GLADYS SWARTHOUT - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/07/1945 - HFSID 345197

GLADYS SWARTHOUT

The famous opera singer and movie star signs this typed letter in which she thanks a friend for a present she really enjoyed and apologizes for the late response, signed in black ink

Typed Letter Signed: “Gladys Swarthout” in black ink. 7¼x10½. One page. Place: New York City, New York. Date: February 7, 1945. In full: “Dear Margaret: It was only when your letter arrived that I knew who had sent me the lovely sweater-and that is the reason you had no word from me. I don't know whether in the bustle of opening packages the wrapping paper was thrown out or that it was taken off and no record kept of the sender's name. But do please forgive me, and let this belated note tell you how much I love the sweater and appreciate all the work you put into it. I have just received a letter from Mother and she seems to be feeling better all the time, but the progress is slow, and she is making plans about returning home the end of March. With affectionate greetings to you, Gladys Swarthout”. Famed opera singer turned movie star Gladys Swarthout (1900-1969), who had made her operatic debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1929, was one of the Met's finest mezzo sopranos, performing a repertoire of 25 roles, including Carmen, her signature role. After a number of her peers, including Jeanette MacDonald, Lily Pons and Grace Moore, found success in films, Swarthout was courted by Paramount Pictures and made her silver screen debut in 1936 in Rose of the Ranch, in which she played dual roles. Although her films, which also included Give Us This Night (1936), Champagne Waltz (1937), Romance in the Dark (1938) and Ambush (1939), fizzled at the box office, Swarthout went on to enjoy a successful radio career. She not only guest starred on a number of radio shows, but Swarthout also hosted her own radio show in New York City, and she was named the No. 1 classical radio singer during World War II. Toned. Lightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.