Partial unsigned letter in Garbo’s hand, one page both sides in pencil, 7.25 x 10.5, Ritz Tower, New York letterhead, no date [postmarked October 25, 1943]. Garbo, then very recently retired, writes to actor Gilbert Roland, whom biographers have recently confirmed as being in a love affair with the actress in the summer of 1943. In full [Garbo’s misspellings and syntax retained]: “My Little Soldier! This is going to make you sad, but it must be done. Please don’t be too unhappy and try to understand. I cannot see you for while. And you must not call me, if you do, it will be more difficult. It takes too much out of me to see you, and I will not get well. And I want to be well more than anything. Without heart, there is no life anyway. And if I take the outmost [sic] care I will be well sooner. And then I can see you sooner. I try to pretend I am not here, because that could also have been, that I had had to go away. So if you really ‘like’ me by not demanding to see me. Try to think of yourself—if you were not up to par, you would want to cure up somewhere.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Garbo’s hand. Scattered light pencil smudges and subtle soiling, otherwise fine condition. PSA/DNA LOA and R&R COA.
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