Film director (1885–1981) who began his career as one of the pioneering figures of the silent era and went on to make more than 400 movies, including such classics as Heidi, The Three Musketeers, and Sands of Iwo Jima. TLS signed “Allan,” one page, 6.5 x 7.5, personal letterhead, June 5, 1934. Letter to Frank, in full: “I had Ray Long read ‘The Mad Doctor,’ the story I left with you, and he gave me a great slant on it. Instead of Dr. X murdering Prime Ministers and heads of governments, he is killing off the heads of big ammunition works of the world; the men who make wars for profit. The loss of two sons in the war may be the basic cause of his madness; that and the fact that some of his own chemical discoveries have been turned into war weapons by these men. ‘Merchants of Death’ and ‘Iron Blood and Profit,’ two recent books deal with the subject of these men. Hearst is publishing a lot of anti-war stuff, and several films will soon be issued dealing with the subject. Ray Long’s suggestion will give my story news value and excite sympathy for the doctor’s character. I would like to make it with Gene Hersholt as the mad doctor.” In fine condition, with a paperclip impression to upper left and three horizontal folds. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$20.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
