GERTRUDE LAWRENCE - DOCUMENT SIGNED 01/11/1952 - HFSID 157162

GERTRUDE LAWRENCE
Gertrude Lawrence signs a document eight months before her death giving permission to the Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate, Inc., and its subscribers and licensees, to use her name, picture, or portrait, in publications for editorial or promotional purposes, excluding, commercial advertising.
Typed Document Signed: "Gertrude Lawrence", ¼p, 8x10¼. No place, dated 1952 January 11. Headed: "Release Form". In letter form to News Syndicate Co., Inc., New York, New York. Begins: "Gentlemen". In full: "In consideration of the publicity to be given to me and which may arise herefrom, my consent is hereby irrevocably given to you, your assignees and licensees, and to the Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate, Inc., and its subscribers and licensees, to use my name, picture, or portrait, in publications for editorial or promotional purposes, excluding, however, commercial advertising." Signed just eight months before her death. British actress Gertrude Lawrence (1898-1952) was a major star of musicals and revues in both Great Britain and on Broadway and appeared in several feature films, including Stage Door Canteen (1943) and The Glass Menagerie (1950). She starred as Liza Elliott in Lady in the Dark at Broadway's Alvin Theatre from January 1941-June 1941 and from September 1941-May 1942, but had her biggest success as the original Anna in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King and I, which opened on Broadway on March 29, 1951. The musical won five 1952 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Actress (Gertrude Lawrence) and Best Actor (Yul Brynner). By late summer of 1952, Lawrence developed health problems. After she fainted after a Saturday matinee, she was taken to a hospital. Lawrence, who died on September 6, 1952 at the age of 54, was buried in the pink ball gown that she wore in The King and I's "Shall We Dance" number. Lightly creased and soiled. Stray ink mark at lower left blank margin. Otherwise, fine condition.