American actress (1923–1965) who appeared in such classics as Forever Amber, Unfaithfully Yours, A Letter to Three Wives. With the decline of her career in the early 1950s, she turned increasingly to alcohol and died in a house fire at the age of 41. Four TLS and two ALS, each signed “Linda,” various sizes and formats, 1952–1954. Darnell writes to the distinguished American artist Stanley Woodward (1890–1970) in Rockport, Massachusetts, sending friendly and holiday greetings, thanks for gifts, personal news, and more. A few excerpts: “I have just finished Blackbeard the Pirate for RKO…. I intend to go into the hospital for a complete check-up for a few days, and also to get some rest!… I’d certainly love to own one of your magnificent seascapes!… Enclosed is an ad for Rheingold beer. I thought maybe it might remind you of your visit with me…. I hope to make either one or two films in Italy and Germany very shortly…. When I get my ranchito in Nuevo México I expect I’ll start living a ‘normal’ life…. How funny that you turned on the Bob Hope show and there I was!…. I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed in Blackbeard the Pirate. I was very unhappy during the entire production and it shows on the screen. It was terribly disorganized, and for not any particular reason, and all the actors were going nuts…. There is a wonderful film with Gregory Peck (with whom I’ve yearned to work!) to be shot in Munich in September….” Accompanied by two original mailing envelopes (both bearing her signature). In very good to fine condition, with scattered wrinkles, a few tiny stains and tears, and handling wear. R&R COA.
