Lot 423
Hammerstein, Oscar (1895-1960). Lyricist and screenwriter of numerous Broadway musicals often working with Jerome Kern and George Gershwin. His most popular films however, were in collaboration with Richard Rodgers, including Oklahoma!, The King and I, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music.
Typed Letter Signed ("Oscar"). On a single, quarto sheet, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, January 19, 1941. On "Highland Farm" stationery. In black ink. To his agent, Mr. R. A. Wachsman. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope. One horizontal and one vertical crease, light folds at top center, and a few tears at edges. In good to very good condition.
Referring to a song written with Jerome Kern entitled "Make Believe", Hammerstein responds to a letter from his agent: "Many of the questions you ask can be answered by Jerry who will give you the same answers as I… have no recollection of "Make-Believe" ever having been considered as a river song." He then explains the process of the collaboration -- Hammerstien heard the song at Kern's home and the lyrics simply came to him, "I have no idea how they came to me and I had no idea then why I thought of them and how they would apply to a lyric for which I had formed no conception whatever."
Estimated Value $300 - 500.
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| Realized $230 |
