Founder (1867–1939) of Universal Studios and one of the most influential figures in the earliest years of the American film industry. TLS, two pages, 8.25 x 11, Universal Pictures Corporation letterhead, April 19, 1926. Letter to a motion picture editor, requesting advice. In part: “We have been so fortunate as to purchase a masterful screen version of Victor Hugo’s immortal ‘Les Miserables,’ produced in its original locale by La Societe des Cineromans of Paris, France, in twenty-two reels…Is the American public ready to patronize a picture twenty-two reels long, even granting that the film is a dramatic masterpiece? If such an innovation is too daring at this time, would your readers prefer to see eleven reels one week and the second half of the production the next?…I am confident picture-goers would prefer seeing a screen classic as author and director conceived it, rather than viewing an edited version…it would seem almost a sacrilege to sacrifice any of the dramatic essentials.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature). A thought-provoking letter from the early days of cinema, expressing the challenges of screening and marketing such epic foreign films. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$35.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
