Katharine Hepburn
n.p., August [no year]
Katharine Hepburn, Most Well-Known Unmarried Hollywood Actress, ALS On Marriage
ALS

A 1p autograph letter signed by American actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) as "Kate" at lower right. N.d. except "VIII," or August, [n.y.] N.p. On pale blue watermarked paper with deckled edges. Expected wear including flattened paper folds and minor corner wrinkles. Else near fine. 8.375" x 10.75."

In this exuberant letter, Katharine Hepburn congratulates her friend Laura Dubman (ca. 1925-1993), the classically trained concert pianist who had mentored Hepburn during the production of the MGM romantic drama "Song of Love" (1947), a movie about the life and work of German composer Robert Schumann. Several contextual clues strongly suggest that Hepburn was congratulating Dubman on the announcement of the latter's engagement to Italian playwright Mario Fratti. Evidence includes Hepburn's reference to a couple ("both of you"); as well as a possible name change for Laura ("Only what shall I call you?") Dubman and Fratti wed in 1964.

The letter is interesting because it offers Hepburn's views on marriage--at least the more polite ones! Hepburn had married her only husband Ludlow Ogden Smith in 1928; the couple divorced in 1934. Afterwards, Hepburn was resolute about remaining single, although she had numerous serious long-term romantic relationships, and indeed, even received marriage proposals. On explaining the reason for her self-reliance, the most high-profile unmarried actress in the Golden Age of Hollywood stated: "I liked the idea of being my own single self." Other quotes on marriage attributed to Hepburn include: "Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then"; and, more irreverently: "I don't believe in marriage. It's bloody impractical. 'To love, honor, and obey.' If it weren't, you wouldn't have to sign a contract."

Hepburn wrote Dubman in part:

"Dear Laura, Isn't it wonderful I talked to Murph + she told me the news - I couldn't be more pleased - Then Irene told me that she had seen you at the party + that you looked wonderfully well + very happy - I don't know when I'll get to California - but Murph will let you know - for the mean time Hurrah for both of you - Kate - Only what shall I call you?"

Hepburn and Dubman remained friends and correspondents during the following decades, and Hepburn became the godmother of the Frattis' daughter Valentina Fratti. Hepburn and Dubman were friends of Irene M. Selznick (1907-1990), almost certainly the mutual acquaintance "Irene" mentioned in this letter. Hepburn had befriended Irene Selznick, the wife of producer David O. Selznick and the younger daughter of MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer, in the late 1930s. The two bonded over their shared love of risk-taking and boundary-pushing, and their mutual dislike of Hollywood mores. Hepburn and Irene Selznick had worked closely with Laura Dubman Fratti during the making of "Song of Love."

Over Katharine Hepburn's 66-year-long acting career, she would star in dozens of films, television movies, and stage productions. Named the leading female actress of Hollywood Classic Cinema by the American Film Institute, Hepburn also won four Academy Awards (1934's "Morning Glory," 1968's "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," 1969's "The Lion in Winter," and 1982's "On Golden Pond") and racked up eight further Oscar nominations. Hepburn was as comfortable in serious theatrical dramas as she was in screwball comedies or period pieces.

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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8.375" x 10.75"