ADOLPH "POPS" ZUKOR - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/25/1947 - HFSID 209716

ADOLPH ZUKOR

The famous actor signed this letter, typed on Paramount Pictures letterhead to the president of the Cuban Federation of Film and Theatrical Writers, in 1947. This letter was to thank the Federation for naming Paramount's Oscar-winning picture The Lost Weekend as the best English-language picture of 1946!


Typed letter signed "Adolph Zukor" in black ink. 1 page. 8 ¼x10 ¾ on Paramount Pictures, Inc. letterhead. Date: April 25, 1947. Place: Habana, Cuba. Addressed to Sr. Domingo Sasiain Martinez, President of the Federación de Redactores Cinematograficos y Teatrales de Cuba. Translated in full from Spanish: “Dear Sir and friend: I will appreciate if you are kind enough to tell all the members of the Federation of Film and Theatrical Writers from Cuba, from which you are a respectful President, my deep thankfulness as well as the one of the entire Paramount family, for the distinctions given to us when “Dias sin huella” was named the best English Language movie of 1946, and his star, Ray Milland, the best actor of the year. This week I have had the pleasure to get from the hands of Mr. A.L. Pratchett, divisional manager of Paramount International in Latin America, the diploma  of the award and the beautiful trophy that were given to him during his most recent visit to La Habana. Paramount will never forget these proofs of friendship and Cuban cordiality. Please let me take advantage of this matter to send my affectionate regards to all the persons who are interested in the progress and development of the Fil industry in the sister Republic of Cuba, with which we feel linked with the ropes of a stable and unbreakable inter-american sympathy and solidarity. With the most sincere expression of gratitude, I remain at your service as your friend. Adolph Zukor.” The Lost Weekend (original title), a Paramount movie, garnered six Academy Award nominations and won four, including Best Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Actor for Ray Milland and Best Director for Billy Wilder. On July 12, 1912, Adolph Zukor (1873-1976) premiered the first feature length film, the 40-minute long Queen Elizabeth starring French actress Sarah Bernhardt. He produced the first American-made feature film, The Prisoner of Zenda, in 1914. In 1917, Zukor combined his Famous Players-Lasky Corporation with the Paramount distributors to form Paramount Pictures. In 1949, an Honorary Academy Award was presented to Zukor, "a man who has been called the father of the feature film in America, for his services to the industry over a period of forty years." Zukor remained Paramount's Chairman of the Board until his death at 103. Lightly toned, creased and rippled. Lightly stained on left edge. Discolored from envelope adhesive. Lightly dented on left edge. Pinholes in corners. Paperclip impression in upper left corner. Folded once and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition. Accompanied by: Originalmailing envelope. Paramount Pictures, Inc. stationery addressed to Sr. Domingo Sasiain Martinez, Federación de Redactores Cinematograficos y Teatrales de Cuba, Habana (Havana), Cuba. Lightly toned and creased. Discolored on top and right edges. Flaps are discolored by adhesive. Two rust stains in upper left corner from paperclips. Otherwise, fine condition.