Collection of 14 TLSs from Laurence Olivier, each signed “L. Olivier” or “Olivier,” typed on his 5.5 x 7 personal letterhead, each addressed to admirer Camille Hayes, a teacher in Altadena, California. The letters, one of which bears a salutation in Olivier’s own hand and several addressed from London’s Old Vic Theatre, are dated between 1949 and 1975, an impressive 26-year correspondence that finds Olivier sending thanks for birthday and Christmas cards, small presents, and newspaper clippings, while occasionally offering updates on his latest acting endeavor. All of the letters are accompanied by their original mailing envelopes.
Highlights include:
May 26, 1966: “It was so very kind of you to send the notices about the ‘Othello’ film and I am immensely touched by your generous praise of the work. It is so gratifying to know that you and your students found it interesting enough to see it more than once.”
May 27, 1967: “I am so glad you enjoyed ‘Uncle Vanya.’ It was kind of you to send me the clipping from the ‘Los Angeles Times’ and I appreciate your remarks on it; I still hope that the play might be produced eventually in other quarters.”
February 13, 1968: “I have finished my bit in ‘The Shoes of the Fisherman’ and am now back in the programme at the National Theatre. A film of ‘Dance of Death’ will in fact be made later this year.”
April 8, 1969: “I would of course love to come to California but these are early days and as mentioned in the clipping you sent the proposed venture is not yet officially settled.”
May 30, 1970: “I am so glad you enjoyed the productions in Los Angeles and also the films. ‘The Merchant’ is going very well at the Old Vic and we take it into a West End Theatre (the Cambridge) for an eight weeks' season starting June 8th. We do two full weeks of this play and then go into repertory with ‘Hedda Gabler’ which will give us a little breather.”
May 26, 1974: “I am so glad you enjoyed ‘Sleuth’ and ‘Long Day’s Journey,’ I am very happy with their reception in America. In June/July we do a television film of ‘The Merchant of Venice,’ which I hope may also come to your screens before too long.” In overall fine condition. Accompanied by two letters from Olivier's secretary, Dorothy Welford.
