LEON AMES - AUTOGRAPH LETTER ON PHOTOGRAPH SIGNED TWICE - HFSID 323280

LEON AMES
Shown in a movie still from International Settlement, the actor writes a brief letter on the verso of this photograph. Signed twice!
Autograph letter on photograph signed twice: "To Harry/Nice of you to/remember/Sincerely/Leon Ames", and on verso, "An interesting thing. The ring I'm wearing in this picture was stolen in 1935s so the picture must have been made before then? When my contract ends May 31 I am returning to my home and family in Calif. This has been a most pleasant and successful engagement. Yes I will probably do more pictures if they want me. Good luck to you and yours. Leon Ames." in black ink. B/w, 10x8. Scene from International Settlement (originally titled Shanghai Deadline, 1938). Actor Leon Ames (1902-1993), born Leon Waycoff, began his film career as a matinee idol but is best known for playing a befuddled patriarch in both films and on television. Ames, who made his film debut in 1931, played in a long list of features through the 1980s, including Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Little Women (1949), Peyton Place (1957), From the Terrace (1960), The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970), On a Clear Day You Can See Forever (1970), Testament (1983) and Peggy Sue Got Married (1986, his last film). He debuted on television as the star of Life With Father (1953-1955), and Ames would go on to starring series roles in Father of the Bride (1961-1962) and Mr. Ed (1963-1965), as neighbor Gordon Kirkwood). Ames also made several TV movies and appeared as a guest star on a long list of series, beginning with early TV anthologies. He was also the owner of a successful Los Angeles automobile dealership. Corners creased and worn with small pin-sized holes. Lightly bowed. Collector's stamp on verso. Ink notes (unknown hand) in lower margin. Otherwise, fine condition.