American Roman Catholic priest (1886–1948) best known for founding Boys Town, where he espoused an education-based approach to reforming ‘wayward’ youths. TLS signed “Father Flanagan,” one page, 8.25 x 11, Father Flanagan’s Boys Home letterhead, December 2, 1937. Letter to MGM executive Eddie Mannix. In full: “I had a letter from my friend, Mr. C. A. Ransom, and he enclosed the clipping telling of the death of Mrs. Mannix, and I hasten to extend to you the sincere sympathy of all the citizens of Boys Town. Please be assured of our prayers for Mrs. Mannix as she will be enrolled in our Purgatorian Society for whom Mass is said each Monday morning throughout the year—and she will also be included in all the spiritual benefits here.” One horizontal mailing fold passing through the signature, mild overall creasing and toning, and staple holes to the upper left corner, otherwise fine condition. Mannix was reputed to have underworld connections and was implicated—though never charged—in a number of Hollywood deaths, including those of Superman star George Reeves and MGM executive Paul Bern. At the time, it was widely rumored that he had a hand in staging the car wreck that killed his wife, who had grown uncooperative with his philandering ways. RR Auction COA.
