A 3pp autograph letter signed by American actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003), as "Kate" at the bottom of the third page. Hepburn has additionally signed her name as "K. Hepburn" in the return address portion of the accompanying original transmittal envelope. N.d., n.p. but postmarked on August 20, 1962 from Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Written in pencil on blue-lined, red-ruled legal size yellow paper. Expected wear including flattened paper folds and wrinkles. 7.875" x 12.25." The Airmail envelope bearing two canceled U.S. stamps is also engrossed by Hepburn in full recto and verso. Expected wear including letter-opening, else near fine.

Katharine Hepburn wrote this letter to Mario Fratti (born 1927), an Italian playwright who would marry Hepburn's friend, Laura Dubman (ca. 1925-1993), in September 1964. Dubman was a classically trained concert pianist who had given Hepburn expert musical instruction during the production of the MGM romantic drama "Song of Love" (1947), and she is mentioned several times in the letter.

Hepburn wrote in full:

"Dear Mario -

I could not imagine who could be sending me a script from Venice - Laura had promised to send it but somehow I never thought she'd get around to it - I read it immediately - knowing it to be a literal translation + found it fascinating but I am sure most injured - for it is a most subtle theme + the translations hit things on the head which should only be touched on - + the injury which he has done here is too boldly evidant [sic] now - + her reaction to it - You must get someone really brilliant to do it - for so many plays (the one's [sic] I know been mainly Pazudi's) are usually so oddly translated that the point + flavor is obscured -

It was most interesting to read something of yours - + although I had only heard how brilliant you are from your most enthusiastic friend Laura and this might have warped my opinion - I must say I don't think she overdid it - You should try to have the play done here - The title + the translation for sure - give it a to me falsly [sic] melodramatic turn which you did not intend - This must be cured + the second time I read it ( - for I was interrupted in writing you because my father is very ill + took a turn for the worse + I had to come East without the play - [illegible] so slow) anyway the second time I read it I felt it could very well done here - as a most penetrating sketch of a popular situation -

Thank you for sending it - I wish I could say let me do it now - but as Laura knows I can't - I'll look forward so much to meeting you -

Very much love to Laura -

Kate."

Hepburn wrote in the letter regarding Mario's project, "I wish I could say let me do it now - but as Laura knows I can't…" Hepburn was probably occupied by both personal and professional matters. As stated in the letter, Hepburn's father, Thomas Norval Hepburn (1879-1962) had been gravely ill; indeed, he would die just a few months later, in November 1962, at the age of 82. In terms of her acting career, Hepburn had just wrapped production on the Sidney Lumet-directed adaption of Eugene O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey Into Night." The film, distributed by Embassy Pictures, co-starred Hepburn opposite Ralph Richardson and Jason Robards. It premiered at Cannes in May 1962 and was released in New York City in October 1962. Hepburn was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Mary Tyrone, the morphine-addicted matriarch of the Tyrone family.

It is unclear which of Mario Fratti's plays Hepburn read and admired so much. In 1962 alone, Fratti produced three plays: "The Coffin," "The Suicide," and "White Cat." These are just three of over 70 plays written by Fratti over his career, many of which have been translated, and made into 600 productions in 24 countries around the world. Fratti relocated to New York City after 1963 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1974. In addition to being a playwright and dramatic critic, Fratti is a Professor Emeritus of Italian Literature at Hunter College.

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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