DAME SYBIL THORNDIKE - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/29/1954 - HFSID 295962

SYBIL THORNDIKE
The English actress writes about performing with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and an upcoming performance of Henry VIII
Typed Letter signed: "Sybil", 1 page, 5½x7. Chelsea, London. 1954 May 29. Written to "My dear Arnold" In full: "Thank you so much for your sweet letter of congratulation. I am sharing a Jubilee Matinee with our Royal Academy of Dramatic Art on May 31st - and then having another affair on June 14th, which is the actual date - 'Henry VIII' on the air!! After that, we get off to Australia, I hope, and very glad we shall be of the voyage. Love to your mother and yourself from us both." She writes a note at the bottom margin reading: "[Illegible] like your letters. Oh! We loved the photo of us both - we look [illegible] nice don't we? In all Sybil" A stage actress well versed in Shakespeare, Dame Sybil Thorndike (1882-1976), born Agnes Sybil Thorndike in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England) portrayed such characters as Medea, Lady MacBeth, Queen Victoria and Joan of Arc. George Bernard Shaw is said to have written Saint Joan (1924) with Thorndike in mind for the part. Her occasional films included Dawn (1928), Major Barbara (1941), Nicholas Nickleby (1948) and Melba (1952). She was married for 60 years until his death in 1969 to actor/director Lewis Casson and had 5 children with him (all of whom became actors). She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1931. Normal mailing fold. Multiple staple holes at top left. Lightly creased. Pencil note (unknown hand) on verso (no show through).Otherwise, fine condition.