EDNA FERBER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/13/1961 - HFSID 253099

EDNA FERBER and KATHARINE CORNELL
The author writes a note of congratulations to Katharine Cornell and Guthrie McClintic upon their 40th wedding anniversary
 TLS: "Ferb.", 1p, 7¼x10½. New York, 1961 October 13. On her "730 Park Avenue" letterhead to "Kit and Guthrie, dears". In full: "What a brilliant tour de force that fortieth wedding anniversary record was! Now and then, as I read it, I would come upon a name that couldn't possibly find a rhyming consort. But invariably it did. Would you two and Nancy Hamilton be shocked if I were to say I wish you would sent it, or let me send it, to Variety? It would reach every one connected with - or disconnected from - the theatre, and they would enjoy it as I did. Many thanks to you (and to Miss Shirley) for sending it to me. Fondest love". Kit and Guthrie were actress KATHARINE CORNELL (1898-1974) and her husband, writer, producer and director GUTHRIE McCLINTIC, who died on October 29, 1961 - just 16 days after Ferber signed this letter. Cornell and McClintic had been wed since 1921 and had just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Cornell has made ink notes at lower margin and on verso of letter. One of the items on her "to do" list on verso mentions calling Helen Keller; Cornell had narrated a film version of Keller's life story. Her list of calls to be made also includes writer/producer David Levy and actor Buddy Lewis, and Cornell also mentions buying a birthday present for Martin Hewitt. American author EDNA FERBER (1885-1968), who received the 1925 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction for So Big, also wrote Show Boat (1926), Cimarron (1929) and Giant (1952) and co-authored Dinner at Eight with George S. Kaufman (1932). In the year she signed this letter, Cimarron was released as a feature film and Kaufman, with whom she had been associated since 1924 died (June 2, 1961). NANCY HAMILTON, who is mentioned in this letter, was a writer, lyricist and performer. Creased with folds, not at signature. Notes on verso, light show through (unknown hand). Overall, fine condition.