LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 April Music & Entertainment #688  / 

31154

Buddy Ebsen Correspondence with Oscar Hammerstei

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Original Start Price:195.00 USD Estimated At:320.00 - 480.00 USD
Buddy Ebsen Correspondence with Oscar Hammerstei
<B>Buddy Ebsen Correspondence with Oscar Hammerstein.</B></I> The lot contains a fascinating two-page unsigned letter from Buddy Ebsen, dated July 2, 1946, addressed to Oscar Hammerstein II and typed on his personal stationery with his full name "Christian Ebsen Jr." on the letterhead. Buddy was appearing at the Ziegfeld Theatre in a hit revival of <I>Show Boat,</B></I> produced by Jerome Kern (who wrote the music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (who wrote the book and lyrics). Buddy's letter to Hammerstein protests that "the negro singers are paid less than the white singers...You may feel that this is none of my goddamn business, but I would feel a sense of personal disloyalty in not expressing to you my deeply felt opinion on the matter..." There is no indication of Hammerstein's response. The lot does include a letter from Hammerstein, signed "Oscar" in blue ink, dated October 12, 1953 and typed on very striking stationery created for <I>The King and I,</B></I> the smash Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, which had just opened in London. Hammerstein writes to Buddy, "Thank you for your note, I am sorry I missed you. The show was a big hit. All the best." There is a light stain on the middle area of Buddy's letter and some toning on both sheets; the Hammerstein letter has some minor staining in its vertical crease. In overall Fine to Very Fine condition. The lot is especially significant for Ebsen's idealism, and the ornate stationery on which Hammerstein has penned his first name. <I>From the Buddy Ebsen Estate.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot