TLS signed “R. Valentino,” one page, 8.25 x 10.75, January 25, 1923. Letter to a female admirer. In full: “I am very glad, indeed, to learn that you like my work and that I can count you among friends. I hope you will always be as loyal as you are now. Your letter was very interesting and I trust you will write me whenever you feel like it. I should be very happy to send you my picture, but I am forced to ask the customary charge of 35¢ which barely covers the cost of picture, mailing expenses, etc. I wish I were in a position to send my picture free of charge, but since I left Famous Players–Lasky I have not received any salary nor am I in a position to earn any money as they obtained an injunction against me in the New York courts. Trusting you will understand and not blame me for sending you my picture without charge.” Letter has been professionally cleaned and backed on acid-free linen. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and some light show-though from writing on reverse of letter in an unknown hand.
Following Valentino’s immense success in 1921’s The Sheik, which defined his career and image, Famous Players–Lasky quickly produced four more films with their new star in the following fifteen months. Frustrated with, among other things, his ‘meager’ pay—$1250 a week, compared to stars like Mary Pickford’s $7000—Valentino sued the studio in September of 1922, refusing to accept paychecks from them until the dispute was resolved. In retaliation, Famous Players filed a suit of their own, publicly denouncing him as ‘more trouble than he was worth.’ At the time of this letter, Valentino was thousands of dollars in debt, with no relief in sight; previously making thousands a month, the actor was reduced to charging 35¢ for copies of his headshots. By 1924, his contract was renegotiated and he was back on track—now making $7500 a week. A wonderfully conversational letter from one of the titans of the Silent Screen, sharing his current plight with a friendly admirer. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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