MARJORIE GATESON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 06/22/1967 - HFSID 75808

MARJORIE GATESON
Rare signature of the character actress on a handwritten letter, sending a favorite prayer
Autograph Letter signed: "Marjorie Gateson", 2 pages (front and verso), 6x8½. New York, N.Y., 1967 March 22. On personal letterhead to "Dear Mr. Mauk", in full: "With my most sincere apologies, I am finally responding to your letter asking me - (and I was/am truly honored) to contribute my favorite prayer to your forthcoming book. I realize it has past your deadline and so shall not be represented but my true reason for not answering at once - was an accident - I had an unnecessary fall and dislocated my right shoulder and several muscles were torn - all of which was very painful - and in some ways still is - writing was impossible and to be quite honest - I forgot your wonderful request! It would have delighted me to be among those faithful people - and I am sorry in so many ways - but - may I give you my favorite prayer anyway? For it has comforted me through my ordeal. Here, my God, though [illegible phrase] I offer my prayers, my work, my joys, my sufferings of this day - for all the intentions of the Sacred Heart and the Holy Sacrament throughout the world! A lovely way to start the day, isn't it? Thank you again for all your thoughtfulness and please forgive me. God Bless you." Marjorie Gateson (1891-1977) made her stage debut in 1913, and was a seasoned veteran of vaudeville and Broadway when she entered films in the early 1930s. She played character roles in many Hollywood productions, typically as an upper-crust matron: taught to box by Harold Lloyd in The Milky Way (1934) and trying to thwart Mae West's social climbing in Goin' to Town (1935). When she wrote this letter, she was near the end of a long run as matriarch Grace Harris Tyrell on the TV's The Secret Storm (1954-1968). Multiple mailing folds. Lightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition.