TLS signed “Frank,” two pages, 7.25 x .75, personal letterhead, July 25, 1956. Letter to Hollywood gossip columnist Jimmie Starr. In part: “Greetings from Spain, amigo…I’m enjoying myself working with Stanley Kramer, Cary Grant and Sophia Loren in ‘The Pride and the Passion.’ My real reason for this note is to cut you in on some information of which I’m mighty proud. On my way to Spain, I took the long, scenic route and wound up in London where, by some strange coincidence, ‘Johnny Concho’ was being readied for the world premiere route. ‘Concho’ is a Western, my first, and someone had been touting me that the British don’t dig Westerns. ‘Too American,’ according to my informant. Well, my informant must have been carrying around a few fair-sized boulders in his skull, because the staid British movie-goers latched onto ‘Concho’ and packed the Leicester Square Theater as though King Henry VIII were back in town and doing a one night stand reading his memoirs—and beheading a couple of spouses for an encore. I happen to be in ‘Johnny Concho,’ but that’s not my real reason for writing. Actually, the real reason for my pride in the British reception is that ‘Concho’ was my maiden trip as a producer. During the past few months I learned why nearly all producers have ulcers….Now, back to Kramer and some more wild love scenes with Sophia Loren. Rough!” In fine condition. Accompanied by a custom-made leatherbound presentation folder. Marvelous content revealing Sinatra’s charismatic enthusiasm for his craft. Pre-certified Beckett Authentication Services.
