CARL LAEMMLE SR. - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/14/1934 - HFSID 264932

CARL LAEMMLE, SR.
The Universal film mogul signs a typed letter to a fan discussing the possibility of Universal film Jewel being refilmed.
Typed letter signed: "Carl Laemmle" as President of Universal Pictures Corporation, 1p, 8½x11. New York, New York, 1934 March 14. On Universal Pictures Corporation letterhead to Mr. Byron Kendis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In full: "You were kind enough to take a lively interest in the question as to whether or not JEWEL by Clara Louise Burnham should be refilmed, and I want you to know that your commends were thoroughly appreciated. The response showed that people from some sections of the country would be more receptive to a story like JEWEL than others. But those who prefer stories with more vigor - sentiment that is more robust - are in the majority at the present time. Therefore we have decided against the remaking of this film. We are urged, however, not to put it on the shelf and forget it altogether. Proper story revision, and a clever treatment of the whole subject may sometime be accomplished. Then it might very properly be seriously reconsidered. But until such time, the decision stands. Thanking you whole heartedly, once more, for the real assistance you rendered. Cordially." Jewel, a silent film based on a book by Christian Science advocate Louise Burnham, had been filmed by Universal in 1915. The five-reel film, which was directed by the husband and wife directing team of Phillips Smalley and Lois Weber, starred Ella Hall as Jewel, the granddaughter of a crusty aristocrat who has never forgiven Jewel's father for his drunkenness and takes out his bitterness on his granddaughter. Jewel's faith - and her miraculous recovery after becoming ill - softens her grandfather's heart and results in his reconciliation with Jewel's father. Carl Laemmle, Sr. (1867-1939), a German immigrant who started in Chicago building nickelodeons, busted the film "Trust" system by independently joining with others. He created the star system and founded Universal Pictures in 1912. Circa 1915, Laemmle built his Universal City on 230 acres in north Los Angeles, which became the first municipality devoted to the manufacture of films. Over the years he was known for producing quality films and stars. In 1934, the year of this letter, Laemmle made the classic Great Expectations, released 17 other feature films, including The Black Cat, Million Dollar Ransom, Wake Up and Dream and Secret of the Chateau, and introduced the first four segments of his Going Places with Lowell Thomas series. Laemmle, who had taken his company public on the NYSE in 1925, sold his interest to a syndicate for $5.5 million in 1936, two years after he signed this letter. Lightly creased with folds, not at signature. Lightly shaded at upper blank margin. Overall, fine condition.