CHARLES "DURANGO" STARRETT - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 02/19/1981 - HFSID 205067

CHARLES STARRETT
Western actor Charles Starrett wrote this letter from Laguna Beach in 1981 to say who his favorite actor is (Lloyd Bridges) and his wild plans for a $2 football bet that he won.
Autograph letter signed "'Durango'". Pencil notations at top of page 1 and black ink notations at top of page 2, both in unknown hand. 2 pages, 8x11, 1 sheet, front and verso. Laguna Beach, California, Feb. 19, 1981. In full: "Dear Fred Fussll [sic] - Just a quick note - I have some nice jam, and as you, and old friends in Atlanta would you do me a favor, please? I won a couple of bucks from a close friend who lives in Atlanta - a football bet which he lost betting on your great Falcons - his name is Eddie Wallace (he is in construction) lives in Stockbridge - phone [phone number withheld] - this is all for fun and I know he and Genney (his wife) will get a kick - I worked with many wonderful people on camera, but in reply to your question - a favorite - Lloyd Bridges - started with us as Columbia Picutres in the 40's - first, a nice person warm and a considerate of others - second, one you best actors to-day- you saw him with Gary Cooper in 'High Noon' - now in 'East of Eden (T.V.) Sea Hun (T.V.) etc. I know back then, he had the talent! Oh, yes, tell Eddie I used the 2 buck (50¢ a share) and bought some gold stock in the Yukon - they tell me it will be worth $10,000 in 20 years - I am going to buy Genney a Mink coat at that time to wear to the Atlanta football games! Thanks and Adios". Starrett (1903-1986, born in Athol, Massachusetts) is best known for his portrayal of "The Durango Kid" in a string of B-westerns in the 1940s and early 1950s. He spent his college years playing football for Dartmouth, and upon graduation chose acting as his profession. After a few years of stage work and vaudeville, Starrett signed with Paramount in 1930 but never found the breakthrough role he needed to be a star at the studio. In the mid-1930s, Starrett signed a long-term contract with Columbia and starred in a multitude of B westerns for the studio. But his most famous part, as the Durango Kid, was the role that both made and broke his film career. Return of the Durango Kid (1945), kicked off a series of nearly 70 Durango Kid films. But in the early 1950s, as the B-western faded into the horizon, Starrett retired from the screen. He passed away in 1986 at the age of 82. Lightly toned, soiled and creased. Show-though touches signature and handwriting. Lightly dented at top and left edges. Lightly torn in bottom left corner. Otherwise in fine condition.