Description

Description: In this two-page typed letter signed, Walter Hampden thanks Peter Heggie for hosting his old friends “under his hospitable roof” in California. He writes excitedly about The Players’ revival (a social club in Gramercy Park, NY): “. . . a big success from every standpoint. The audiences were delighted . . . . houses were packed . . . . The cast was swell and the performance unusually smooth on the opening. . .”  They grossed “about $22, 250  to which should be added $1, 600 from the sale of programs . . . the club will have a net of fully $14,000 (after expenses).”  We learn that on May 12, 1935 (Pipe Night), he was “presented with a gold medal in the form of a watch charm from the Club.” He is pleased that they have added 60 more members. [Hampden was the President of the The Players Club for 27 years] Signed, “Sincerely Yours/ Walter Hampden.”

Typed on 10¼” x 7” letterhead imprinted “Walter Hampden, Ridgefield, Connecticut” and dated June 4, 1935. Item #A01977

Walter Hampden (1879-1955) was an American actor, well-known for his Shakespearean roles and for playing Cyrano de Bergerac. He was also a successful theatre manager. Towards the end of his career, he also hosted radio shows, appeared in television dramas, and in film.

Oliver Peters Heggie (1877-1936), an Australian theater and film actor, began in amateur theater productions in Sydney and London. He gained prominence on Broadway (NYC), playing the lead in Androcles and The Lion, Old Man Minick in Minick, Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, Diggory in She Stoops to Conquer and others. He moved to Hollywood in 1928 and appeared in 27 films, including: The Count of Monte Cristo, The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu, etc.

Condition: Fine condition.