LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 October Grand Format Autographs #629  / 

25573

Katharine Hepburn Autograph Manuscript

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Original Start Price:6,250.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Katharine Hepburn Autograph Manuscript
<B>Katharine Hepburn Autograph Manuscript of her Autobiography <I>Me</B></I>.</B></I> 70+ pages, most measure 8.5" x 14", np, nd. Katharine Hepburn's handwritten drafts for her autobiography, written on pages of yellow legal paper. An American actress with perfect New England diction and finely structured features that exude determination and individuality. She won Best Actress Oscars for <I>Morning Glory,</B></I> <I>Guess Who's Coming to Dinner,</B></I> <I>The Lion in Winter,</B></I> and <I>On Golden Pond,</B></I> as well as eight other nominations. She also starred in <I>The Philadelphia Story,</B></I> <I>The African Queen,</B></I> and <I>Woman of the Year.</B></I> She was associated with Spencer Tracy publicly and privately for twenty-five years. A glimpse into the life of one of the most outspoken actresses of stage and screen. More than seventy pieces of yellow lined paper contain Hepburn's handwritten notes. Several of the notes seem to be taken directly from <I>Me</B></I> as if Hepburn jotted down notes as she remembered her career. Some notes include her uncertainty about writing the story, "<I>What is this thing I'm trying to do - writing my life story - what the hell is a Life story. Is it I was born, I did, I died. Or is it a sort of summary of all the happening which have really made mine personal.</B></I>" Hepburn was noted for her outspoken support of Planned Parenthood. Some of these notes include what appear to be outlines or the beginnings of speeches she was slated to give. "<I>There was a desperate need for this late law. Now almost 20 years later a new group is threatening to repeal this law. They are threatening to reduce this freedom for woman to decide whether or not they wish to produce a child - Why - They say a human life is sacred - I agree but which human life - and the very fact of why women a single sex should bear this burden. Must we not begin to consider quality of life, must we without thinking open the door to all possible sperms & egg combinations we are seriously over populated this</B></I>". A staunch activist, Hepburn also wrote several notes in an attempt to save a Connecticut River. Her plan was to inspire as many people as she could to vote on January 30th to save the river. In part she wrote, "<I>Yes - ashamed of ourselves - & it will be too late - it will be gone never to return. Money will have won again. Reach into your - think of what could happen - and then reach into your pockets. We must see our river - Vote Yes on January 30th - Ours - your - mine - Now & Forever - We'll find the money.</B></I>" Most of the pages have been transcribed and the typed transcriptions accompanies this lot. A rare and significant manuscript archive from one of the twentieth century's iconic film superstars. Fine condition overall.
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