LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Signature Entertainment Auction 647  / 

21142

Carl Laemmle Signed "Hunchback" Letter

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Original Start Price:120.00 USD Estimated At:480.00 - 720.00 USD
Carl Laemmle Signed Hunchback Letter
<B>Carl Laemmle Signed Letter, Mentions Both "Hunchback" and "Phantom".</B></I> <I>The Hunchback of Notre Dame</B></I> (1923) and <I>The Phantom of the Opera</B></I> (1925), both starring "The Man of a Thousand Faces" Lon Chaney, were the milestone SIlent classics of Universal Studios. The Notre Dame Cathedral on Universal's back lot stood for many years before it was destroyed in a fire, while <I>Phantom's</B></I> Paris Opera House set still survives after over 80 years on Soundstage 28. This one-page, typed letter on Universal Pictures letterhead, dated October 2, 1924, and signed by eccentric studio founder Carl Laemmle in black ink, mentions both these classics. Written in response to an admirer, it reads in part: "I know that there are hundreds of thousands of people who have neither the time nor the inclination to read a great many of the literary masterpieces of the world and that is exactly the reason why I have wanted for years to bring The Hunchback of Notre Dame to the screen... I wonder if you have read that we are planning now a follow up... Gaston Leroux's famous story, The Phantom of the Opera, with Lon Chaney in the leading role." <I>Hunchback</B></I> was Universal's most successful silent-era film, and <I>Phantom</B></I> endured numerous production production problems before finally being released in September 1925, to enormous box office reception. Both insured Chaney's status as a legendary actor. The letter is in Fine condition with mild tanning and two fold creases. <I>Accompanied by LOA from PSA/DNA.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Small Flat (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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