Outstanding TLS signed “Marlon,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, February 2, 1993. Brando, going against the grain as was his custom, breaks the news to his longtime friend Karl Malden that he will not appear at a Menninger tribute for Malden. In part: “I’m in a dilemma. Although I don’t believe in formally giving or receiving honors, I have such respect for the Menninger Foundation…You have been my friend for 43 years. I have come to respect you and to have a deep appreciation not only for your unparalleled abilities as an actor, but also for your dedication to our friendship. I love you and I honor you Karl. You have been a truly good friend to me in hard times and fair times. I do not want you think that I’m oblivious or uncaring about the expression of appreciation that the Menninger Foundation is extending to you this night, but since I cannot accept the ritual of being a participant of collective ceremonial accolades and I do not wish to be associated with it, I cannot be there with you tonight. To me it seems inappropriate to stand up before a collection of people I do not know and tell them of my highly personal feelings I have about you. There is something absurd and too often ostentatious about such occasions. It is my hope that you already fully know my feelings towards you and my sense of gratitude for the unwavering kindness that you have bestowed upon me through my recent time of trial, pain and disorder [in 1990, Brando’s son Christian killed his sister Cheyenne’s boyfriend, Dag Dollet, and pled guilty to manslaughter]. My dear friend, if it is your wish to have this message read to all the world, out of respect to my feeling for you, you may do what you feel is appropriate.” In fine condition, with three file holes to left edge, a staple and staple holes to upper left corner. R&R COA.
