Strings to the Past: Vintage Hollywood Memories & Marionette Auction

Lot #88:

Orson Welles Signed Letter to "Swifty" Lazar

Personal, 1970s, . Typed 3-page 6 x 8 in. letter from filmmaker Orson Welles to legendary Hollywood attorney and talent manager Irving "Swifty" Lazar, with handwritten "Dear Irving" and signature "Orson," in black ink. The letter outlines Welles' terms for his memoirs, stressing his need for complete creative control, including over punctuation. Welles writes in part: "Now I'm certain that there's no need to point out to you that I am what I am - that is, quite poor and moderately famous - by virtue of a stubborn, life-long refusal to be anything except my own particular self. Had I been willing to cooperate, to compromise, indeed, even to listen, I would surely be very rich, and commercially at least, a great deal more famous." He acknowledges that this condition may be a deal-breaker: "Under such conditions you may wish to show me to the door. If so, I know you will do it with the same perfect kindness I have always received from you." Aside from the handwritten salutation, it features one correction in ink. Includes an 8 x 10 in. photo print of the Citizen Kane poster. Exhibiting original transmittal folds, handling, and small perforations on the top left hand corners where the letter was initially stapled together. In vintage very good to fine condition.