ALS in Italian signed twice, within the text and at the conclusion, one page, 6.25 x 9.75, Torre del Lago letterhead, November 16, 1916. Humorous handwritten letter from Puccini, who responds to a mix up between his opera and an American film of the same name. Addressed to his music publisher Clauso Clausetti, Puccini writes (translated) “I read in the paper that is published in Turin this evening cinema will be Fanciulla West/ Great film with sensations with divine music by Giacomo Puccini this was printedâ€Â¦That is falseâ€Â¦the authors are sleeping. I have had your songâ€Â¦I squeeze your hand which wrote the ancient ode." Perhaps reflecting the tone of confusion, he signs the letter with his name reversed and spelled a bit different, "Puccini Giacomin." The address field to reverse is penned by Puccini. In fine condition.



American director, Cecil B. DeMille, directed the silent film The Girl of the Golden West, which was released for the first time in 1915, and then again in 1918. Like Puccini’s opera, the film is based on the 1905 play by American producer and playwright David Belasco. Puccini’s opera of the same name premiered in New York City at the Metropolitan Opera in 1910.