Fascinating archive of 17 postcards from Fontaine to Raymond Daum, consisting entirely of ALSs, ranging in date from 1966 to 1993. The earliest, in part: “Film in London looks marvellous—another to follow.” A later letter, in part: “Selling my NY apt. for an almost duplicate house over-looking the sea at Carmel Highlands. A very lucrative and happy solution to those pending ‘golden years.’” Many of the earlier letters express a close fondness and express thanks for valentines cards (including a sheet one which she sketched a large heart). Beginning in the early 1990s, it seems their relationship began to sour. One letter, in part, “Can’t get you on the phone. No ans. tape—you must be leading a secret life.” Another, nearly a year later, in part: “Every day I tel. you and can’t even get a message tape to respond.” Followed shortly by another postcard, in part: “Just checking since your Tel. is SILENT.” Her final letter, penned inside a greeting card, seems to angrily end the relationship. In part: “You are leading some sort of nefarious, undercover life…You are manufacturing bathtub gin, raising marijuana in your windowbox or are holed up with a voluptuous insatiable mistress with your phone perpetually turned off…May 1993 turn you onto the paths of righteousness and restore your character to the pristine quality I once knew.” In overall fine condition. Daum was an insider in Hollywood circles, best known for his close relationship with Greta Garbo—he published a book about his experiences with her in 1992. An incredibly personal archive that reveals this ‘untold’ story of Fontaine’s life. RR Auction COA.
