23106

Vivien Leigh and Jeanne De Casalis Letters

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Autographs - Original Start Price:110.00 USD Estimated At:440.00 - 660.00 USD
Vivien Leigh and Jeanne De Casalis Letters
<B>Vivien Leigh and Jeanne De Casalis Letters.</B></I> This lot is a sad and compelling one. The Vivien Leigh letter, dated August 20, 1966, and written in blue ink on Hotel Grande-Bretagne Athenes letterhead, is addressed to Douglas Stephenson and is a very moving condolence letter following the death of Jeanne De Casalis. "The last time I saw her was such a painful experience," wrote Leigh, eloquently and emotionally. "I was not brave enough to repeat it...believe me when I tell you I would do anything -- anything to help you and I hope you will let me...I am devoted Vivien." The letter was written less than a year before Leigh's own death. Further illustrating the bond between the two is this 1944 letter from De Casalis to Leigh, writing that she was leaving her estate to Vivien in her will because "if I left it to Stevie it would be absorbed in his debts and he wouldn't benefit...you will see my Stevie somehow gets all this...I ask this favor of you darling because you have been so good a friend..." The de Casalis letter is in green ink on Savoy Hotel London letterhead. Very FIne + condition. Very personal, poignant letters.