CARL LAEMMLE SR. - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/17/1933 - HFSID 265467

CARL LAEMMLE SR.
The film mogul signs a typed letter asking a movie-goer's opinion of the then recent movie Only Yesterday.
Typed Letter signed: "Carl Laemmle", 1p, 8½x11. New York, 1933 November 17. On letterhead of Universal Pictures to Byron Kendis, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In full: "I am going to ask you to do me a personal favor. Did you see the new Universal picture, ONLY YESTERDAY, recently shown in your city? What did you think of it? Your answer to that last question is of vital importance to me. So much so that I am taking the liberty of asking you to answer it by return mail. I shall greatly appreciate your candid opinion. Could you, and did you, recommend ONLY YESTERDAY to your friends? I am particularly interested in learning what you thought of the death scene in the latter part of the film. And, of course, of the new feminine star, Margaret Sullavan. But above all things, please remember that I want the truth - good or bad, as a guide for future productions. With warm thanks, in advance, for your cooperation in complying with my request. Sincerely." 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. He took his company public on the NYSE in 1925, four years before this letter and sold his interest to a syndicate for $5.5 million in 1936. It would be interesting to know how many letters of this type were mailed out by Laemmle. He seems to be attempting some elementary opinion survey which would today be undertaken by systematic polling or focus groups. Lightly toned at right and lower edge. ½-inch horizontal tear at upper left edge. ½-inch paper separation at left edge of horizontal fold. Mounting paper remnants on verso show through faintly. Otherwise, fine condition.