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Lot #710
Bette Davis

"Attempt parts that you feel are beyond your capability. That is the only way for an actor to improve his work"

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Estimate: $300+
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Description

"Attempt parts that you feel are beyond your capability. That is the only way for an actor to improve his work"

ALS, two pages, 7 x 10, The Grand Hotel letterhead, April 9, 1972. Letter to a journalist, in part: "I hope the enclosed will be a satisfactory answer to your request I'm sorry it has taken so long to answer you. I came to work here very suddenly and some of my mail has just reached me." The second page, also signed by Davis, has a statement about her best professional advice: "During the filming of 'Elizabeth and Essex' Charles Laughton visited the set one day. The best advice professionally came from him that day. As he played my professional father, Henry the Eighth, I said 'Hello papa.' I told him I had my 'nerve' playing his daughter at sixty years old. I was at the time thirty, myself. He replied 'Never dare to hang yourself.' In other words attempt parts that you feel are beyond your capability. That is the only way for an actor to improve his work." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Davis's hand, incorporating her signature, "B. Davis" in the return address area.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #510 - Ended October 11, 2017





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