MAE CLARKE - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 03/11/1983 - HFSID 75194

MAE CLARKE
Clarke handwrote, dated and signed this letter "M. C." in 1982 to Dan Hensley, an autograph collector. This letter carried her apologies for not receiving a photo that Hensley had sent her and accompanied "one of my few remaining 'shinies'" to replace it.
Autograph letter signed "M. C.". 1 page, 5¼x8¼. On stationery of Motion Picture Country House and Lodge. March 11, 1983. Addressed to "Alan Hensley". In full: "Dear Dan Hensley - Again, apologies for the passing of time - but your picture never did show up, and so, I'm here enclosing one of my few remaining 'shinies' [not included] in the hope it will replace the lost. Thank you for the pen and the 'Waterloo' mini poster. I'm having it laminated. Sorry I must miss your Memphis Festival. I hope it is a fine success and thanks for asking me. Please forgive me." Clarke (1910-1992, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) often played the screen victim. For example, in 1931 - a busy year for Clarke - she was the wife of Frankenstein (the mad doctor, at least, not the monster), a self-sacrificing prostitute in The Front Page and again in Waterloo Bridge, and the recipient of Jimmy Cagney's famous grapefruit in the face in Public Enemy. She would be paired again with Cagney, a good friend, in Lady Killer (1933) and Great Guy (1936). Gradually reduced to supporting roles, she was still around for guest parts on TV's Batman (1966). Clarke retired to the Motion Picture Country House in 1970. Slightly creased. Folded once and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.