Two TLSs signed "Walt Disney," each one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, October 5 and 13, 1965. Both to the bon vivant Barnaby Conrad, a San Francisco-based artist, diplomat, author, nightclub proprietor, bullfighter, and boxer, with references to two classic Disney films. The first, in part: "I am going to have to be in San Francisco on Friday, October 29th, for an evening affair. Since that is the case, I am wondering if the Film Festival running of 'Snow White' could be scheduled for Saturday, October 30th. I could then plan to come to San Francisco on Friday afternoon, remain in the City thru Saturday and return to Burbank early Sunday…It would make things much easier for me all around."
The second, following up on the matter, in part: "I'm very happy that the timing of the Festival and my trip to San Francisco have worked out so well and I am looking forward to the occasion. I understand all arrangements have been made to get the two films 'Snow White' and 'Ferdinand' to you and you will be receiving them two or three days before the Festival." In very good to fine condition, with creasing to the earlier letter, and a light stain to the later letter.
Conrad joined the board of the San Francisco Film Festival in 1965, serving as a member for a period of five years. As such, he was able to arrange showings of two Walt Disney classics—Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Ferdinand the Bull—to fit the schedule of the famed studio head. The inclusion of Ferdinand—winner of the 1938 Oscar for Best Short Subject (Cartoons)—may have been a nod to Conrad's past as a matador. While serving as vice consul to Seville, Málaga, and Barcelona from 1943 to 1946, Conrad studied bullfighting with Juan Belmonte, Manolete, and Carlos Arruza. Upon his return to California, he published a best-selling novel, Matador, which John Steinbeck cited as his favorite book of the year. Between both letters making reference to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the eclectic history of their recipient, this is an exquisite pairing of Walt Disney signed letters.
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