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Lot #782
Vincent Price Autograph Letter Signed

Price refutes "any connection on my part with Communist ‘front’ organizations"

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Estimate: $200+
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Description

Price refutes "any connection on my part with Communist ‘front’ organizations"

ALS, one page both sides, 7.25 x 10.25, personal letterhead, September 30, 1955. Handwritten draft letter sent to Mr. Berry, in full: “It came to my attention recently that I have had a problem being ‘cleared’ for work at C.B.S. I hope you will take a minute to read the enclosed statement which the distinguished lawyer and former Assistant Attorney General of the U. S. Mrs. Mabel Walker Hildebrant helped me draw up to refute any connection on my part with Communist ‘front’ organizations. Mrs. Hildebrandt and Mr. Roy Brewer of the Motion Picture Committee advised me on this and Mrs. Hildebrandt went with me to the F.B.I here in Los Angeles to establish as far as possible my overt and voluntary desire to clear myself of any suspicion of ‘unAmerican activities’ feeling. May I say that I have never been called before any investigating committee to prove my innocence. I have tried honestly and with as much knowledge as I could gather to refute this suspicion—it is difficult sometimes. Please accept this letter and the enclosed statement which has been filed with the Studios here as well as the State Dept. and the F.B.I. as an endeavor to be as honest as I know how to make every overt move to establish my loyalty to my country and my right to work in it & for it.” Includes the referenced statement with past events supporting Price’s anti-Communist stance. In fine condition. As this letter reveals, in the 1950s, Price was investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee and gray-listed for his early Communist-leaning politics. His temporary barring did not last long, perhaps due in part to this letter and statement.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Presidents
  • Dates: #658 - Ended February 08, 2023





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