Lyricist of approximately fifty musical comedies. He collaborated with Oscar Hammerstein and Jerome Kern, among others. ALS to Frank Mandel, two pages both sides, 7.25 x 10.75, personal letterhead, October 19, 1953. Lengthy letter to Frank Mandel. In part: 'So much has happened to me in the last six months I've felt like a frustrated rat in a trap of mirrors. All summer I have been trying to sell off some of our house here in Mamaroneck. Have had a road surveyed and the ground planted but as yet everything is a standstill. It seems every time I move or open my mouth somebody hands me a bill for services rendered -services that get me nowhere. I've decided to give away the whole thing for a song and forget about it. It's the only thing that will get me back to normal. Nothing further has developed in the Cohan-authorship situation. It will not be hard to prove George had no authorship interest. Now I come to the part of this letter that gives me great pleasure...the telegram you sent me on my birthday. Oscar read it at the party. The doings of the evening were recorded on tape. I have gotten myself a machine and often listen to the speeches that were made that evening. It was a grand affair and I so wish that you and Isolde could have been there. Many plays are opening and closing on Broadway - none of which I have seen. 'Me and Juliet' was not too well received by the press but would have been had it been written by anyone but Oscar and Dick. Oscar is now in London putting on 'The King and I.' In fine condition. RRAuction COA.
