Lot 1317
Rodgers, Richard (1902-1979) Composer of musical theater, best known for his song-writing partnerships with Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II; he wrote more than 900 published songs and 40 Broadway musicals.
A collection of four Richard Rodgers letters, three to columnist Walter Winchell, Signed "Dick" and one to Henry DePanFils at Dunhill's Signed "Richard Rodgers." All are one page, typewritten. A 1951 letter thanks Winchell for not running an item on Rodgers' daughter Mary in his column. Rodgers notes that he and his wife "are not sympathetic toward the step the child has taken but she is entitled to her own life…." Two other letters regard a brouhaha that began with a 1961 article in Harper's Magazine by Helen Hanff (copy included), misquoting Walter Winchell as having said, "No legs, no jokes, no chance," when he first saw the musical "Oklahoma!" The quote was actually made by Mike Todd in a bawdier form, but the mistake was perpetuated in theater lore and Celeste Holm, who starred in the show, quoted it in a 1968 article in LOOK magazine (copy included). Winchell and Rodgers both wrote Letters to the Editor (included) to correct the misquotation. In a March 29, 1968 letter to Winchell, Rodgers informs Winchell that he has written to LOOK: "…I feel just as deeply about this misquotation as you do and I hope this will help to put an end to it…." On September 5, 1968, Rodgers writes Winchell again, saying that he received no acknowledgment of the March letter, and wondering "if you saw the letter in the May 19th issue of LOOK." A copy of Winchell's reply is included.
The letter to DePanFils thanks him for a birthday card and a verse he composed for Rogers' birthday. Also included is a two-page letter from Dorothy Rodgers to Winchell, thanking him for flowers sent when Dick was operated on. With a three-page typewritten article by Walter Winchell about his long-time relationhip with Richard Rodgers, to be used during an awards ceremony.
Estimated Value $900 - 1,200.
|
| |
| Realized $570 |
