Actor (1894-1946) who had a brief, but memorable career in B-movies, best known for his unusual facial features caused by acromegaly. ALS signed “Rondo Hatton,” three pages, 7.25 x 10.5, no date but circa 1945. Handwritten letter offering some wise words of advice and commenting on an upcoming role. In part: "I know you're happy about winning the scholarship—and altho, as you wrote, it is only for one year—don't be afraid, or alarmed. Just remember it's the first step along your way to your goal—and that we advance and go forward only step by step—so keep the chin up—and do your best day by day—and you'll find all will come out 'OK,' no fooling. Just to add—know you will reach your goal and I'll be pulling for you, believing in you—no fooling…Please call on Dr. Nance and tell him for me that I am sorry about being so late in answering his letter but will do so soon. He is an old friend of mine, and like you, am happy he is at the Univ. of Tampa and know he will do wonderful work there. At the moment, I'm working in a new movie, 'Murder Mansion,' hence, kept plenty busy but wanted you to know how glad I was to receive your letter, and to let you know I am pulling for you, as they say. Thank you too for your good wishes for my movie work." In fine condition.
Hatton evidently refers to the Universal Pictures film House of Horrors, in which he played a madman named 'The Creeper.' His grotesque appearance in the role earned the praise and revulsion of critics far and wide: George H. Spires stated that his 'Neanderthal features suffice without the aid of make up…and his ape-like appearance on the screen brings a gasp to the audience,' while Edmond J. Bartnett of The New York Times said Hatton was 'properly scary.' Hatton's autograph is virtually nonexistent in any form—this is the first we have offered in nearly ten years.
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