Uncommon ALS signed “Larry Olivier,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 8.5, The Gotham letterhead, November 11, 1938. Letter to an associate. In full: “Thank you so much for asking me to read ‘War & Peace.’ I must confess to a feeling of disappointment in the play as a whole. The effect of such frequent and elaborate scene changes must, I think, create a caleidoscopic [sic] impression that surely must rob the play of any real structure, and leave only the sense that a play has been used as a basis or excuse simply for the glorification of the ‘misen-scene.’ God knows, and you must have guessed, that I,’ no intellectual snob, and nothing enthralls me more than really elaborate and masterfully stagecraft—in its right place. But to employ such majestic materials as ‘War and Peace’ for that purpose, seems to me to be pouring rare wines into a cocktail shaker. In light of which, it is difficult for me to judge the part of ‘Prince Andrei’ to any just extent.” In fine condition, with a uniform shade of toning and a transcription of the letter stapled to first page. At this point is his career, Olivier scorned film work, as he felt more at home on the stage. An early example brimming with theatrical content. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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