EDWARD H. SOTHERN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED - HFSID 22934

E. H. SOTHERN
Writing from New York to a producer in London, he expresses some interest in a projected play about Don Juan, but with reservations.
Autograph Letter signed: "E. H. Sothern", 3 pages (front and verso), 4½x7 closed, 8¾x7 flat. New York City, no dateTo "My Dear Mr. Rose", in full: "Thanks for your note. I am greatly interested. I do not quite know what to cable to you, except go ahead and send me some idea of the play. Mansfield produced a play here on the subject of Don Juan & failed badly. I know [illegible] has failed in London, but you have the play fresh in your mind & the reasons for the failure before you, for of course you have found reasons. You must have felt this new play to be a good one indeed to see a success in this play to see a success in U. S. Please send me some scenario or something that I may finally go on & if the idea appeals to me - we'll make some arrangement and go ahead. I shall be in London in June & will see you. In the meantime let me hear more and respond. Sincerely yours [signature] Mr. Arthur Vain represents me in London. I have asked him to call on you." Edward Hugh "E. H." Sothern (1859-1933) was born in the US, the son of an English actor, and educated in England. He proved equally successful on stages in both countries after making his American debut in 1879, his English one in 1881. After regional performances, Marlowe appeared in the first of more than 70 Broadway plays in 1895. However, it was in Shakespearean roles, partnered with Julia Marlowe , that Sothern earned lasting fame. Acting partners from 1904, business partners shortly thereafter, and a married couple from 1911, Marlowe and Sothern were considered the outstanding American Shakespearean talents of their era, paired in Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, Hamlet and Macbeth. Normal mailing folds. Creased and toned. Corners lightly worn. Otherwise, fine condition.