ESTHER RALSTON
The actress responds to a fan, asking her to write NBC and request Our Five Daughters be put back on the air, and sending a photograph at her request
Typed letter signed: "Esther Ralston", in blue ink, 1 page, 7x9¼. October 31, 1962. New York City, New York. Included is an unsigned photograph of the actress. In full: "Dear Julie Koehler: Somehow your letter got misplaced in all the mail which we had been receiving and has just turned up now, I certainly want to apologize for the delay. Of course by now you know that "Our Five Daughters" has left the air. We are hoping that if enough of our fans write directly to N.B.C. to protest, they may reinstate the show, perhaps in January. If you and any of your friends would care to do this, I would certainly appreciate it. Your own career sounds as though you were very serious about acting. I wish all the best and hope you will find it as satisfying as I have. Under separate cover, I am sending you the photo which requested. Thank you so much for your good wishes. Sincerely". Actress Esther Ralston (1902-1994), who began her career as a child on vaudeville, was billed as "The American Venus" after appearing in the 1926 film of the same name. A major star at Paramount during the 1920s, she was one of the highest-paid silent movie stars. After making her film debut in 1915 (The Deep Purple), she often appeared in silent serials and Westerns (opposite such stars as Hoot Gibson and Tom Mix). Her long list of film credit includes The Kid (1921), Oliver Twist (1922, as Rose Maylie), Peter Pan (1924, as Mrs. Darling), A Kiss for Cinderella (1925), Old Ironsides (1926), Black Beauty (1933), Hollywood Boulevard (1936) and Tin Pan Alley (1940). Ralston also acted in radio soap operas and appeared on the TV series, Our Five Daughters (1962). Normal mailing folds. Corners slightly worn and creased. Light surface creases. Otherwise, fine condition.