TLS, one page, 6 x 8.25, personal letterhead, February 25, 1976. Wayne writes to Bill Kelly. In full: “I am sorry for the delay in replying to your second letter. I must explain to you that I just simply do not have the time to write an introduction for your book. I am working fourteen hours a day on this picture and must devote all of my time to it. So please accept my regrets. I wish that I could help you, but I am sure that you can understand that I have more demands than I do time.” The “picture” Wayne alludes to was his final film, The Shootist, directed by Don Siegel and released in June 1976. The original recipient of the letter, Bill Kelly, was a prolific journalist and author who, after several attempts, was finally granted an interview with Wayne on November 28, 1978; Wayne died on June 11 of the following year. The interview, Wayne’s last, was published in South Bay magazine in July 1981 and in Kelly’s book/CD Empty Saddles (evidently the book for which Kelly had asked Wayne to write the introduction). Accompanied by several pieces of documentation, including copies of the interview as published in the magazine and book, a CD copy of Empty Saddles, and approximately 24 photos taken at Wayne’s home on the day of the interview. Light toning to bottom margin and marginal piece of tape at each top corner, otherwise fine condition. PSA/DNA Auction LOA and R&R COA.
