Katharine Hepburn TLS Re: "As You Like It" Opening

A 1p typed letter signed by American actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) as "Kate" at center. February 8, 1950. [New York, New York.] On watermarked typing paper. Flattened paper folds, else near pristine. 7.25" x 10.5." The accompanying transmittal envelope lists Hepburn's Midtown East address as the return address. Bearing a canceled U.S. stamp and postmark.

Katharine Hepburn wrote this letter to Laura Dubman (ca. 1925-1993), the classically trained concert pianist who had mentored Hepburn during the production of "Song of Love" (1947). In this MGM romantic drama about the life and work of tragic German composer Robert Schumann, Hepburn portrayed Clara Schumann. Hepburn and Dubman (later Fratti) remained friends and correspondents during the following decades.

In 1949, Hepburn signaled her desire to relocate to the East Coast in order to focus more on the theatre, especially Shakespeare. The Theatre Guild presented a production of Shakespeare's pastoral comedy "As You Like It" at Broadway's Cort Theatre from January to June 1950. Katharine Hepburn headlined the cast as Rosalind, a cross-dressing noblewoman who falls in love in Arden Forest. Directed by Hepburn's friend Michael Benthall from the Old Vic, the production was a smash hit; tickets were virtually unobtainable and the play ran for over 145 performances. After New York, Hepburn and the company toured the United States.

Hepburn wrote in part, alluding to "As You Like It": "You and Bob are sweet to keep wiring me. How I hope you will be able to come and see it…"

In addition to "As You Like It," Hepburn went on to act in Shakespearean plays including "Twelfth Night," "The Merchant of Venice," "Antony and Cleopatra," "The Taming of the Shrew," "Measure for Measure," and "Much Ado About Nothing."

Over Katharine Hepburn's 66-year-long acting career, she would star in dozens of films, television movies, and stage productions. Named the leading female actress of Hollywood Classic Cinema by the American Film Institute, Hepburn also won four Academy Awards (1934's "Morning Glory," 1968's "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," 1969's "The Lion in Winter," and 1982's "On Golden Pond") and racked up eight further Oscar nominations. Hepburn was as comfortable in serious theatrical dramas as she was in screwball comedies or period pieces.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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