from A Majority of One (1961).
Footnotes:
Alec Guinness and Rosalind Russell were both in such awe of each other as actors that they both agreed to star in A Majority of One despite neither feeling right for their respective parts (Russell as a Jewish woman and Guinness as a Japanese man). Though tentative at first, Guinness' excitement at working with Russell was evident in his letters: I'm a terribly lazy actor, but any time you want to run lines or quietly read through a scene, just call me and I'll get in a cab.' Their eventual lifelong friendship was peppered with humor and upo-to-date details on their current projects, as Guinness regaled Russell with making the classic, Lawrence of Arabia (1962), in 120-degree heat: 'It has the smell of a truly great film,' (an understatement to say the least). Later, Russell praised Guinness' acting chops, calling it '... enthralling to see him in action. He worked like a precision watch.' Likewise, Guinness rhapsodized, 'I don't think I've ever worked with such a true actress.'