CARL LAEMMLE SR. - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/19/1926 - HFSID 69973

CARL LAEMMLE
Discussing the ability to publish good things that are being said about his films.
Typed Letter signed: "Carl Laemmle", 1p, 8½x11. New York, N.Y. 1926 May 19. On letterhead of Universal Pictures to Charles Mank, Jr., Staunton, Illinois. In full: "Thank you for the splendid spirit of cooperation which prompts you to grant us permission to publish in our small weekly organ some of the good things you have said about our pictures. Your desire to share with others the pleasure our pictures have given is most gratifying. I shall be very glad to send you a copy of the issue in which your excerpts appear. I am sending, under separate cover, four photographs [not included] which I hope will meet your needs. It was very kind of you to tell me how much you have been enjoying our Arthur Lake comedies. Cordially yours." 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. Laemmle was the first to bring Victor Hugo's classic story to the (silent) movie screen, with Lon Chaney as Quasimodo. Laemmle, who took his company public on the NYSE in 1925, sold his interest to a syndicate for $5.5 million in 1936. Fold creases at "l" of Carl. Otherwise, fine condition.