K. Hepburn ALS to David Lean Re: "Summertime" Casting: "If you are convinced - that is quite enough for me" - Hepburn Would Receive an Oscar Nomination for the Role

A 2pp autograph letter signed by legendary actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) in full as "Kate Hepburn" on the bottom of the second-page verso. January 11, 1954. N.p. Written in pencil on either side of blue-lined yellow paper. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and an isolated corner crease, else near fine. 8.375" x 11."

In this gushing letter to British director David Lean (1908-1991), Hepburn expressed her excitement about the possibility of playing the principal female lead in his upcoming movie "Summertime," a romance set in Venice, Italy.

Not only does Hepburn's letter have sensational content related to "Summertime," but, more interestingly for readers, it also demonstrates how stars and directors courted each other prior to solidifying the details of any film project. Hepburn's many effusive assurances of her interest in "Summertime" compete with statements of her admiration of Lean and his projects. The success of their working relationship would be assured; no wonder that Lean claimed "Summertime" was his favorite movie, and Hepburn was his favorite actress.

Hepburn wrote in full:

"I - 11 - 54

Dear David Lean -

I finally got your letter a week ago - It all sounds thrilling + I'm certain that it will be wonderful - If you are convinced - that is quite enough for me - I am a wild fan of yours - I think that you are absolutely great - I told your wife this once when I went backstage to see her after Seventh Veil - You have never disillusioned me - In fact Sound Barrier was to me the most shattering of all - You are a sensitive intelligent + imaginative creature - + if you are enthusiastic about me - I am thrilled - wasn't mad about the play but certainly see what you intend - + see it all now in a lovely rosy glow - am intoxicated at the prospect - have read since I heard how you felt - I hope it pleases you to hear all these nice things - for it is so lovely to feel them -

Kate Hepburn

Seriously or with all effort at constructive thought - I believe showing what she comes from is very important - + please know that when I talked to Korda + Lopert - I had only seen the play - + should have kept my mouth shut - I thought I was to see Arthur L - before he left - Give him our best + you both have my enthusiastic thoughts."

Hepburn's letter is veritably peppered with textual references to movie industry personalities, actresses, filmographers, playwrights, and producers, including:

- "your wife" (p. 1) referred to Lean's third wife, Dorothy Ann Todd (1907-1993), a British actress who costarred opposite James Mason in the 1945 thriller "The Seventh Veil" (also mentioned on p. 1)

- "Sound Barrier" (p. 2) was Lean's 1952 movie about a sound barrier-breaking jet fighter, "Prometheus"

- "Korda" (p. 2 postscript) referred to Vincent Korda (1897-1979), the Hungarian-born British-naturalized filmographer of "Summertime," and younger brother of Alexander and Zoltan Korda, two titans of the British film industry

- "Lopert" (p. 2 postscript) was Ilya Lopert (1905-1971), a Lithuanian-born American émigré who became a successful movie producer, and produced "Summertime"

- "Arthur L" (p. 2 postscript) referred to Arthur Laurents (1917-2011), whose play would be adapted into "Summertime"

David Lean directed and co-wrote the screenplay for "Summertime" along with H.E. Bates, based on a 1952 Arthur Laurents play, "The Time of the Cuckoo." Hepburn would portray Jane Hudson, an unmarried, middle-aged executive secretary who travels to Venice on holiday. While there, Hudson unexpectedly falls in love with a married antiques dealer named Renato de Rossi, played by Italian actor Rossano Brazzi. "Summertime" was filmed entirely on location in Venice during the high tourist season in the summer of 1954. During filming, Hepburn performed her own stunt of falling into a canal and promptly contracted conjunctivitis from the dirty water.

"Summertime" was distributed by United Arts and its staggered release in Venice, New York City, and the United Kingdom took place from May - November 1955. The film was a box office and critical success. Both David Lean and Katharine Hepburn were nominated for Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Actress respectively.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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