FAY HOLDEN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 04/22/1940 - HFSID 70236

FAY HOLDEN
Four-page, war-dated letter detailing her career and family, including remarks about her brother serving in France (shortly before it fell to the Germans).
Autograph Letter signed: "Fay Holden", 4 pages (integral leaf), 5x8. M-G-M Studios, Culver City, California, 1940 April 22. To "Dear Mr. Withers", in full: "Many thanks for your very nice letter. I ama flattered that you didn't get my accent as I am a native of "Brum" & would like you to do a story, very much. I was born in Handsworth near Victoria Park, I think. My mother & father now live in Wales & recently celebrated their Golden Wedding. I have an Aunt & some cousins who still live in Handsworth. My aunt's name is Mrs. Willett. My parents, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Hammerton. Two cousins Mrs. H Wheeler & Mrs. H Kirkhaus, my brother David Hammerton. Yes, I have a brother, now serving in France. He's line. He is very much younger than I. In fact he was born during the world war. & because of censors I can't get any real news from him. He writes me he is billeted in a barn, but is fairly comfy as he has plenty of straw to sleep on. Pretty dreadful isn't it? Would you like to know a little of my life here? My husband, David Clyde, & I came to this country in 1927, to New York with Mr. Pat Campbell. We did several plays on Broadway. One with Leslie Howard. Played 3 years in Boston with # # Clive. My husband had his own theatres in Canada, & we played there as 'The British Guild Players' for 5 years, then came to Hollywood. We love it here. Have a cottage in the country with a lovely big garden. I live a very lovely simple life. We, the Hardy family, were coming to London to appear before the King & Queen last year, but of course the war knocked that on its head. We are still waiting & looking forward to that visit. I'll give Walter Rubin your message the next time I go to the studio. He's a producer on our lot. Hope I've given you something helpful. If not write me again. My very best wishes to you. Very Sincerely [signature] Thanks for the lovely things you say about 'Ma Hardy'. If you do a story will you please send me a copy?"British born actress Fay Holden (1893-1973) appeared in 46 films between 1935 and 1958. She is best remembered as Emily Hardy, the mother of Andy Hardy (Mickey Rooney) in 14 movies from 1937 (You're Only Young Once) to 1946 (Love Laughs at Andy Hardy). She is credited as Gaby Fay in two Broadway appearances of the late 1920s, and in her early movies. Normal mailing fold. Lightly worn. Lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.