Katharine Hepburn Archive Re: "Suddenly, Last Summer" Production Culminating in Mank Face-Spitting Incident

A wonderful archive relating to American actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003), including a 40+-word autograph letter signed; a telegram signed in print as "Kate"; and five vintage snapshots taken of Hepburn and friend Robert Helpmann when Hepburn was presumably in London filming "Suddenly, Last Summer" (1959).

The majority of the archive dates from the production period of "Suddenly, Last Summer," the 1959 film based on the 1958 Tennessee Williams play of the same name. Production took place from late May through early September 1959. Hepburn and co-stars Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor filmed interior sequences at Surrey's Shepperton Studios, and at offsite locations in Majorca and Spain. Hepburn would receive her eighth Oscar award nomination for her portrayal of Violet Venable, a rich, aging aunt who attempts to institutionalize her niece to cover up the circumstances of the death of her homosexual son Sebastian the previous summer. The film was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, whom Hepburn despised in part for his callous treatment of the mentally fragile Clift during production. Hepburn famously spat in Mankiewicz's face as soon as filming concluded!

The lot includes:

1. A 2pp autograph letter signed by Hepburn as "Kate" verso. N.d., n.p. Boldly inscribed on the exterior sides of a tented card embossed "Miss Hepburn / 244 East 49th Street" recto. Blank card interior. Expected wear including a few superficial scuffs, else near fine. 3.875" x 3."

Hepburn addressed this note to Laura Dubman (ca. 1925-1993), a classically trained concert pianist who had given Hepburn expert musical instruction during the production of the MGM romantic drama "Song of Love" (1947).

Hepburn wrote in full, regarding an unknown "event":

"Dear Laura -

You are very very sweet - I guess one eventually accepts this event as a fact - but still it seems to me a strange dream - I hope that things go better with you -
Affectionately

Kate."

2. A 1p confirmation copy of a typed RCA Communications, Inc. telegram sent from Hepburn to Laura "Bubman" from London on June 27, 1959. Bearing two hand-stamped dockets at top. Expected flattened paper folds, deckled edges, and isolated toning, else near fine. 8.375" x 9.125."

Hepburn wrote in part:

"VERY INTERESTING NEWS ABOUT HUROK CANNOT KNOW NOW FOR PERSONAL REASONS WHEN I COULD DO IT BUT AGREE HIS NOTION AMERICANS ETC MAYBE WILL SEE YOU HERE WE WILL FINISH ABOUT AUGUST 1ST THEN RETURN CALIFORNIA THANK YOU AND LOVE KATE."

The telegram almost certainly refers to Sol Hurok (1888-1974), a Russian-born musical manager of many singers and musicians including classically trained pianist Arthur Rubenstein. Rubenstein was a common acquaintance of Hepburn's and Dubman's since he provided the recordings for "Song of Love."

3. A group of five glossy black and white vintage photographs probably taken of Hepburn in London in 1959 while she was filming "Suddenly, Last Summer." On Agfa Brovira photograph paper, all inscribed "1959" and "12" verso, with the photograph of Helpmann additionally pencil inscribed "London" verso. Three of the five photos are trimmed, and the smallest measuring 1.5" x 2.125" shows moderate wrinkling. The two largest photographs measure 4.125" x 2.875."

Four of the five snapshots show Hepburn wearing a white turtleneck, white slacks, white blazer, and black vest. The fifth photograph shows the future Sir Robert Helpmann (1909-1986), the Australian actor and professional ballet dancer. Hepburn had co-starred with Helpmann during the Old Vic Theatre Company's Australian Tour of 1955, and in the Bob Hope vehicle "The Iron Petticoat" (1956).

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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